Scores of Villages Affected in CRR, URR

At least 26 villages in the Central River and Upper River Regions of The Gambia are experiencing serious crop loss from hippopotamus and bush pig assaults.

The villages of Bakadaji, Chamen, Kerewan, Sinchu Alpha, Palleleh, Batti Joha, Marubi, Jelang, Sankuleh, Sare Seedy, Nioro Buba, Conteh, among other villages and hamlets, are currently reeling from the effects of the devastating hippopotamus and wild pig attacks.

According to the Chief of Nianija, Alhasan David Cham, residents of 26 villages in his area have had their rice crops devoured, adding that the hippo and bush pig population was in an upward spiral in the region.

He then appealed to the central government to look into their plight as residents of other settlements were yet to harvest their rice fields.
Jainaba Jallow, a rice grower, told this paper that rice cultivation is the mainstay of her family’s livelihood and that she was ruined by the attacks of the wild animals.

“It’s from my rice field that I feed my family as well as pay my children’s school fees and other needs,” she added.
Kumba Sowe of Chamen village and Boidou Njie of Conateh village both expressed similar sentiments.