Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Artisanal Fisheries and Education in The Gambia

The Gambia is one of the least developed countries in sub-Sahara Africa. In response to COVID-19 outbreak, Gambian government implemented a lockdown and various restrictions 2020, but impacts on Gambians’ livelihood remained unclear. With gradual relaxation restrictions, we were able conduct first questionnaire surveys interview 140 fishermen, fishmongers 80 customers artisanal fisheries sector, 150 students (grade 9-12) 14 teachers education assess impact pandemic their socio-economic personal well-being. Both fishermen experienced drop sales, whereas had pay more during pandemic. Illegal fishing, lack policy regulations price hikes among main concerns for although respondents did not feel change well-being due Students have necessary training or resources remote learning pandemic, both attendance academic performance declined as result. Access internet materials was very limited, 10% ceased activities altogether. 19% 50% poor mental health majority concerned about education, most finances psychological conditions. Nearly quarter relied unofficial channels learn making them susceptible misinformation. To safeguard Gambian’s against future pandemics similar large-scale disruptions, recommend better fishery monitoring enforcement, fish storage facilities, improving digital capacity, providing care schools, devising effective communication campaigns