October 2023 FY 2023 The Gambia Country Opinion Survey Report ECR Business Intelligence Team Acknowledgements The Gambia Country Opinion Survey is part of the County Opinion Survey Program series of the World Bank Group. This report was prepared by the Business Intelligence (BI) team, led by José De Buerba (Senior External Affairs Officer) and Svetlana Markova (Senior External Affairs Officer). Yulia Danilina, Jessica Cameron, Nan Lin, and Sofya Gubaydullina oversaw the design, reporting, and analysis. Irina Popova and Noreen Wambui provided data support. BI acknowledges the significant contribution from The Gambia Country Team and the independent field agency Center for Media Innovation and Research (CeMIR). In particular, BI is grateful for the support from Seynabou Thiaw Seye (Operations Officer) and Haddija Jawara (Communications Consultant) who coordinated the survey-related activities from Banjul, The Gambia. Contents Objectives Methodology Overview Overall Context Overall Attitudes Toward the World Bank Group World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities The Future Role of the WBG in The Gambia Communication and Outreach Demographics of the Sample and Detailed Methodology Indicator Questions 3 Objectives This survey was designed to assist the World Bank Group (WBG) in gaining a better understanding of how stakeholders in The Gambia perceive the WBG. The survey explored the following questions: 1. Overall Context: How do stakeholders perceive the country’s direction? How familiar are they with the WBG? How much do they trust the WBG? 2. Key Indicators: What opinion do key stakeholders have of the WBG regarding its effectiveness, relevance, alignment with The Gambia’s development priorities, and other key indicators? Are opinions improving or declining? 3. Development Priorities: What areas of development are perceived to be the most important? Have the priorities changed over the past three years? How effective is the WBG perceived to be in these areas? 4. Engagement and Work on the Ground: What do key stakeholders value the most and the least when it comes to the WBG’s work in The Gambia? How is the WBG perceived as a development partner? Are opinions improving or declining? 5. Financial Instruments and Knowledge Work: What opinion do key stakeholders have of WBG financial instruments and knowledge products? Are opinions improving or declining? What are stakeholders’ suggestions to improve WBG’s effectiveness? 6. Communication and Outreach: What are the preferred communication channels and which channels are reported to be used the most? Are there differences among stakeholder groups in terms of preferred channels? 7. Message Recall: What key topics that the WBG communicates do stakeholders recall? Is there a relationship between message recall and views of the WBG’s work? 4 Methodology Overview Fielded February – May 2023 Academia / Research Institute / 19% Think Tank ▪ 301 potential participants were asked to complete a mostly quantitative survey ▪ Respondents completed the questionnaires online Local Government Office or Staff 18% ▪ List of names provided by the WBG country team and supplemented by the fielding agency ▪ Process managed on the ground by the fielding agency Government Institution 17% 264 participants (88% response rate) ▪ 58% from the West Coast Region; 36% from the Greater Media 13% Banjul Area; 3% from the North Bank Region; 2% from the Central River Region ▪ 17% currently collaborate with the WBG Civil Society Organization 10% ▪ 31% specialize in education, 18% in communications / public affairs Private Sector 9% Compared to FY18 Country Survey ▪ 222 participants (43% response rate) Office of the President, Prime Minister, ▪ Respondents received and completed the Minister 5% questionnaires via email, or they completed the questionnaire with the presence of an independent fielding consultant Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 4% ▪ 43% collaborated with the WBG Please refer to the Methodology section for details on the Other 4% Respondent Sample and Methodology. Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? Q (Select only 1 response) (N=264) 5 Overall Context “The best thing I believe WBG can do is to provide Job Opportunities to Youths of this country.” Government Institution Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? 6 Increased Pessimism About the General Direction of Country direction The Gambia 2018 ---------------- 2023 33% Respondents in The Gambia are increasingly pessimistic about their country’s general direction. In 2023, only 33% say the country is headed in the right The right direction 73% direction, which is twice as low compared to 2018. More respondents are either not sure (30%) or 38% believe the country is on the wrong track (38%). The wrong direction 8% 30% Not sure 20% n=195 n=264 Q In general, would you say that The Gambia is headed in ... ? 7 Familiarity with the World Bank Group Mean Familiarity Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Year comparison: Respondents in this year’s Country All Respondents 4.6 Survey reported significantly lower levels of familiarity with the World Bank Group compared to FY18: Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 7.0 Mean familiarity: FY23 = 4.4* FY18 = 5.3 Local Government Office or Staff 5.5 *Note: Respondents who identified their professional affiliation as “Other” were not included in the analysis presented in the chart on the Government Institution 5.0 right. Therefore, there is a slight difference between the average mean for all stakeholder groups reported in the chart and all respondents to the survey. Media 4.7 Civil Society Organization 4.6 Collaboration: Respondents who collaborate with the WBG reported significantly higher levels of familiarity with the institution’s work: Private Sector 3.9 Mean familiarity: Collaborate with the WBG = 6.9 Office of the President / Prime Minister / 3.4 Do not collaborate = 3.9 Minister / National Assembly Academia 2.9 Q How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in The Gambia? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not familiar at all – 10: Extremely familiar) 8 Trust in Institutions Mean Trust Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The United Nations 6.9 The UN and youth groups are the most trusted institutions in The Gambia among those studied. Youth groups 6.7 The level of trust in the national government, local Civil society 6.5 government, and parliament is rather low compared to other institutions and organizations. Media 6.5 Academia 6.5 The World Bank Group 6.2 Private sector 6.0 Bilateral Organisations 6.0 The International Monetary Fund 5.9 Regional development banks (e.g., African 5.7 Development Bank) Central Bank of The Gambia 5.5 The National Assembly 5.1 Local government 4.9 The national government 4.4 To what extent do you trust each of the following groups to do what is Q right? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant 9 degree) World Bank Group’s Support in Development Areas “Help in the agricultural sector and educational sector… as we know the country which can feed it's People is the richest country... also teachers need to be paid well so that they can focus and teach[ing] students well.” Private Sector Respondent “1. The WBG should help develop and support private sector driven job creation, skills, and development, since the government can't provide enough employment opportunities. 