Water Scarcity and Conflict Mitigation in Gambia's Nile Basin Context: An Ethnographic Study

Gambia is a country located in West Africa, bordered by Senegal to the north and Guinea-Bissau to the east. The Gambia River forms its southern border, with the Atlantic Ocean to the south. An ethnographic study was conducted in selected communities across Gambia, focusing on interviews and observations over a period of six months to understand local perceptions and practices related to water management and dispute resolution. The findings indicate that approximately 40% of the community leaders reported experiencing direct conflicts due to limited access to water resources, particularly during dry seasons when water scarcity is most acute. This study highlights the critical role of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms in managing water scarcity and suggests integrating these practices into modern governance frameworks for effective mitigation strategies. The government should prioritise the development of community-based water management plans that incorporate traditional knowledge systems alongside formal bureaucratic procedures to enhance resilience against future water shortages.