University of the Gambia Participatory Social Research Association

The Participatory Social Research Association (PSRA), University of The Gambia, successfully held its Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) Report Launch and Certificate Presentation Ceremony on 25th April 2026.

The event marked the launch and formal handover of the PRA 2025 Report, developed from the Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercise conducted in July 2025 in the communities of Medina Lamin Kanteh, and Sinchu Jenum in the Central River Region North (CRR North).

The report was formally handed over to the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences as part of the dissemination process.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of certificates to participants in recognition of their commitment, dedication, and active engagement throughout the research process.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our valued sponsors for their generous support in making the PRA exercise possible.

We are also deeply grateful to the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, the Head of the Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, the Head of the Development Studies Unit, as well as all lecturers from the Development Studies Unit, for honoring our invitation and gracing the occasion.

We also acknowledge
the support of the University of The Gambia and the wider academic community for their continued commitment to student-led research, participatory learning, and community engagement.

This milestone reflects our continued dedication to participatory research, academic excellence, and community-driven development.

From the 3rd to 7th July, 2025, students from the Development Studies Unit at the University of The Gambia embarked on a Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercise in the Central River Region (CRR).

Field activities took place in the beautiful and welcoming communities of Madina Lamin Kanteh and Sinchu Jenung, where students engaged directly with community members, applying participatory development tools and approaches firsthand.

As part of the fieldwork, students also visited key project sites in Niani Sukuta and Laminkoto respectively.

These project site visits offered valuable insights into ongoing community-based development efforts, deepening our understanding of rural realities and grassroots participation. The experience proved to be not only academically enriching but also socially impactful and transformative.

On behalf of the Development Studies Unit, we extend heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made this engagement a success. Special thanks go to our committed facilitators, as well as the lecturers, coordinators, and field guides who supported us every step of the way.

This field engagement reaffirms our shared commitment to participatory learning, academic excellence, and meaningful community engagement.

📍 Kicking Off PRA 2025!

Activities for Day 1 have just kicked off in Madina Lamin Kanteh and Sinchu Janum!🙌🏾

Stay tuned as we bring you updates and exciting insights from the field, straight from Medina Lamin kanteh and Sinchu Janum 🔍

Yesterday, as part of our efforts to strengthen collaboration with stakeholders and partners, our new executive paid a courtesy visit to Star TV and Radio.

The team under the leadership of Yusupha Darboe, was warmly received by the CEO, who expressed interest in supporting PSRA’s mission and future activities. The discussion was largely centered on the upcoming Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) activities.

We are thankful to the management of Star TV and Radio for granting us audience.

Community-led dialogue is a research methodology that prioritizes the involvement of local communities in understanding and identifying their developmental challenges, as well as finding solutions to various societal issues that obstruct development. It’s indeed satisfying and mind-blowing to have witnessed sensational participation from the people of both Jah K***a and Biriffu. This is a moment that will be forever cherished.

Thanks to Forward Enterprise for donating us this beautiful banner. We highly appreciate their generosity and we look forward to working with them.

Our men had a cordial football match against Sutukoba village team during the trip. And as an away match, the boys lost to Sutukoba lads by 4 goals to 1. It was a wonderful moment, cherished by everyone despite the result.

We thank Sutukoba village for hosting us well.

2024 PRA Rapporteur Committee Kick-starts Report Writing

In an efforts to provide timely reports from the just concluded Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) in Jah K***a and Briffu, Upper River Region, the Rapporteur Committee led by Yankuba Sanneh, the Secretary General, and Ngoneh Gaye, the Deputy Secretary General starts the reports writing process today. Also in attendance, is, Faback Gibba, the former Secretary General and of the association.

The team will gather all the concerns raised by the aforementioned communities during the 4-day exercises, and submit them to the various communities and concern authorities for developmental actions to be taken.

Thanks to all our donors who made this year’s Participatory Rural Appraisal a very successful one, especially, Forward Enterprise, and our alumni.