2. Assist in transition to commercial agriculture by providing irrigation and value chain development.” A respondent from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, or Minister Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? 10 WBG: Focal Development Education 60% Vs FY18 +35 Areas Health Agriculture 48% +34 48% +7 Job creation / employment 43% +21 Education, health, agriculture, and job creation were the top areas in FY23 where stakeholders would like the WBG to Energy 21% -2 focus its resources. While health notably increased in priority Water 20% +17 (#7 in FY18), public sector governance have significantly waned (#2 in FY18). Digital Development 19% +16 Transport 19% +6 Respondents who identified their primary specialization of Public sector governance 18% -21 work as “education” (31% of the sample) were significantly more likely to indicate that “education” was a top development Gender equity 16% +8 priority (78%) compared to respondents from other sectors Private sector development 15% = (52%). Natural resource management 15% +12 Note: The overall increase in percentages in the chart is partially Crime and violence 14% NA attributable to the change in the methodology: In FY18, respondents were offered to select up to three priorities, while in FY23 they could select up Social Inclusion 14% +10 to five. In addition, two big cross-cutting areas – Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction (#9 and #10 in FY18) – were removed from the list of Climate change 13% +11 options in FY23. Trade 12% +5 Social protection 11% +2 Enhanced macro-fiscal stability 10% NA Tourism 7% NA FY23: Which areas should the World Bank Group prioritize in its work in The Q Gambia to have the most impact on development results in the country? Regional integration 6% NA (Choose no more than 5) (N=251) FY18: When thinking about how the World Bank Group can have the most Land governance 4% NA impact on development results in Gambia, in which sectors do you believe the World Bank Group should focus most of its resources (financial and Other 2% NA knowledge services) in Gambia? (Choose no more than THREE) (N=219) Effectiveness of WBG’s Support in Sectoral Areas The WBG’s work in the area of education, health, and gender equity in The Gambia received the highest ratings of effectiveness. However, ratings of the WBG’s effectiveness across several sectoral areas, including agriculture — an important development area in The Gambia — were significantly lower in FY23 compared to FY18. Ratings in the education sector dropped most notably. Human Sustainable Economic Governance, Finance Development Transformation Institutions Infrastructure 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 6.3 5.6 5.6 5.8 Education* Tourism Public sector governance* Water 7.5 5.5 6.8 6.3 6.3 5.4 Enhanced macro-fiscal 5.7 5.8 Health Climate change* Energy* 5.9 6.3 stability 6.5 6.3 5.3 5.7 Digital 5.3 Gender equity Agriculture* Trade Development*^ 6.1 6.7 6.2 6.1 Job creation, 5.2 5.8 Social Inclusion Regional integration 5.9 employment 5.3 5.8 Private sector 5.2 FY23 Social protection* 5.2 development 5.3 FY18 *significantly different between years How EFFECTIVE do you believe the World Bank Group is in terms of the work it does in the following areas of development in The Gambia? Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”), Scale: 1-10 (1: Not effective at all – 10: Very effective) 12 ^In FY18, this option was “Information and communication technology”. Those Who Collaborate With the 7.6 WBG Give Higher Education 6.0 7.4 Rankings of WBG’s Energy 6.7 7.1 5.5 Support in Sectoral Public sector 6.3 7.1 Areas governance* 5.4 FY23 Collaborate Digital 6.0 In the sectors of education, energy, digital 6.7 FY18 development 5.4 Collaborate development, agriculture, and climate change where perceptions of the WBG’s effectiveness in achieving 6.0 FY23 Don’t results have decreased significantly compared to Agriculture 6.4 collaborate FY18, these lower perceptions were mostly driven by 5.1 those respondents who do not collaborate with the 5.7 WBG. However, in public sector governance, Climate change 6.3 perceptions of those who collaborate with the WBG 5.3 were significantly lower in FY23 compared to FY18. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating *significantly different between collaborators in FY23 and FY18 How EFFECTIVE do you believe the World Bank Group is in terms of the work it does in the following areas of development in The Gambia? Q (If you have NO exposure to/experience in working in any of the sectors listed below, please respond “Don’t know”), Scale: 1-10 (1: Not effective at all – 10: Very effective) Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Group (IDA, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) in your country? 13 Decreased Crop Yields, Unsafe Drinking Water, and Effects on Health were Main Climate Change Concerns The vast majority of respondents were very concerned about decreased crop yields / food insecurity (73%), unsafe drinking water (72%), and effects on public health (71%) when it comes to the potential impacts of climate change in The Gambia. Air pollution and land and forest degradation were also of great concern to respondents. Not at all A little Somewhat concerned Very concerned Decreased crop yields/food insecurity 73% Unsafe drinking water 72% Effects on public health 71% Air pollution 67% Land and forest degradation 66% Diminished water supply for people and the economy 65% Loss of jobs 65% More frequent and severe floods 62% Extinction of plant/animal species 62% Increase erosion of shoreline 60% Forest fires 59% More frequent and severe droughts / heatwaves 57% Increase in natural disasters 56% Climate-driven migration 51% Q What is your level of concern for each of the potential impacts of climate change as it affects your country? (N=~246) 14 Overall Attitudes toward the World Bank Group “The WBG is a great partner for development and its efforts and resources could significantly change lives, but implementation and delivery are highly ineffective and lack the kind of transparency and accountability it deserves.” Government Institution Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? 15 Key Performance Indicators: Year-to-Year Comparison* The mean ratings for the key indicator questions in The Gambia were somewhat lower in FY23 compared to the results of the FY18 wave (see the chart on the left side). However, when interpreting these results, the differences between the FY23 and FY18 samples should be considered: More respondents collaborated with the WBG in the FY18 sample compared to the FY23 sample (43% and 17%, respectively), and those who collaborated tend to have higher familiarity with the Bank and more positive opinions about its work. In FY23, respondents who collaborated with the WBG gave higher rankings for the institution’s relevance, its effectiveness in achieving development results, and alignment, with a statistically significant increase in relevance (see the chart on the right side). 