The Brundtland Commission highlights the importance of balancing the economy, environment and society for sustainable development. Key environmental issues relating to the Gambia were investigated showing their relationship to socioeconomic aspects of development. With increased climate threats and environmental disasters, this research presents a systems thinking approach in relation to the MDG’s for sustainable national development in the Gambia. Systems’ thinking is a process for understanding the interrelationships among key components of a system; this study illustrates the sustainable development of the Gambia as a system.
The Johannesburg Plan of implementation highlighted the role of energy service to promote sustainable development and facilitate the achievement of the MDG’s. Persistent energy poverty is a growing concern that is seriously impeding socio-economic development, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Renewable energy is the solution to the growing energy challenges of developing countries like the Gambia. This research attempts to initiate, from a broad-based socio-economic and environmental point of view, the feasibility of a decentralized solar photovoltaic (SPV) system as a source of power for rural and peri-urban communities of the Gambia.
Predicted climate change is likely to add measurable stress to water resources in many regions of the world. The research investigated access to safe drinking water in the Western Region of the Gambia, in relation to the efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Using a structured questionnaire and observational checklist, information was collected from female household heads in villages. Addressing the underlying determinants of health is a key factor in achieving MDGs and ensuring sustainable development. This study developed a multi-stakeholder model which includes the government, World Health Organization, United Nations Children Emergency Fund and the Medical Research Council. It highlights the collaborative approach in making healthcare accessible in rural Gambia.
In proposing various adaptation approaches, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) required nations to prepare adaptation plans of action. However, the areas of priority in climate change adaptation have not been considered. This study has developed a new prioritization methodology for climate change adaptation in developing countries. The results indicate that the five most important adaptation categories are health, forestry, water, food, and energy, with health as the number one priority in climate change adaptation. There is lack of complementary action from different stakeholders in municipal solid waste management, thus is left to the municipal council. This research proposes the introduction of a recycling system in the Gambia to enhance municipal solid waste management (MSWM). A model has been developed which suggest the involvement of stakeholders to achieve sustainability. Environmental legislations have been developed globally that prohibits the shipment of toxic waste to developing countries. Other regulations require manufacturers of ICT products and stakeholders to adopt an environmental approach to design and end of life management. This research investigated the mediating role of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for the sustainable flow of used ICT products through life cycle management and resources recovery models. The systems thinking framework developed in this research is in exhaustive and further interconnectedness can be highlighted in relation to other developmental issues of the Gambia and other developing countries.