Tag Archive for: Poverty in Niger

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Collaborative Strategies for Eradicating Poverty in Niger

Poverty in Niger In the arid landscapes of Niger, where droughts and desertification threaten livelihoods, a quiet revolution is taking place. Families once trapped in cycles of hunger and hardship are finding new paths to stability through targeted interventions. At the heart of this transformation is the Livestock and Agricultural Modernization Project (LAMP), a World Bank initiative funded with up to $1 billion over 12 years. By modernizing agriculture and livestock – the sectors employing more than 80% of the population – LAMP is demonstrating how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger, fostering resilience against climate shocks and paving the way for sustainable growth.

Battling the Elements

Niger’s economy hinges on agriculture and livestock; however, erratic rainfall, frequent droughts and advancing desertification have deepened poverty for millions. These challenges exacerbate food insecurity, leaving households vulnerable to crises such as floods and pandemics, according to the World Bank. Enter LAMP, which directly tackles these issues by promoting climate-smart practices, improved irrigation, and livestock upgrades in the project area. This program illustrates how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger by enhancing productivity and market access for rural communities.

Funded by the World Bank’s International Development Association, LAMP invests in tools and techniques that help farmers adapt to unpredictable weather conditions. For instance, it introduced drought-resistant crops, efficient water management systems, and irrigation development covering 18,000 hectares in the first phase alone, thereby reducing the impact of environmental shocks. By the end of the program, 5 million people could have strengthened food and nutrition security, with enhanced resilience of 3 million against climate risks.

Stories from villages highlight families who have increased yields and stabilized incomes through LAMP’s support. When combined with governance reforms, these efforts project a significant drop in extreme poverty to approximately 22.6% by 2043 under current trends, with further reductions possible through integrated scenarios

Empowering Farmers

What sets LAMP apart is its comprehensive approach to modernization, which has turned subsistence farming into a viable enterprise. By upgrading livestock breeds, improving seeds and integrating sustainable farming methods, the project boosts output in a sector that is critical to Niger’s survival. This strategy shows how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger, as improved market linkages allow farmers to sell their produce at better prices, breaking the grip of economic isolation.

The LAMP’s 12-year timeline, structured in overlapping phases (Phase 1 through 2029), ensures sustained impact, with investments flowing into infrastructure such as irrigation networks that combat desertification. It targets 1.5 million people for enhanced climate resilience, including 500,000 youth and nearly 700,000 women and girls, in particular, according to the World Bank.

Beneficiaries report enhanced food security, as the program addresses interconnected issues such as gender inequality and barriers that often perpetuate poverty. Through skills training in climate-resilient techniques, LAMP builds human capital and enables households to invest in their futures. This not only smooths consumption during shocks but also fosters entrepreneurial growth, creating a ripple effect across the communities.

Synergizing Support

While LAMP drives agricultural innovation, its true power emerges when paired with social safety nets, such as the Wadata Talaka program, part of the Sahel Adaptive Social Protection Program. Cash transfers from Wadata Talaka enable farmers to adopt LAMP technologies, such as advanced irrigation or livestock improvements, amplifying productivity. This merger exemplifies how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger by creating cycles of income generation and building resilience.

In practice, Wadata Talaka’s livelihood training incorporates agricultural methods, equipping vulnerable populations – particularly women – with the skills to navigate droughts and other crises. It provides monthly cash transfers to extremely poor households, economic inclusion support, including microentrepreneurship coaching, and early child development measures.

During crises such as COVID-19, it expanded to hundreds of thousands of households using satellite data for proactive drought responses. In many cases, women’s incomes have increased by 60-100% in many cases through non-farm businesses, alongside gains in food security and well-being. Together, these initiatives address food insecurity and promote gender empowerment, tackling obstacles such as property rights that hinder women’s participation in farming. By focusing on at-risk households, this integrated model reinforces the goals of the LAMP project, projecting broader poverty reductions and sustainable development in Niger’s villages.