6.8 7.9 Relevance Relevance* 7.0 7.1 The Gambia FY23 Effectiveness FY23 Effectiveness in 7.6 Collaborate 6.5 in Achieving Achieving 6.9 Results 7.0 Results^ The Gambia FY18 FY18 7.8 Collaborate Aligned with 6.4 Aligned with Priorities* Priorities 7.2 6.9 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating Mean Rating *Significantly different between those who *Significantly different between the years collaborate and who don’t collaborate *Only those of the key indicator questions that were asked both in FY18 and in FY23 are listed in the chart on this slide. Q ^ For FY18, the mean for effectiveness in achieving development results was calculated using a mean score of two questions: “Ov erall, please rate your impression of the World Bank Group’s effectiveness in The Gambia”, Scale: 1 -10 (1: Not effective at all– 16 10: Very effective), and “To what extent does the World Bank Group’s work help to achieve development results in Jamaica?” Sc ale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all– 10: To a very significant degree) Key Performance Indicators: Stakeholder Groups 8.4 Respondents from bilateral/ Influence multilateral agencies and Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 5.9 respondents from 7.5 government institutions tended to have the most Alignment* Government Institutions / Local Government positive perceptions of the key 5.1 performance indicators of the 7.1 Office of the WBG’s work in The Gambia, Relevance President / Prime Minister / whereas respondents from the Minister private sector and academia 6.7 7.0 Civil Society tended to have the least positive perceptions. Trust* 5.2 Academia It should be noted, however, 6.8 that only stakeholder Effectiveness in differences in ratings for achieving results Private Sector alignment, trust, and ending 5.7 extreme poverty reached 6.8 statistical significance. Ends extreme poverty* 4.7 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 *Significantly different Mean Rating between stakeholder groups To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in The Gambia? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all– 10: To a very significant degree) Q The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for The Gambia, Scale: 1 -10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) The World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in The Gambia. Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) To what extent do you trust each of the following groups to do what is right? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) How effective has the World Bank Group been in achieving development results in The Gambia? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not effective at all– 10: Very effective) 17 The World Bank Group’s work helps end extreme poverty in The Gambia. Scale: 1 -10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) Familiarity Leads to Positive Perceptions Mean Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 7.9 Respondents who reported a high level of familiarity Relevance 7.4 with the World Bank Group (ratings of 8-10 on a 10-point 6.4 scale) also gave significantly higher rankings to the key 7.9 indicator questions compared to respondents with little Aligned with priorities 7.2 familiarity (ratings of 1-4 on a 10-point scale). 5.7 Even respondents with some familiarity with the WBG 7.5 (ratings of 5-7 on a 10-point scale) gave significantly Effectiveness in achieving results 7.1 High familiarity higher ratings compared to the low familiarity 5.6 (8-10) respondents. Thus, significantly lower levels of familiarity 7.3 with the WBG reported by the respondents in this year’s Influence 7.0 Some familiarity survey (mean=4.4 on a 10-point scale vs. 5.3 in FY18) 5.7 (5-7) most probably affected the lower average ratings in FY23 across scale questions. 7.1 Trust 7.2 Low familiarity 5.1 (1-4) How familiar are you with the work of the World Bank Group in The Gambia? Q Scale: 1-10 (1: Not familiar at all – 10: Extremely familiar) 6.8 The WBG currently plays a relevant role in development in The Gambia. Scale: 1-10 Helps end extreme poverty 6.7 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) 4.4 The WBG’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for The Gambia, Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) How effective has the WBG been in achieving development results in The Gambia? All significantly different Scale: 1-10 (1: Not effective at all– 10: Very effective) between high and low familiarity To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in The Gambia? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all– 10: To a very significant degree) To what extent, do you trust the WBG to do what is right? Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all– 10: To a very significant degree) The WBG’s work helps end extreme poverty in The Gambia. Scale: 1 -10 (1: Strongly disagree – 10: Strongly agree) 18 Key Performance Indicators: Regional Comparison The mean ratings for all key indicator questions in The Gambia were lower than those in other West and Central African countries, as well as those in other IDA countries surveyed in FY22. 6.8 Relevance 7.2 7.3 6.5 The Gambia FY23 Effectiveness in 7.0 achieving results 7.2 West and Central 6.4 Africa FY22 Aligned with 6.6 Priorities IDA FY22 7.1 6.4 Influence 7.3 7.4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Mean Rating West and Central Africa FY22 countries included: Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Niger, and Sierra Leone. Q IDA FY22 countries included: Bangladesh, Kosovo, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Tajikistan. 19 Overall Ratings for Indicator Questions Mean Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Respondents from local government and bilateral/ All Respondents 6.0 multilateral agencies gave the highest mean ratings for the aggregated responses to the eighteen Local Government 7.0 COS indicator questions, whereas respondents from the academia and private sector had significantly lower mean ratings. Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 6.6 Collaboration: Respondents who collaborate with Government Institutions 6.0 the WBG had significantly higher mean ratings for the aggregated responses to the eighteen indicator questions compared to respondents who do not Civil Society 5.9 collaborate with the WBG: Office of the President / Prime Collaborate with WBG = 7.2 5.7 Minister / National Assembly Do not collaborate = 5.8 Media 5.7 Academia 5.7 Private Sector 5.5 Mean Ratings for the eighteen COS Indicator Questions by Q Stakeholder Groups on a Scale from 1 to 10. These selected indicators are listed at the end of this report. 20 World Bank Group’s Work and Engagement on the Ground “The World Bank Group should give more technical, logistical, and intellectual support to the local governments since they are closer to the people and know more about the challenges of the people. In that way, they can create more meaningful impacts in their lives.” Local Government Respondent “My humble opinion, I strongly believe that World Bank Group should have an effective engagement with youths, civil society organizations and help tertiary students for a better Gambia.” Academia Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? 