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Writer's pictureJane Smith

How Community Based Tourism arrived in Janjanbureh

Updated: Oct 21



The Late Hon. Foday Manka and Jane Smith
The Late Hon. Foday Manka and Jane Smith

2009/10:The Very First Germs of an Idea

Being fascinated by the historical stories of the island narrated by the late Hon Foday Manka, Jane Smith, who had been a frequent visitor since 2004, identified a chance for young locals to impart this knowledge to tourists. These visitors often came to the island with guides who lacked such depth of insight. Despite the influx of tourists, the community did not see significant financial gains.


Working alongside Foday in developing possibilities the process of establishing the recognised UK Charity 'Just Act Gambia' began in 2009, the name encompassing the main purpose

Janjanbureh Uniting Sustainable Tourism And Community Training,

Main Aims

  • To enable community-led development

  • To support accredited and non - accredited training through local organisations, therebydeveloping life skills and income-earning opportunities

  • To maximise the use of local expertise in developing training

  • To enable Janjanbureh and surrounding areas to develop responsible, sustainable pro-poor tourism forthe benefit of the community whilst respecting the local culture, traditions and the natural environment

  • To enable rural regeneration, so the school population of today is assured of a prospering town, sufficient to reduce rural /urban/ illegal migration

History of Just Act Gambia

In February 2010, a visit was arranged to enhance ideas, which led to an unexpected encounter with Tony Johnson

Tony Johnson BA, M ED, Dip Counselling

BA, M ED, Dip Counselling

Developed Business Training Centre The GambiaInternational Business College The GambiaBritish Business College University, Dakar, Senegal

Tony was to become a part of the initial training in Summer 2010 for more than 20 young individuals, emphasising local history, culture, and nature along with other local expertise. Establishing a reputation for themselves and forming strong ties with Adama Bah and Daouda Nyang of Asset (later ASSERT), additional training was offered by them in partnership with the Gambia Tourist Board in December 2013.


2015:The Creation of JUST ACT

In 2015, a pivotal moment arrived when key youths registered  JUST ACT as a National Youth Council organisation, officially recognised as a charity maintaining  the same main aims.

Please Note!

'Just Act Gambia' refers to the charity. 'JUST ACT' refers to the NYC Organisation


The Development of JUST ACT

This move unlocked crucial training and support, with the committee working tirelessly to elevate JUST ACT’s profile across The Gambia. As their tour guide program grew, political unrest in 2016/17 caused a temporary setback, with tourists evacuated after the presidential election dispute. However, with the establishment of a new presidency, European funding flowed back in.


2017:Janjanbureh Announced as The Second Tourist Destination

Excitement peaked in November 2017 when Janjanbureh was designated as The Gambia's second tourist destination, providing an alternative to the typical coastal resorts that focus on Sun, Sea, and Sand. JUST ACT's value was acknowledged by being chosen as the participants in this transformative initiative. This groundbreaking progress began with the initiation of specialied training for tour guides, led by the Institute of Travel and Tourism of The Gambia (ITTOG), NCAC, and the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP). Fourteen young individuals underwent training, marking a new era for local tourism.

By December 2017, five exceptional guides were handpicked for advanced training by YEP consultants, becoming Trainers of Trainers (TOTs). They received training alongside Master Trainers Potjana Suansri and Peter Richards, as well as experts from international tourism organisations, preparing them to broaden their impact throughout The Gambia.


January 2018: The First Kankurang Festival



In January 2018, another breakthrough occurred when JUST ACT partnered with NatureFriends International. This collaboration brought over 70 European visitors to the first Kankurang Festival, cementing JUST ACT’s influence in cultural tourism. As a result, JUST ACT now holds a C-category membership with NatureFriends International, leading to further funded initiatives and an exciting future for sustainable tourism in Janjanbureh.


March 2018: Developing Community Based Tourism

In March 2018, Community-Based Tourism (CBT) was introduced as a transformative step in diversifying Gambia’s tourism. The TOTs (Trainers of Trainers) were tasked with creating CBT models for local villages like Jamali adn Tabanani guided by experts Potjana Suansri and Peter Richards with their innovative "Fresh from the Field" training. This training focused on:

  1. Selecting and assessing potential CBT destinations.

  2. Designing marketable tourism experiences.

  3. Building local capacity for tourism services.

  4. Establishing marketing and business partnerships.

  5. Sustaining tourism initiatives long-term.


2019: Registration of The Janjanbureh Tour Guide Association

The Janjanbureh Tour Guide Association’s registered as a charity in The Gambia  in 2019, taking on the colloquial name Destination Janjanbureh


In 2020 further international training and equipment invited more youths to train as Kayaking guides.


What is the Impact on Local Communities?

  • As a result more youths remain in their home town offering services to increasing number of tourists

  • Development of CBT in impoverished villages of Jamali and Tabanani  brings income directly to them whilst maintaining their traditional skills and culture

  • Visitors have a very real interactive experience

  • Further guides were trained offering visitors the unique views of the island through

    • Kayaking Tours,

    • Cycling Tours

    • Hiking Tours

  • Income throughout the area for lodges businesses and locals has improved , increasing dramatically during the The Kankurang Festival  which introduced increased and maintained a vital essence of Mandinka tradition

  • The Tot’s have provided Community Based Tourism  training in other areas of The Gambia and indeed, Guinea Bissau


The Future of Sustainable Tourism in The Gambia


  • The Kankurang Festival of 2025 will be its 8th,  every expanding and attracting further global visitors, the diaspora returning to learn about their roots

  • Businesses are recognising the growth of the island and buidling larger hotel stle accommodation


Just Act Gambia no longer functions as a registered charity but Jane Smith continues to support individually. Whilst all these developments have been due to the dedication of the core youths on the island with great support from National and International organisations, the creation of Just Act Gambia way back in 2009 hopefully provided the platform leading to their independence


Sadly Hon Foday Manka was not to live to see the huge developments which lay ahead due to the dedication of the youths of Janjanbureh


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