It is in this context that BE REEL was asked to assist people of The Gambia, starting in the village of Gunjur, to develop and grow micro businesses.

Economic and industrial growth in The Gambia is, and will continue to be very slow. Whilst the Government has few resources for educational activities, it strongly supports initiatives such as those associated with micro-business development.

In Gunjur, as with other rural communities, there are very few employment opportunities.  Unemployment for 15 to 35 years olds is up to 80%.  Small-scale farming is the main income generating occupation, supported by the ‘Women’s Gardens’ and opportunities to sell in the village market.  However this provides little income beyond subsistence levels.  Setting up individual micro businesses is the only viable option for most people in Gunjur and other rural communities.  There are now many more opportunities for varied businesses following the recent installation in central Gunjur of piped water (mainly to stand pipes) and electricity.

Many people in Gunjur are actively seeking to set up their own micro-business activities.  However often the business starts well, but then stalls.  Most people do not have the knowledge or experience to develop their ideas beyond an informal ‘cottage industry’, where long term planning, product and market development, and cash flow skills are critical.

Training programmes in existing education centres are available only to those few people who have reached the secondary education standard required and can afford the fees.  Whilst the need for individuals to set up micro-businesses is very high, appropriate educational development for sustainable income-generating activities is not available for the vast majority of the rural population.  The gap between those who can access further education and those who can’t is progressively widening.

It is into this gap that BE REEL has been asked to contribute.

The Impact of Irregular Migration on Gunjur and the Urgent Need for Business Training and Youth Empowerment

Executive Summary
Gunjur, a coastal town in The Gambia, has become a major departure point for irregular migration to Europe, especially via the perilous sea route known locally as the "backway." This report examines the devastating impact of this trend on Gunjur’s community, incorporating new local insights, and highlights the urgent need for business training and economic empowerment to curb youth migration.

1. Introduction
Irregular migration has emerged as a critical socio-economic issue in Gunjur. Despite increasing enforcement and awareness campaigns, hundreds of young people continue to risk their lives to reach Europe. Gunjur’s location near the Atlantic Ocean makes it a convenient launch site, attracting people from across The Gambia. This report aims to shed light on the community-level consequences and propose business training as a sustainable solution.

2. Community Impact of Irregular Migration

2.1 Human Cost
Gunjur has experienced heartbreaking losses. Between 300 and 400 youths from the community are estimated to have died during irregular migration attempts. In November 2021, a boat carrying approximately 200 young men vanished without a trace. Dozens of other boats have either capsized or gone missing, causing profound grief and ongoing mourning.

2.2 Erosion of Local Workforce
The migration of young men has led to a significant decline in the local labor force. Tailors, fishermen, teachers, students, and small business owners have left. This has weakened the town’s economic base and burdened families who depend on these individuals.

2.3 Financial Strain on Families
Families often sacrifice their life savings, sell family lands, or rely on relatives abroad to fund migration journeys. Costs have risen from D35,000 in 2014 to as high as D75,000 in recent years. Some migrants sell their personal plots to finance the trip, placing additional economic strain on their families.

2.4 Psychological and Social Trauma
Survivors of these journeys often return with severe mental health challenges, including trauma from near-death experiences and abuse. Families of the missing live in uncertainty and prolonged mourning, often organizing town-wide memorials.

3. Current Government and Community Efforts

3.1 Law Enforcement
Initiatives such as "Operation Zero Departure" have intercepted numerous boats and arrested smugglers. However, the absence of specific anti-smuggling legislation has limited the effectiveness of prosecutions.

3.2 Community Campaigns
Local leaders, religious figures, and NGOs have used loudspeaker announcements, prayer events, and public forums to discourage youth from attempting the backway. Gunjur serves not only as a departure point for locals but as a national hub attracting migrants from towns such as Basse, Brikama, Lamin, and Serekunda.

4. The Case for Business Training and Youth Empowerment

4.1 Creating Viable Alternatives
The root cause of irregular migration is economic desperation. Most youth migrate because they see no viable future at home. Offering business training can equip them with the tools to start their own ventures and generate sustainable income.

4.2 Examples of Potential Sectors

·       Agro-processing

·       Tailoring and fashion design

·       Renewable energy installation and repair

·       Digital skills and freelance services

·       Sustainable fishing and aquaculture

4.3 Recommendations

·       Implement structured business and entrepreneurship training programs in collaboration with NGOs and international donors.

·       Establish microfinance schemes to provide seed capital for small businesses.

·       Develop mentorship and apprenticeship programs linking youth to experienced local business owners.

·       Integrate business training into the high school and post-secondary curriculum.

5. Conclusion
The toll of irregular migration on Gunjur is immense. As a national connection hub, it bears an outsize burden in human loss, social disruption, and economic erosion. While law enforcement and awareness campaigns have made some progress, the missing link remains economic opportunity. Empowering the youth through business training offers a proactive, sustainable, and dignified path forward. Investment in this area is not just necessary—it is urgent.