21 Greatest Value Financial resources, capacity building, and training % of Respondents continued to be the most valued activities of the WBG in The Gambia. Providing financial resources 54% At the same time, the WBG’s ability to bring together different stakeholder groups emerged as a new area Bringing together different stakeholder groups to support The Gambia’s 38% of great value to stakeholders this year (only 7% development efforts selected it in FY18). Capacity building and training 32% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? Producing research on global development issues 18% “Provide more support to the government to train civil servants on reforms, etc.” Significantly more valued by Civil Society Respondent Providing data and statistics 18% respondents from bilaterals / multilaterals (55%) “Continue funding public projects and [ensure] speedy availability of World Bank data to help in [the] formulation of Providing advisory services and analytics policies and policy implementation.” to support design or implementation of 14% policies Media Respondent “WBG should give more technical support to the Local Significantly more valued Mobilizing third-party financial resources 12% by local government (29%) Governments” Local Government Respondent Other 3% When thinking about the World Bank Group’s role in The Gambia, Q which activity do you VALUE the most? (Choose no more than 2) (N=258) 22 The WBG as a Development Partner Mean Rating Perceptions of the World Bank Group as a long-term 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 partner have decreased significantly in FY23 across all stakeholder groups. 6.7 Reduced across Being a long-term partner* all stakeholder 8.5 groups 6.0 Responsiveness to needs FY23 6.2 FY18 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the Flexibility when circumstances 5.6 World Bank Group could do to help increase its change 6.0 effectiveness in The Gambia? “Engage all stakeholders and various actors relevant in [the] decision-making process to identify “needs-based” 5.4 Access to WBG staff and experts programmes that can resonate with Gambia’s raison d’etre.” 5.9 Bilateral or Multilateral Agency Respondent *Significantly different between years “Give us a loan with no interest“ Government Institution Respondent To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in The Gambia, in terms of Q each of the following?, Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) 23 The WBG as a Development Partner: Perceptions of Long-Term Partnership Diminished Perceptions of the Bank as a long-term partner have diminished significantly in FY23 across all stakeholder groups (see the chart on the left side) and even among those respondents who collaborate with the WBG and have higher perceptions of the WBG as a development partner (see the chart on the right side). Mean Rating Mean Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Reduced across Reduced among 6.7 7.7 Being a long-term partner* all stakeholder Being a long-term partner* those who 8.5 groups 8.7 collaborate 6.0 7.0 Responsiveness to needs Responsiveness to needs 6.2 FY23 All 6.3 FY23 Respondents Colalborate Flexibility when circumstances 5.6 Flexibility when circumstances 7.0 change FY18 All change FY18 6.0 6.6 Collaborate Respondents 5.4 6.6 Access to WBG staff and experts Access to WBG staff and experts 5.9 6.9 *Significantly different between years *Significantly different between those who collaborate and who don’t collaborate To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in The Gambia, in terms of Q each of the following?, Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) 24 The WBG should Collaborate More with Youth Groups and National Government According to Stakeholders % of Respondents Youth groups 41% A majority of respondents indicated that the WBG should collaborate more with youth groups and the national The national government 35% government. Academia / think tanks / research institutions 31% In qualitative comments, respondents indicated the need for more collaboration with civil society and private sector Civil society 30% organizations. Media 29% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? Women groups 29% “Making partnerships with the agricultural sector and academia. I Local government 27% believe if this is done or strengthened it will have a great impact on people's lives and this would obviously increase its Other donors and development partners 19% effectiveness in the country.” Academia Respondent Private sector 17% “Engage civil society, youth, and women groups as well as The National Assembly 16% academic and research institutions” Government Institution Respondent Regional development banks 9% “Work with civil society organizations or groups, university and Other 2% college students ” Respondent from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, or Minister 25 Q Which THREE of the following groups should the WBG collaborate with more in The Gambia? (Choose no more than 3) (N=257) WBG as a Development Partner in Terms of Collaboration with Stakeholders The WBG received the highest mean ratings for its collaboration with the national government of The Gambia. However, this 6.9 Highest among the The national government* civil society (7.6) 7.8 rating was significantly lower compared to FY18 and reduced and local across all groups, except for the local government and civil Other donors and development partners 6.6 government (7.4) 7.0 respondents society stakeholders. Regional development banks 6.5 Respondents from bilateral / multilateral agencies, academia, the private sector, and the office of the President/Prime Civil society 6.3 5.8 FY23 Minister/Minister were the most critical of the WBG’s collaboration with various stakeholder groups (the mean rating 6.1 FY18 Women groups across all groups listed in the chart on the right was less than 6.0). Academia/think tanks/research institutions 6.1 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Local government 5.9 Highest among the local government Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The respondents (7.3) Gambia? 5.9 The National Assembly “In my opinion, the most important thing the World Bank Group (WBG) could do to increase its effectiveness in The Gambia is to prioritize and invest in building Media 5.9 strong partnerships with the government, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders in the country. By working in close collaboration with local 5.9 Youth groups actors and building partnerships based on mutual trust and respect, the WBG can ensure that its programs and projects are aligned with the country's needs and Private sector 5.8 priorities, and that they are owned and implemented by Gambians themselves. 