The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in all spheres of life, with many institutions still reeling from the effects of this global pandemic.
In The Gambia, women fish vendors in the coastal community of Gunjur have added their voice to the challenges brought about by the pandemic.
Women working in fish sector acknowledged that aside from scarcity of fish, the pandemic has also increased fish prices across the country.
It could be recalled that when the COVID-19 was first reported in The Gambia on 17th March 2020, government of The Gambia suspended all public gatherings, closed schools and houses of worship.
These COVID-19 restrictions melted down the country’s economy and affected the business sectors, and fish vendors are not an exception.
Gambians depend largely on fish for their daily meals. The sector also provides income for many especially women.
“Most of the fishermen in Gunjur are from neighbouring Senegal and we normally buy our fish from them. However, due to the Covid-19, many boats are not coming to The Gambia for fishing and that is a problem for us.” Sally Bojang, a vendor told The Point in an exclusive interview at Gunjur Market.
She explained that ‘if fewer boats go fishing’ there is always scarcity of fish in the markets.
The vendor further said normal price of fish per basket has increased, which she said, affected fishery businesses of all women in the market.
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