Restoring a Lost Industry

Historically, cotton played a significant role in The Gambia’s economy, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s when over 3,000 farmers were engaged in its cultivation. Today, the industry has largely disappeared, with only a few remaining artisans who still possess the knowledge of cotton spinning. Weaving, once a vital skill in the region, is no longer practiced in the village. This project seeks to change that by reintroducing cotton farming and eventually reviving the craft of weaving, ensuring that these important traditions are preserved and passed on to future generations.

Progress and Community Impact

As part of the initiative, the project team, together with the local community, successfully planted a garden of cotton, which is now in bloom. In support of these efforts, the Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard) facilitated the installation of a borehole, ensuring a constant water supply to enable daily irrigation. This development has allowed for sustainable, year-round farming while creating employment opportunities for those managing the fields and maintaining the garden.

Beyond farming, the project is providing alternative sources of income for residents. Villagers have taken on roles as guides, sharing their knowledge and skills with visitors interested in learning about the cotton-growing process and the village's cultural heritage.

Educational Visits and Knowledge Sharing

Since the project's launch, Kerewan Samba Sira has welcomed more than 200 visitors, including a group of 80 students and teachers from Abba Bilingual Academy.

The visit from Abba Bilingual Academy was particularly significant, as it provided students with the opportunity to learn first-hand about the historical importance of the cotton industry and observe the spinning process. The inclusion of the cotton project as part of the school's educational trip underscores the value of community-based initiatives in preserving local traditions and educating younger generations.

Preserving Culture and Promoting Sustainable Tourism

This project is not only aimed at economic development but also at strengthening the cultural identity of the region. Cotton has deep roots in Gambian heritage, symbolizing history, culture, and sustainable livelihoods. With the potential to serve domestic, regional, and international markets, the revitalization of cotton production holds promise for long-term socio-economic benefits.

The initiative complements other innovative projects within Kerewan Samba Sira, making the village a growing hub for impactful, community-based tourism. Soon, visitors will also be able to visit the upcoming Mud House Museums, which will showcase exhibits of Mandinka and Fulani cultural heritage—two ethnic groups that have lived in harmony in the village for generations. This museum project is proudly supported by the Heritage Management Organisation through the Mellon Foundation and HerMap Gambia, co-funded by the European Union.

Activities and Experiences for Visitors

To further enrich the visitor experience, a variety of activities are available, including tours of the rice fields and demonstrations of rice processing, tie-dye workshops, calabash decoration using traditional burning techniques, and cooking classes featuring local dishes. Visitors can also explore the nearby ancient stone circle, offering a deeper understanding of the region's history.

Accommodation and Wildlife Excursions

For those wishing to extend their stay, accommodation options include homestays within the village, Kakuba Garden Hotel in Kudang, or the camp of the Communities for Red Colobus Project. Additionally, visitors can participate in a wildlife excursion featuring a monkey safari, as well as boat trips to observe hippos, chimpanzees, and a variety of bird species.

Looking Ahead

The Cotton Farm Project in Kerewan Samba Sira demonstrates how heritage preservation, sustainable agriculture, and tourism can work together to support rural communities. By reviving the cotton industry, the village is not only restoring a vital part of its history but also creating a model for community-based tourism and economic resilience in The Gambia.

Looking ahead, the project aims to introduce a drip irrigation, while expanding opportunities for both local residents and visitors. The vision is to welcome more volunteers who can share their time, skills, and expertise, as well as attract additional school visits to help younger generations connect with this important part of Gambian heritage. There are plans to create new job opportunities through the training of local guides, spinners, and future weavers, ensuring that traditional skills are not only preserved but actively practiced and shared. Completion of the mud house museum remains a priority, along with the construction of authentic mud house accommodations to offer visitors an immersive village experience. Beyond farming, the project will focus on developing the full cotton production cycle, from harvesting and spinning to natural dyeing and weaving, with the goal of producing high-quality, handmade cotton products available for purchase.

To achieve these goals, the support of partners, friends, and advocates is essential. Whether through donations, sharing technical knowledge, participating in a visit, or volunteering time and skills, every contribution helps to sustain and grow this meaningful initiative. We invite all who are interested in being part of this unique journey to contact us and explore the many ways to get involved, as we work together to preserve The Gambia’s rich traditions and build a sustainable future for Kerewan Samba Sira.