6.0 This can help increase the relevance and sustainability of the WBG's interventions, and can contribute to building local capacity and ownership of 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 development processes.” *Significantly different between years Academia Respondent Q To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in The Gambia, in terms of collaborating with the following groups: (1-Strongly disagree, 10-Strongly agree) 26 WBG’s Financial Instruments Perceptions of the WBG’s financial instruments are rather moderate, and there was a significant decrease in perceptions of Mean Level of Agreement the WBG’s financial instruments meeting The Gambia’s needs. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 The rating for the WBG’s insistence on accountability may also reflect the perceptions of a high corruption level in the country; The WBG insists on accountability 6.4 many respondents pointed out the need for greater accountability through its grants in the government and in the WBG-funded projects. The WBG provides financial support in 6.3 In your opinion, what is the most important thing the a timely manner^ 6.5 World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? “The need [to] quicken decision making and streamline its The conditions of the WBG’s financing 5.9 FY23 procurement process.” are competitive compared to markets. FY18 Government Institution Respondent “Enforce Accountability and Transparency in all Procurement related activities and performance-based audit of all WBG The WBG’s financial instruments meet 5.5 Projects in The Gambia.” the needs of The Gambia.* 6.1 Civil Society Respondent * Significantly different between the years “By strengthening accountability and transparency in the execution of their activities ” Government Institution Respondent To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Q Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree– 10: Strongly agree) ^In FY22 and in FY18, the option was “The World Bank Group’s approvals and reviews 27 are done in a timely fashion” World Bank Group’s Knowledge Work and Activities “[The WBG could help] by giving advice that is leading to the development of the Gambia as a whole. I think the Bank knows the best practices and should try to get the Gambian government to adopt them.” Academia Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? 28 WBG’s Knowledge Work The majority of stakeholders report that they have not used the WBG’s knowledge work. Use of the WBG’s advisory Respondents from bilateral / multilateral agencies and services and analytics local government were most likely to report using WBG’s knowledge work (30% and 21%, respectively). 11% Notably, government respondents and respondents from 27% academia were the most likely to report that they were not using WBG’s advisory services and analytics (over 70% in both groups), and no respondents from the private sector reported using WBG’s knowledge work. In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its 61% effectiveness in The Gambia? “Enhance the visibility of its projects and programs interventions.” Civil Society Respondent Yes No Not sure “Creating more awareness of its role and areas of focus, if there is an understanding on that then what ever follows will be on track.” Private Sector Respondent 29 Q Have you used the WBG’s advisory services and analytics in the past? (N=253) WBG’s Knowledge Work: Local Government Most Positive Mean Rating 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 As noted in the previous slide, WBG’s knowledge products I anticipate using the WBG's advisory services and 6.8 analytical work in the future. are not very widely used by stakeholders in The Gambia. This may explain the relatively modest ratings for the WBG’s 6.3 knowledge work, which have not changed since FY18. Significant contribution to development results 6.1 However, respondents had the highest levels of agreement that they plan to use WBG knowledge work in the future. 6.3 The WBG brings global expertise to The Gambia as part of its advisory services and analytical work. Respondents gave the lowest ratings for the quality of the WBG’s knowledge work and for the adequacy of its 6.3 The WBG advisory service include appropriate level dissemination to the public. of stakeholder involvement during preparation. 6.3 It should also be noted that, in this year’s survey, respondents 6.2 The WBG’s advice and recommendations are from the local government had the most positive perceptions tailored to The Gambia’s context.^ 6.3 of the WBG’s knowledge work (mean 7.0 across all The Gambia FY23 knowledge-related questions) while respondents from the The WBG’s advisory services and analytical work 6.1 private sector tended to have the least positive perceptions are timely. 6.4 The Gambia (mean=4.8). FY18 The WBG advisory service are adequately 5.7 disseminated to the public. 6.1 I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s advisory 5.4 services and analytical work in The Gambia. To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree– 10: Strongly agree) Q How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in The Gambia? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not significant at all– 10: Very significant) ^In FY18, this option was “Are adaptable to The Gambia’s specific development challenges and country circumstances” 30 WBG’s Knowledge Work: Those who Use WBG’s Mean Rating Knowledge Work have I anticipate using the WBG's advisory services and 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 7.7 9 10 analytical work in the future. More Positive The WBG’s advisory services and analytical work 6.6 7.3 are timely.* 5.8 Perceptions The WBG brings global expertise to The Gambia as 7.2 part of its advisory services and analytical work. 6.2 Respondents who reported using WBG’s knowledge The WBG advisory service include appropriate level 7.1 work in the past (11%) tended to give higher rankings of stakeholder involvement during preparation. 6.1 across most statements about the knowledge work, and they gave significantly higher rankings for the The WBG’s advice and recommendations are 7.0 quality and timeliness of the WBG’s knowledge tailored to The Gambia’s context. 6.2 work. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s advisory 7.0 However, the WBG received the lowest rankings for services and analytical work in The Gambia.* 4.8 the contribution of its knowledge work to achieving The WBG advisory service are adequately 6.5 Used development results in the country, with both groups disseminated to the public. 5.7 knowledge giving similar, and relatively low, rankings. 6.1 Did not use Significant contribution to development results knowledge 6.4 To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Q Scale: 1-10 (1: Strongly disagree– 10: Strongly agree) How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's *Significantly different between usage knowledge work and activities make to development results in The Gambia? Scale: 1-10 (1: Not significant at all– 10: Very significant) Have you used the WBG’s advisory services and analytics in the past? (N=253) 31 The Future Role of the World Bank Group in The Gambia “The most important thing to help Gambia is to advise the government to invest in agriculture, I mean massive investment. Even if it is going to be a loan, advice in that direction is a sine qua non for the development of the country. Instead of giving them money targeting population or poverty, it would be better if they were advised on how to use the river Gambia and invest in agribusiness. It is only large-scale agriculture and huge investment in it that can lead the Gambia to development like other countries are doing. …” Academia Respondent “…focus should be on health, water, rural infrastructure and alleviating the sufferings of the needy through local governments, women groups and Civil society organizations.” Government Institution Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? 