Apha Humma: is a Financial Cooperatives specialist with over 13 years of cooperatives research experience. Presently, he works with the Ministry of Gender Children and Social Welfare as the Gambia Women Enterprise Fund Project Manager. In addition to his current role, Alpha is an Adjunct lecturer at the University of the Gambia, Faculty of Business and Public Administration. Also, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Humma’s General Fumigation and Pest Control Enterprise an institution that focuses on pest management and control in the Gambia. Alpha obtained both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of the Gambia in Management and Public Administration respectively.

Ebrima SONKO – PhD. Director of Crops Research, National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) of The Gambia and an Adjunct lecturer at the University of The Gambia. Sonko is specialize in designing and implementing climate change and adaptation projects (agriculture and Land use management) at small-scale level. His research interests include soil fertility management, vulnerability assessment, food security, rural livelihoods and community based climate change adaptation. Ebrima obtained his PhD in Climate Change and Land Use at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi Ghana. He obtained his MSc in Climate Change and Adapted Land Use from the Federal University of Technology (FUT) Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. Ebrima undergo a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in General Agriculture at the University of The Gambia. Sonko sonkojeleng78@gmail. and com [email protected]

Dr. Boubacar Solly is a geographer and researcher specializing in forest and agro-ecosystem dynamics, remote sensing, GIS, sustainable agriculture, climate change, and natural resource management in West Africa. He is affiliated with the Department of Geography at Assane Seck University of Ziguinchor in Senegal, where he conducts research through the Geomatic and Environment Laboratory focused on spatial and fieldbased landscape analysis. Dr. Solly’s work employs remote sensing technologies (e.g., MODIS, Landsat) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to study vegetation change, land use dynamics, and environmental processes across West African landscapes, including research on vegetation cover trends in The Gambia. In addition to his academic research, Dr. Solly collaborates with regional research and development institutions such as the West African Research and Development Institute (WARDI) and has contributed to multiple peerreviewed publications on environmental and agricultural.

Dr. Aruna M. Jarju is an interdisciplinary researcher whose scholarship bridges climate change adaptation, agricultural productivity, environmental sustainability, geospatial analysis (GIS and remote sensing), renewable energy systems, digital communication, and socio-economic development in West Africa. His work is grounded in data-driven inquiry and applied research, with a strong emphasis on translating scientific evidence into practical solutions for rural development, environmental resilience, and policy-relevant decision-making. Dr. Jarju is affiliated with the West African Research and Development Institute (WARDI) in Brikama, The Gambia. In this role, he contributes to multidisciplinary research initiatives focused on sustainable agriculture, waste-to-energy systems, climate-smart land management, and environmental health risk assessment. His research portfolio includes empirical studies on solid and liquid waste recycling for renewable energy production in urban and peri-urban areas such as Serekunda, aligning with WARDI’s strategic themes on renewable energy deployment and environmental impact mitigation. His scholarly work also addresses climate variability and ecosystem dynamics, with publications examining rainfall variability and its implications for agricultural production in The Gambia, as well as vegetation cover change analysis using MODIS-derived NDVI time-series data. Through these studies, Dr. Jarju has contributed to improved understanding of land-use change, climate stressors, and agricultural resilience in data-scarce regions. Beyond environmental and agricultural research, Dr. Jarju’s interdisciplinary approach incorporates digital communication systems, data analytics, and socio-economic frameworks to assess how technology, governance, and community engagement intersect with sustainability outcomes. His work reflects a commitment to evidence-based development, capacity building, and regionally grounded research that supports sustainable livelihoods and long-term environmental stewardship across West Africa.

Ousman M. Jarju is a food scientist and agricultural researcher with over two decades of professional experience in food chemistry, aflatoxin research, and food safety systems. He currently serves as Director of the Aflatoxin & Food Chemistry Research Directorate at the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI), The Gambia, where he also acts as Focal Person for FAO and EU-funded food fortification and nutrition programs aimed at improving national food security. Ousman holds a Master of Science in Food Science from the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Taiwan, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Bio-Science from the University of The Gambia, and a Higher Diploma in General Agriculture from The Gambia College. His career at NARI has progressed from Research Assistant to Senior Research Officer and Laboratory Head, reflecting sustained leadership in agricultural produce chemistry and aflatoxin control.

Jariatou is a highly motivated and dedicated individual with a strong academic background and professional experience. With a Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Science and several certifications in ICT and an intermediate diploma in Data Analytics, she has developed a robust skill set that includes, effective communication and leadership. Her professional experiences and volunteer activities reflect her commitment to contributing positively to her community and her field of expertise. Jariatou is eager to leverage her skills and knowledge to make significant contributions in WARDI.

Bintou Jarjou: An enthusiastic and dedicated Agric research intern with good research skills, experienced in agricultural production methods in enhancing safety and crop yield.