Islamic Relief is helping vulnerable people in Niger to break out of the downward spiral of progressive poverty. Unlocking the potential of women to drive economic development, the unique food security project is also helping communities to adapt to climate change and become more resilient to disaster.
According to the latest data from the UN, almost 60% of Niger’s population live below the poverty line. The country is facing yet another food crisis, triggered by regional drought and pest infestation as well as pasture degradation and insecurity.
Tillabery, where Islamic Relief has been providing food aid and other humanitarian assistance for several years, is one of the country’s most vulnerable regions. It is increasingly exposed to disasters. Many families rely on the land for income and food. However, they face challenges such as unpredictable rains, lack of arable land and water, as well as limited resources and techniques for sustainable farming and livestock.
Last year, almost the entire regional population was food-insecure. Swathes of the region are dependent upon humanitarian aid to survive.
In an 18-month project in Tillabery, we are working with the poorest families to strengthen their resilience to food insecurity and help them earn a decent income. The scheme, which began in April, will also improve access to natural resources and raise community awareness of disaster-risk-reduction and the need to protect and enhance natural resources.
In the districts of Ouallam and Filingué, 837 households are to gain increased sources of food and cash incomes, as well as improved access to water.
In addition, 100 women will be provided with locally-purchased goats. This will empower them to generate a small income and gain greater control over their resources. The women will be supported by training in goat development and management, and shown how to produce animal feed. Offspring from the animals will be shared with other families, to strengthen social ties and promote economic sustainability for a growing number of women. The goats – which will receive veterinary care – will also provide valuable milk for children.
Women will also be key in controlling two community gardens. The two-hectare gardens will be maintained and run by groups of local women – supported by training and technical support, plus vital materials including planting seeds and gardening tools.
We will also tackle the lack of arable land, providing access to water through improving the existing irrigation system. We will help farmers to make the most of the resources by training them in productive and sustainable farming techniques, and giving them high-yield crop seeds. Soil and water will be conserved, with local people given cash for work in installing low walls and protecting gullies, as well as enrichment planting of trees. We will set up three nurseries to produce seeds and plant trees – growing plantations that will be a growing source of income, animal fodder, and fertiliser for the communities.
As well as the families directly targeted by the comprehensive project, almost 5,900 other local people are expected to benefit as livelihoods improve and community resilience increases.