A Vision for Tomorrow

Looking ahead, LAMP’s emphasis on climate resilience and human capital development positions it as a model for holistic change. Intersecting with efforts from organizations such as the World Food Program (WFP) and UNICEF, it breaks the generational poverty cycles through education and inclusive policies. This comprehensive framework reveals how innovative programs are eradicating poverty in Niger, with data on beneficiary numbers and timelines painting a picture of progress in the face of adversity.

As Niger confronts ongoing challenges, LAMP offers hope by transforming vulnerabilities into opportunities. By 2043, with continued support and complementary reforms in agriculture and governance, extreme poverty could decline further owing to these collaborative strategies. In the end, it is the stories of resilient households – farmers thriving despite the odds – that best capture the promise of a poverty-free future.

– Christopher Michael Pellant

Christopher is based in Evansville, IN, USA and focuses on Business and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Pediatric and Neonatal Medical Aid to Niger

Medical Aid to NigerNiger, located in West Africa, is one of the world’s most impoverished countries and is classified by the World Bank as a low-income country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Niger has a young population, with 24.8% of the Nigerien population aged between 0 and 14 years. Additionally, the neonatal mortality rate in Niger is 34.15 per 1,000 live births.

Similarly, the mortality rate of children under 5 years old is 117.07 per 1,000 live births, as indicated by WHO data. Therefore, pediatric and neonatal medical aid is crucial to the national public health of Niger. Improving public health is an important aspect of reducing extreme poverty in Niger. Charitable projects that provide pediatric and neonatal medical aid to Niger include those launched by Galmi Hospital, Samaritan’s Purse, CURE International, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and the African Neonatal Association.

The aid supplied by these charitable organizations encompasses governmental vaccination partnerships and outpatient nutritional rehabilitation services. It also includes surgery for congenital disabilities and untreated trauma, the facilitation of global neonatal research in Africa, as well as the operation of neonatal and pediatric wards.

Pediatric and Neonatal Public Health Programs in Niger

Galmi Hospital is a nonprofit organization hospital in Niger operated by Serving in Mission International. Galmi is located 470 km east of the Nigerien capital city, Niamey. The hospital believes that children are precious to the heart of God. The under-5 clinic at Galmi Hospital provides medical care to approximately 100 infants daily.

Galmi Hospital has a partnership with the Nigerien government to supply vaccinations to children within the regional area of Galmi and its surrounding communities. In addition to this, the outpatient nutritional rehabilitation center of Galmi Hospital cares for infants below the age of 5 who are underweight, stunted or wasted. Malaria, dehydration due to diarrhoea, pneumonia, sickle cell disease, meningitis and malnutrition occur frequently among pediatric in-patients at Galmi Hospital.

Many of these diseases are easily preventable through vaccines against measles and pertussis; however, tragically, due to widespread poverty, medical resources are limited. Galmi Hospital proposes the construction of a specialist pediatric ward to effectively cater to children with illnesses.

The Samaritan’s Purse charity launched a new medical health care center in the Reguou village of Niger in 2021, which has had very high malnutrition rates for many years. The center has a specialist focus on aiding pregnant mothers and malnourished children. A significant decrease in malnutrition rates, an increase in children being vaccinated and improved public health are the successes of the new health care center.

Samaritan’s Purse had been active in Niger before the new launch through the provision of medical treatment for cholera, the opening of nutritional projects and mobile medical clinics. Local medical professionals and the director of Samaritan’s Purse for Niger celebrated the launch of the new health care center.

Neonatal Medical Aid to Niger

The African Neonatal Association is a group of African neonatologists and pediatricians specializing in neonatal care across the continent. Advocacy, education and research by the association help to improve the medical aid available to neonates in Africa. The study conducted by the African Neonatal Association increases opportunities for global neonatal research in Africa and promotes synergy among researchers working with neonates in Africa. It also supplies validated research to support the provision of the best possible neonatal care.

Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy or birth asphyxia, sepsis and prematurity are the most common causes of mortality among newborns in Africa. The pharmaceutical medicinal products and medical equipment needed to provide medical aid to newborns in Africa are relatively inexpensive; however, sound logistics are crucial for effectively administering neonatal medical assistance to the African continent, including Niger. According to the African Neonatal Association, the number of neonatologists is limited and neonatal nursing is not yet recognized as a specialty, highlighting the significant need for neonatal medical care in Niger.

Pediatric and Neonatal Surgical Missions to Niger

CURE International is a nonprofit charity founded by an orthopedic surgeon and his spouse to provide high-quality surgical treatment to children in need across developing countries in Africa and beyond. Bowed legs, clubfoot, burn contractures, cleft lip and cleft palate, genu valgum, osteogenesis imperfecta, windswept legs and untreated trauma encompass a range of malformations. CURE International operates pediatric hospitals to provide surgical care for these conditions.

Three sisters who received surgical treatment from CURE Niger for the genetic congenital disability osteogenesis imperfecta suffered from fragile bones that broke frequently, resulting in mobility difficulties and an inability to walk. More than 12 surgical operations and months of recovery were required before the sisters were able to walk following treatment. CURE Niger is the only hospital in Niger that offers specialized surgical medical care for children with treatable physical disabilities.

Obstetric Medical Aid for Neonates and Infants

MSF provides obstetric medical aid through a maternity ward in an MSF-operated hospital in the Madaoua district of Niger to decrease the mortality rate of newborns. The MSF hospital in Madaoua also operates an inpatient therapeutic feeding center, in addition to neonatal and pediatric wards. In the Dungass district of Niger, MSF launched a 200-bed pediatric unit and supported the coordination of other pediatric units nationwide.

Final Remarks

The provision of pediatric and neonatal medical aid is a vitally important part of reducing extreme poverty in Niger. Improvements in overall national public health boost the country’s economic development. Many international aid projects by charities and other organizations have helped facilitate pediatric and neonatal medical aid in Niger.

– Deborah Asante

Deborah is based in London, UK and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Behind The Numbers: The Story of HIV/AIDS in Niger

HIV/AIDS in NigerNiger has one of the lowest HIV rates in sub-Saharan Africa – but experts warn that low prevalence does not mean low risk. Behind the calm statistics lies a fragile health system, deep gender disparities and poverty that magnifies every infection.

According to the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), as of 2020, about 31,000 people in Niger live with HIV, with roughly 1,200 new infections each year. While Index Mundi cites adult prevalence remaining steady at just 0.2% as of the same period, only 68% of those infected were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), leaving nearly a third untreated. In a country where more than 40% of citizens live in extreme poverty, these gaps carry steep social and economic costs.

A Hidden Epidemic

Health officials warn that Niger’s low HIV rate masks deeper weaknesses in detection and prevention. In an interview with the University Research Co, a company focused on international development and health, Halima Mainassara, Chief of Party for the U.S. Department of Defense HIV/AIDS Prevention Program (DHAPP) in Niger, reinforced the urgency of the disease, “Every new HIV case detected is important – their contacts also need to be tested,” says Mainassara, “This ensures that all individuals who test positive will receive treatment and that the virus cannot spread further.”

Despite gains – such as the integration of HIV and tuberculosis care in 262 treatment centers – resource shortages, long travel distances and stigma over HIV/AIDS in Niger still limit testing and follow-up, according to the World Health Organization – Africa (WHO AFRO). Per the same report, mortality among TB/HIV co-infected patients fell from 21% in 2019 to 14% in 2022, but coverage remains uneven between cities and rural areas.

Gender and Youth at the Margins

Women and young girls carry most of the burden. UNAIDS data from 2021 shows they account for just under 55% of HIV cases in Niger, reflecting social inequalities that restrict education, health care access and decision-making. Early marriage, gender-based violence and limited reproductive services heighten vulnerability.

