Old Jeshwang has shown what collective climate action looks like. In a joint effort led by the Old Jeshwang Youth Advance Development Association and Africa is Green (AIG), community members planted 75 new trees along the Mamadi Manjang Highway—from USET to the Mosque. Of the 80 trees supplied, 50 were donated by AIG and 30 generously contributed by Dr. Ousman Gagigo.
Each sapling is more than a plant—it is a living promise that together we are branching into the future and greening the Smiling Coast.
Located within the Kanifing Municipal Council in The Gambia’s Greater Banjul Area, Old Jeshwang is one of the country’s most vibrant neighborhoods. It is home to long-standing families, bustling markets, schools, mosques, and youth associations that embody the resilience and spirit of the Smiling Coast.
But like many urban communities in West Africa, Old Jeshwang faces challenges amplified by climate change:
Heat stress from limited tree cover along roads and compounds.
Seasonal flooding that disrupts homes, businesses, and daily movement.
Urban pressures that shrink remaining green spaces as the population grows.
By planting trees along Mamadi Manjang Highway, the community is tackling these challenges head-on—creating shade, cleaner air, and greater climate resilience.
This act is local but symbolic: Jeshwang is planting roots not only for itself, but for a healthier, greener Gambia.
Across Africa, climate change is not an abstract discussion—it is lived reality. Communities face:
Rising heat and urban hot spots that impact health, learning, and livelihoods.
Irregular rainfall and flooding that damage homes, roads, and crops.
Drought and food insecurity linked to longer dry spells.
Coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion that threaten land and livelihoods.
Deforestation driven by urbanization and demand for fuelwood.
Tree planting is one of the most practical, community-led solutions we have right now. Properly selected and cared-for urban trees:
✔️ Provide shade, cooling streets, markets, and schools.
✔️ Improve air quality and store carbon.
✔️ Absorb rainwater, reducing flash floods and erosion.
✔️ Stabilize soils, protect rivers, and support biodiversity.
✔️ Create green, dignified spaces that improve well-being.
In short: trees buy time and resilience for communities as larger-scale energy and land-use transitions take shape.
Africa is Green’s mission is to pair community-led action with scalable climate solutions. Across The Gambia and Africa, AIG focuses on:
1. Urban & Community Reforestation
Greening streets, schools, mosques, and markets.
Prioritizing native and climate-hardy species.
Ensuring aftercare with local “tree stewards.”
2. Youth Climate Mobilization
Training Green Champions in tree care, composting, and climate literacy.
Organizing service-learning days to turn schoolyards and madrassas into shade hubs.
3. Climate-Smart Livelihoods
Supporting nurseries, seed propagation, and green jobs for local youth.
4. Nature-Based Solutions for Water & Flooding
Promoting rain gardens, bioswales, and mangrove restoration to protect ecosystems.
5. Clean Cooking & Tree Pressure Reduction
Partnering to promote fuelwood alternatives and cleaner kitchens—reducing deforestation drivers.
6. Monitoring & Accountability
Tree survival audits at 30/90/180/360 days.
GIS mapping and tagging to track growth and plan replanting.
7. Policy & Community Partnerships
Working with councils, faith leaders, and youth groups to align resources, water access, and stewardship.
In Jeshwang and beyond, AIG is showing how local action drives continental impact.
This initiative was not just about putting seedlings in the ground—it was about ensuring they thrive. AIG and its partners followed a clear approach:
Right tree, right place — matching species to space and conditions.
Soil preparation — loosening compacted soils and adding organic matter.
Mulch & guards — conserving water and preventing damage.
Watering plan — intensive watering in the first 3 months, followed by weekly watering through the dry season.
Community stewards — youth, households, and vendors adopting nearby trees.
Survival audits — replanting if necessary to ensure long-term success.
This is not a photo-op. The measure of success is survival, shade, and community benefit.
This effort stands on many shoulders:
Dr. Ousman Gagigo — for contributing 30 trees.
Hon. Sheriff Sarr, National Assembly Member (Jeshwang Constituency)
Hon. Abubacarr Ceesay, National Youth Parliamentarian (Jeshwang) & Association President
Councillor Haruna Camara, Imam Bajo, Buba Dampha (VDC), and the Chairman of the Sports Association
And most importantly, the youth and residents of Old Jeshwang, who dug, watered, and staked each tree—planting not just seedlings, but hope.
The shade of a tree planted today will cool children walking to school tomorrow. The roots placed along Mamadi Manjang Highway will stabilize soil, filter water, and provide cleaner air long after the memory of this day fades.
By planting 75 trees, Old Jeshwang has done more than green its streets—it has demonstrated what it means to branch into the future.
👉 Ready to bring this change to your community?
Register today for a tree planting exercise in your area at africaisgreen.org
Together, we are greening the Smiling Coast—one tree, one street, one community at a time.