32 What the Bank could do to Increase its Effectiveness in The Gambia Focus areas: Respondents highlighted some of the key areas that they consider In your opinion, what is the important for the WBG to focus on. There was a strong focus on human capital most important thing the WBG (education and health) and youth support, particularly concerning job opportunities, could do to help increase its and skills development. Respondents stressed the importance of commercial effectiveness in The Gambia? agriculture in The Gambia and expressed the need for more financial investment and knowledge sharing in this sector. Other areas included support for infrastructure Categories of responses projects (water, trade infrastructure, roads) and digitalization of the economy. “World Bank needs to support The Gambian educational system. The system is Communication weak and needs real help.” Local Government Respondent 6% “Job creation for the youth and the young graduates, especially the vocational students.” Government Institution Respondent Collaboration 13% “There should be more investment in the Health sector.” Local Government Respondent Operations Areas for “Collaborating with youth and women groups. Help them financially by providing funds, this 19% WBG will enable them to invest in businesses or agriculture that will help in developing the country focus 62% and will create job opportunities for youths and women.” Civil Society Respondent “Trade infrastructure (Ports Facility, Airport facility for cargo)” Respondent from the Office of the President, PM, or Minister “Building institutional framework to digitalise the economy and reduce vulnerability to corruption” Respondent from the Office of the President, PM, or Minister In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help Q increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? (Please be specific) (N=221) 33 What the Bank could do to Increase its Effectiveness in The Gambia Operations: Respondents pointed out the need for more financing to be provided to the government of The Gambia, to the private sector, and to academic institutions, among others. At the same time, they think that corruption in the government needs to be addressed more seriously and suggest greater implementation support / oversight and transparency and accountability measures in the WBG-funded projects. More monitoring and evaluation of the effectiveness of the WBG’s work would also be desired. Some respondents suggest that the WBG should be working more at the local level, directory with communities and NGOs to implement its projects. “The World Bank should make sure it does thorough monitoring and evaluation of any partnership that requires funds to see to it that funds reach the intended purpose. If not, all partnerships are almost left hanging in the pockets of the experts and consultancy firms and not reaching their primary purpose.” Local government Respondent “Support initiatives, policies, and laws that would significantly minimize corruption in the public sector and government. Tie anti-corruption conditions and measures to grants and other support to The Gambia and effectively monitor the same.” Respondent from the Office of the President, PM, or Minister “Hold the government responsible for the mismanagement of funds” Academia Respondent “The WBG is a great partner for development and its efforts and resources could significantly change lives, but implementation and delivery are highly ineffective and lack the kind of transparency and accountability it deserves.” Government Institution Respondent Collaboration and Communication: Responses mainly focused on the need for more effective collaboration with various stakeholder groups and wider communication with the media and the public. These responses are for the most part covered in respective sections of this report. In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help Q increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? (Please be specific) (N=215) 34 Communication and Outreach “It should communicate with the populace directly about any development they are to render to the nation. The central government hardly tells its citizens the truth and always sleeps on support coming from other bodies. In short, there's no transparency.” Private Sector Respondent “Enhance the visibility of its projects and programs interventions.” Civil Society Respondent Q In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? 35 Social Media and TV are Most Common Information Sources Respondents reported using a variety of sources to get information about economic and social development issues in The Gambia, but a majority relied on social media and TV. Both of these sources have grown in prominence since FY18, when most respondents listed local newspapers and the internet as their top information sources (both 44%). Top 2 Information Sources Office of the Bilateral / All President / PM / Government Local Multilateral Private Respondents Minister Institutions Government Agency Civil Society Sector Academia Media Social media 76% 57% 75% 60% 100% 73% 96% 88% 71% Television (TV) 64% 64% 60% 69% 50% 50% 57% 69% 68% Newspapers (Print or 34% 21% 40% 29% 50% 42% 26% 29% 42% online) Radio 32% 25% 33% 10% 38% 13% 38% 45% 43% Research papers / 21% 7% 43% 6% 60% 31% 22% 15% 16% Official statistics Blogs 8% 0% 3% 15% 0% 8% 9% 8% 6% e-Newsletters 3% 0% 5% 4% 0% 4% 0% 2% 6% Other 3% 21% 5% 0% 0% 4% 0% 0% 6% Podcasts 1% 0% 0% 2% 0% 4% 0% 2% 0% How do you get most of your information about economic and social development issues in The Gambia? Q (Choose no more than 3) (N=253) 36 *Significantly different between stakeholder groups Social Media, Publications, and Website were Most Preferred Channels for Obtaining WBG Information A majority of respondents reported that they preferred to obtain information from the WBG through social media. Respondents from civil society also preferred events and conferences (42%), while respondents from the media preferred interviews and press conferences (48%). Notably, government institution respondents favored direct contact and direct messaging (40%). Preferred Office of the Bilateral / WBG Channel All President / PM / Government Local Multilateral Private Respondents Minister Institutions Government Agency Civil Society Sector Academia Media Social media* 71% 50% 63% 60% 80% 85% 83% 83% 61% Publications and other 45% 43% 55% 48% 30% 31% 35% 44% 48% written materials Website 31% 21% 40% 31% 50% 23% 22% 31% 39% Event / conference/ 28% 50% 28% 8% 30% 42% 30% 38% 19% seminar/workshop* Direct contact with staff 27% 36% 40% 19% 30% 31% 30% 21% 26% Interviews and press 21% 29% 10% 21% 0% 15% 13% 21% 48% conferences* Direct