“When a woman is divorced as a result of her HIV status, it is difficult for her to keep her children,” said Sona Soumaré Conté, President of an NGO working with HIV-positive women in Niger. “Their husbands are afraid their children will not be well taken care of or will become contaminated.”

A report by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) stated that adolescents are also at risk. Knowledge about HIV prevention among young people remains low, and misconceptions persist, especially in rural communities where sexual health education is scarce.

Poverty and the Global Connection

HIV and poverty form a vicious cycle. Illness limits productivity, weakens households and deepens food insecurity. A report that UNAIDS and the World Food Programme (WFP) did in 2022 found that for families already surviving on less than $2 a day, one untreated infection can mean lost income and school dropouts.

The link extends beyond Niger. Global efforts to end extreme poverty rely on stable, healthy populations. In the same report, the World Food Programme and UNAIDS launched a joint cash-transfer project that provides small stipends (≈ US $76 per quarter) to people living with HIV to improve treatment adherence, underscoring the inseparable link between health and development.

Solutions in Action

One organization leading change is Solthis, an international Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) partnering with Niger’s Ministry of Health to strengthen HIV prevention and care. Through its Lahiyata project launched in 2023, Solthis works in Maradi and Niamey to improve sexual and reproductive health among adolescent girls, offering education, counseling and access to HIV and STI testing. In addition, Solthis technical support program helped train health workers, upgrade laboratories and expand treatment access nationwide. According to data from UNAIDS, between 2022 and 2023, more than one million pregnant women in Niger received voluntary HIV counseling and testing, linking many to lifesaving antiretroviral therapy.

Progress and the Path Ahead

Niger’s progress is real: ART coverage has grown from 26% in 2011 to 68% in 2020, likely attributed to the increase of foreign aid between 2015 and 2020 and Niger’s adoption of UNAIDS’ “90-90-90” prevention framework, and nationwide awareness campaigns are improving testing uptake. But sustainability is fragile. Most funding comes from international donors, and local programs risk collapsing if aid declines, per UNAIDS. To secure its future, Niger must expand ART coverage for HIV/AIDS in Niger, target key populations, and confront stigma through education and inclusion.

– Matt Irwin

Matt is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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Niger’s HIV/AIDS Prevention Strategies and Government Initiatives

Niger's HIV/AIDSNiger is a landlocked country in West Africa that boasts a youthful demographic, with 58% of its population aged less than 18. Compared to many other sub-Saharan African countries, Niger has made notable strides in addressing its disease burden indicators. Presently, Niger’s HIV/AIDS prevalence rate stands below 1%, with 0.2% among adults aged 15 to 49.

According to reports by Global Fund, the rise in new cases has significantly fallen by three-quarters since 2002. This progress can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of the government and international nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), which have played pivotal roles in advancing Niger’s fight against HIV/AIDS over the years.

Efforts by Niger Government

In 2011, the Niger government committed to preventing mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, with the aim to eliminate HIV infections in infant children by 2015. This commitment is evident in the increased funding allocated to expand Niger’s PMTCT services, which rose from 2.6% of its total budget in 2010 to 15.9% in 2011. Similarly, Niger expanded its PMTCT pilot sites from seven in 2003 to 651 in 2012. Currently, HIV/AIDS infection among exposed infants is nearly non-existent, with 26,000 children born to HIV-positive mothers remaining uninfected and the current HIV prevalence rate among infants is 5%.

Additionally, condom social marketing was introduced in Niger in 2003 as part of the government’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. Targeted distribution of condoms has been a key strategy, with mobile vendors and kiosks providing access to condoms even along major transportation routes. The provision of free condoms has led to positive changes in sexual behavior. Between 2006 and 2011, there was a significant increase in the percentage of young men engaging in protected casual sex, rising from 38% to 66%.

