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  • Publication | 2023

Gambia, The - Human Capital Review

Global Food and Nutrition Security

Human capital, which encompasses knowledge, skills, health, and nutrition, is a significant determinant of long-term economic growth and social advancement. Human capital drives economic growth globally and is responsible for two-thirds of global wealth. COVID-19 led to a sharp decline in human capital in critical stages of life, with children and young people most affected. The Gambia, a low-income country with a predominantly agricultural economy, has for many years seen its efforts to reduce poverty challenged by high population growth and limited access to basic infrastructure. Since the pandemic, poverty rates have increased, and high inflation, driven by food prices, may impact households’ ability to invest in and protect human capital. The country is particularly vulnerable to climate shocks, which disproportionally affect the poorest. This review offers an overview of human capital outcomes in The Gambia across the life cycle and identifies the main actions to build, utilize, and protect human capital. This review assesses human capital outcomes in The Gambia, identifies key constraints to the development and utilization of human capital, and offers a cross-sectoral approach toward greater prosperity. It is not intended to be a thorough assessment of the human development sectors. Rather, because human capital is cross-sectoral by nature, it provides an overview of the different sectors and emphasizes their underlying linkages. By design, the review focuses on topics and issues that encompass various sectors to highlight the need for a coordinated multisectoral approach to enhancing human capital.