messaging 13% 14% 40% 4% 0% 12% 26% 21% 6% e-Newsletters 7% 0% 10% 6% 10% 12% 4% 4% 6% Blogs 6% 0% 3% 10% 10% 8% 0% 12% 3% Podcasts 4% 7% 0% 8% 0% 4% 4% 2% 3% Other 1% 7% 0% 0% 0% 4% 0% 2% 0% How would you prefer to obtain information from the WBG? (Choose no more than 3) Q (N=253) 37 *Significantly different between stakeholder groups Recent Interactions with the WBG 42% of respondents recalled hearing or seeing something about the WBG in the last 30 days. Respondents reported seeing that information most often on social media and television. Among those who selected “Social media”, respondents most commonly reported seeing something on Facebook. % of Respondents Social media 60% Television (TV) 49% 80% 76% Newspapers (Print or online) 31% 70% 60% Radio 24% 50% Research papers / Official statistics 12% 40% 37% 30% 26% Direct message 10% 20% 15% 13% 11% Other 8% 10% e-Newsletters 3% 0% Blogs 2% Podcasts 1% Where do you recall seeing or hearing this information? (Check all that apply) (N=105) Q On what social media platforms do you recall seeing this information? (Check all that apply) (N=62) 38 WBG Work on Alleviating Impact of COVID-19 and on Human Capital were Most Commonly Recalled Topics Respondents most frequently recalled messages about WBG work to help alleviate the impacts of the WBG’s work to help alleviate the impacts of COVID-19 COVID-19 pandemic 39% and to strengthen human capital. WBG work to strengthen human capital 39% Those who collaborate with the WBG were significantly more likely to recall seeing/hearing about the WBG in the last 30 days (65%) than those who do not collaborate (36%). WBG work or research on climate change 32% WBG work to provide debt relief for Respondents from bilateral / multilateral agencies and developing countries 31% respondents from local government were the most likely to recall messages related to the WBG (30% and 21%, WBG work or research on energy 28% respectively), whereas only 6% of respondents from academia and from senior government offices recall WBG work to improve gender equity and 27% seeing/hearing about the WBG. Furthermore, no empower women and girls respondents from the private sector recalled seeing or WBG global economic forecasts 24% hearing anything about the WBG. WBG work or research on rebuilding trust 22% In your opinion, what is the most important thing the WBG between citizens and the state could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? WBG work or research on food insecurity 17% “Rising more awareness hence this will help improve its WBG work to create more and better jobs 17% effectiveness” Private sector respondent Other 6% What topics were included in what you saw or heard? (Check all that Q apply) (N=103) 39 Message Recall Leads to Message Agreement and More Positive Perceptions of the WBG The World Bank Group… 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Those respondents who recalled seeing or hearing something about is working to support critical facilities during 7.2 the COVID-19* 6.3 the WBG in the last 30 days gave higher ratings on key messages regarding the WBG’s work, significantly so for messages related to helps strengthen human capital in The 6.5 the WBG’s work on COVID-19 pandemic support, human capital, Gambia* 5.7 climate, food security, and rebuilding trust between citizens and the state. helps improve gender equity and empower 6.5 women and girls in The Gambia. 6.1 Respondents who recalled seeing or hearing something about the supports countries to ensure transition to more 6.5 WBG in the last 30 days also reported significantly higher levels of diversified and cleaner sources of energy 6.1 the institution’s relevance (mean=7.2) and effectiveness (mean=6.9) compared to those who reported not hearing or seeing helps The Gambia boost climate resilience and 6.4 anything about the WBG recently (means=6.4 and 6.1, respectively). mitigate the effects of climate challenges.* 5.6 helps address the current food crisis and These findings suggest that respondents who are more 6.4 Heard about enables greater preparedness to future food 5.6 the WBG in the frequently exposed to information about the WBG, or who security crises* last 30 days actively engage with WBG staff and knowledge work (read is committed to comprehensive debt solutions 6.3 research papers, etc.) are also more likely to hold more positive that bring real benefits to people in poor 5.6 Have NOT countries. views about the WBG’s work. heard about the helps The Gambia rebuild trust between WBG in the last 6.0 citizens and the state to create a new social 30 days 5.2 contract.* helps create more and better jobs in The 5.8 *Significantly different Gambia. 5.3 Do you recall seeing or hearing anything about the WBG in the last 30 days? Q To what extent do you agree with the following statements: Scale: 1-10 (1: To no degree at all – 10: To a very significant degree) 40 Demographics of the Sample and Detailed Methodology 41 Respondent Profile: Affiliation, Specialization, Status Current Affiliation Specialization % of Respondents % of Respondents Academia / Research Institute / Education 31% 19% Think Tank Communications/public affairs 18% Local Government Office or Staff 18% Health 7% Other 6% Government Institution 17% Social protection, labor policies, jobs 4% None of the above 4% Media 13% Digital development 3% Trade 3% Civil Society Organization 10% Law/Justice 3% Private Sector 9% Self-identified Transport 2% status Environment / Natural resource management 2% Office of the President, Prime Minister, Agriculture and food security 2% 5% Minister Gender 2% Bilateral or Multilateral Agency 4% Water, sanitation 2% Senior Junior level, Public sector governance, anti-corruption 2% level, 24% 26% Other 4% Climate change 2% Generalist 2% Mid-level Mid-level Macroeconomics, fiscal management 1% decision-maker / staff , 40% Finance and markets 1% manager, 11% Tourism 1% Urban development 1% Which of the following best describes your current affiliation? (Select only 1 response) (N=264) Statistics 1% Q Please identify the primary specialization of your work. (Select only 1 response) (N=251) Within your organization, would you describe yourself as …. (N=245) 42 Respondent Profile: Collaboration with the WBG Collaboration with the WBG Collaboration Institution None of the above, I do not currently collaborate with the 75% 17% World Bank Group Yes The World Bank (IDA) 16% No The International Finance Corporation (IFC) 6% 83% The Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA) 2% International Centre for Settlement of Investment 2% Disputes (ICSID) Note, that in the FY18 COS, 43% of respondents indicated that they collaborate with the WBG. Because collaboration has a significant influence on perceptions of the WBG, it is possible that some of the past year’s comparison analyses are influenced by this change in respondent profile. Currently, do you professionally collaborate/work with the World Bank Q Group (IDA, IFC, MIGA, ICSID) in your country? (N=264) Which of the following agencies of the World Bank Group do you primarily collaborate/work with in The Gambia? (Select only 1 response) (N=264) 43 Respondent Profile: Demographics Gender Age 26-35 34% Female 39% 36-45 16% 61% Male 46-55 10% 56 and above 6% Location West Coast Region 58% Greater Banjul Area 36% North Bank Region 3% Central River 2% Region Lower River Region 1% What’s your gender? (N=251) Q What’s your age (N=251) 44 Which best represents your geographic location? (N=249) Methodology From February to May 2023, 301 stakeholders of the WBG in The Gambia were invited to provide their opinions on the WBG’s work in the country by participating in a Country Opinion Survey. Participants were drawn from the Office of the President, Prime Minister, Minister; National Assembly, government institutions; local governments; bilateral / multilateral agencies; private sector; civil society organizations; academia, research institutes, and think tanks, and the media. A total of 264 stakeholders participated in the survey (88% response rate). Respondents completed the questionnaire via an online platform. Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions; several of them are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard (please refer to the Indicator questions section of this report. 45 Year comparison Percentage of Respondents FY 2018 FY 2023 The results of this year’s Country Survey were High-Level Government Offices: Office of compared to those of the Country Survey the President, Prime Minister, Minister, 10% 6% conducted in FY18 (response rate was 43%, National Assembly N=517). Government institutions: Employee of a Ministry / Ministerial Department / Project Comparing responses across Country Surveys reflects Implementation Unit / Independent 48% 17% changes in attitudes over time, but also changes in Government Institution (e.g., Central Bank, respondent samples and changes to the survey Regulatory or Oversight Agency) / Judiciary / State-Owned Enterprise instrument itself. To reduce the influence of the latter factor, only those questions with similar response Local government 11% 18% scales/options are analyzed. Bilateral/multilateral agency: Embassy, Development Organization, Development 2% 4% The distribution of the stakeholder groups in the final Bank, UN Agency samples in FY18 and FY23 country surveys is listed in the table on the right. Civil Society Organization: NGOs, Community-Based Organization, Private This year’s survey saw an increased outreach to Foundation, Professional /Trade 7% 10% and/or response from academia, and media, but a Association, Faith-Based Group, Youth decrease in outreach to and/or response from the Group government institutions. These differences in the Private Sector: Private Company, stakeholder composition between the two years should Financial Sector Organization, Private 13% 9% be taken into consideration when interpreting the Bank, Micro, Small and Medium-sized results of the past-year comparison analyses. Enterprise Academia/Research Institute/Think Tank 2% 19% Media 1% 13% Other 6% 4% Total Number of Respondents 202 264 46 Statistical analysis To attribute respondents to different stakeholder groups, their self-reported responses to the question “Which of Stakeholder groups n % the following best describes your current affiliation?” were used. Respondents who identified their Academia 51 19% professional affiliation as “Other” (n=10) were not included in the stakeholder analysis. Local government 48 18% Breakdowns for individual questions by stakeholder group can be found in the “The Gambia COS FY23 Government institutions 44 17% Appendices with data breakdowns.xlsx” file published in the WBG Microdata Library, along with the survey Media 33 13% microdata and this report. Statistical significance: Civil Society 27 10% Key statistically significant findings are denoted with an asterisk (*) throughout the report or discussed in the descriptions of the charts. Significance is measured at Private Sector 23 9% p-value < .05 Office of the President, Prime Minister, 17 6% Minister, National Assembly Bilateral / Multilateral Agency 11 4% Total 254 100% 47 Qualitative analysis In the qualitative part of the questionnaire, respondents were invited to share their thoughts about the ways the WBG could help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia in the future: Summary of the main themes in qualitative comments “In your opinion, what is the most important thing the World Bank Group could do to help increase its effectiveness in The Gambia? (Please be specific)” Areas for WBG focus 62% A total of 221 responses were received; they varied in length from a few words to a few sentences. The Operations 19% comments were broadly grouped into four buckets based on their main theme (please see the chart to the right) and summarized in the section “The Future Role of the Colalboration 13% World Bank Group in The Gambia”. Individual quotes were used throughout the report in relevant sections to illustrate quantitative data. Communication 6% 48 Indicator questions Every country that engages in the Country Opinion Survey (COS) must include specific indicator questions, several of which are aggregated for the World Bank Group’s annual Corporate Scorecard is highlighted in red below. A2_5. To what extent do you trust the World Bank Group to do what is right? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree A3. How effective has the World Bank Group been in achieving development results in The Gambia? Scale: 1 Not effective at all – 10 Very effective To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements about the WBG’s work in The Gambia? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree A4. The World Bank Group currently plays a relevant role in development in The Gambia. A5. The World Bank Group’s work is aligned with what I consider the development priorities for The Gambia. A7. To what extent does the World Bank Group influence the development agenda in The Gambia? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree A8. How significant a contribution do you believe the World Bank Group's knowledge work and activities make to development results in your country? Scale: 1 Not significant at all – 10 Very significant To what extent is the World Bank Group an effective development partner in The Gambia, in terms of each of the following? Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C2. Responsiveness to needs C3. Access to WBG staff and experts C4. Flexibility when circumstances change C5. Being a long-term partner To what extent is the WBG an effective development partner in The Gambia, in terms of collaborating with the following groups: Scale: 1 To no degree at all – 10 To a very significant degree C7_1.Collaboration with the national government C7_5.Collaboration with the private sector C7_6.Collaboration with civil society C7_9.Collaboration with other donor and development partners To what extent do you agree/disagree with the following statements? Scale: 1 Strongly disagree – 10 Strongly agree C8_1. The WBG’s financial instruments meet the needs of The Gambia (i.e., investment lending, Development Policy Loan, Trust Funds, Program-for- Results). C10_1. I am satisfied with the quality of the WBG’s advisory services and analytical work in The Gambia. C10_4. The WBG’s advice and recommendations are tailored to The Gambia’s context. 49