Afro Barometer is a pan African, non partisan survey research network that provides reliable data on African experiences and evaluations of democracy, governance and quality of life.

This initiative started in 12 African countries in 1999 and the round 8 survey capturing year 2019/2021 focused on about 35 countries including The Gambia.  The Gambia’s survey   was conducted by the Centre for policy, Research and Strategic Studies (CepRass). 

This survey specifically focuses on the covid 19 pandemic in the Gambia and reveals mixed statistics on the citizens’ perception about the covid in the country.

The round 8 survey conducted from 30th January to 23rd February 2021 reveals that about seven in 10 citizens (69%) say prayer is more effective than vaccine would be in preventing covid 19 infection.  The survey stated that, about 69% of the population indicated that the Government lock down measures were strict on the citizens.

This reveals about 74% of the population indicated that they faced so much difficulty to comply with the lockdown restrictions which includes curfew imposed by the government whilst 80% of the population red carpeted government move for a lockdown as a best measures to combat covid.

The survey equally reveals that, 79% mentioned that during the lockdown period they enjoyed government food aid whilst 53% frowned at the manner in which the distribution was conducted and further described the process as unfair.

Despite critics criticizing the government on their weak management of the covid, The survey reveals that majority of the Gambians said the government has done very well in managing the response to the pandemic and they are keeping the public informed of the pandemic.

The survey unveiled a shocking population of 2% indicating their readiness to take the vaccine under the condition that the government confirms its effectiveness and safety.

 

By Alkali Cham