Furthermore, in Niger, the health care sector offers HIV counseling and testing (HCT) as an integrated part of health services, available at blood transfusion centers and PMTCT sites. In 2008, the country had 172 HCT sites. However, by 2012, only 7-8% of females and 3% of males had undergone HIV testing. The higher percentage among women is attributed to PMTCT-related HCT services. The same year, the government allocated specific resources for provider-initiated counseling and testing (PICT). This initiative aimed to target individuals who were already in contact with the health sector and those at risk of HIV infection due to factors like multiple sex partners, unprotected sex or a history of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Efforts by External Support

The Global Fund plays a critical role as a significant grant provider for Niger’s HIV/AIDS initiatives. Out of the total active grants amounting to €153.50 million (about $165 million) from 2021 to 2024, about 10% is directly allocated for HIV interventions in the country. Despite the relatively low prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Niger, specific key populations, such as prisoners, sex workers and homosexual individuals, remain disproportionately affected. Testing rates also continue to be low, with approximately 25% of adults and 50% of children unaware of their HIV status.

Between 2007 and 2012, the Global Fund grants accounted for 28% of the country’s spending on HIV/AIDS interventions. The Global Fund grants aim to achieve ambitious targets such as reducing new HIV infections and mortality rates, enhancing living conditions for people living with HIV and strengthening both the demand for and supply of quality health care and services for the entire population.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also supported the Niger government in its fight against HIV and AIDS in 2018. UNICEF worked on a plan to increase HIV testing, treatment and PMTCT. By the end of the year, 96% of health facilities were providing PMTCT services. However, only 10% of babies born to HIV-positive moms were tested for HIV within two months of birth. This was because of limited medical equipment to carry out the tests.

To address this issue, UNICEF intervened by promoting the use of GeneXpert Point of Care machines already present in 12 laboratories nationwide. UNICEF also provided training and materials to 24 laboratory technicians, which enabled all regions of Niger to test HIV-exposed babies. UNICEF’s support to the government has led to 342,820 out of 417,393 women attending their first antenatal consultation to receive counseling and testing for HIV.

– Teniola Yusuf

Teniola is based in Norwich, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Tackling Poverty Among People With Disabilities in Niger

People With Disabilities in NigerIn Niger, disability affects a significant portion of the population, with approximately 4.2% of individuals living with disabilities, according to the African Disability Rights Yearbook. Sadly, these individuals often face social exclusion, hindering their ability to thrive and participate fully in economic activities. However, various initiatives are underway to promote inclusivity and empower people with disabilities in Niger. From targeted programs focusing on children and girls to collaborative efforts with international organizations, the country is striving to ensure equal opportunities for all its citizens, regardless of ability.

Societal Inclusion as a Strategy in Niger

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is actively expanding its efforts in Niger to support individuals affected by armed conflicts and natural disasters. The organization is working to facilitate the socioeconomic advancement of people with disabilities through greater societal inclusion. It involves conducting research studies to identify the specific needs of individuals with disabilities and understand the barriers they encounter in achieving success when these needs are unmet.

The objective of these studies is to foster broader societal awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities. HI collaborates closely with local organizations, institutions and humanitarian actors to advocate for the integration of people with disabilities into society. Additionally, the organization is dedicated to ensuring that children with disabilities have access to primary education and the opportunity to pursue secondary education upon completion of their studies.

Programs for People With Disabilities in Niger

The government of Niger, along with international institutions, has implemented initiatives to support education and employment programs for individuals with disabilities. The Niger Learning Improvement for Results in Education Project, backed by $230 million, aims to improve educational access by constructing learning facilities, training educators and refining teaching methods nationwide.

Specifically, the project allocates funds for the construction of boarding schools and classrooms to facilitate girls’ access to education. Additionally, the Disability Inclusion Strategy, integrated into the International Organization for Migrant’s existing efforts, outlines the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities. This strategy emphasizes enhancing educational opportunities, particularly for girls who historically faced barriers to schooling.

Niger is committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the necessary resources and opportunities to thrive and contribute to the economy. Furthermore, initiatives such as the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, one of many policies in Niger, strive for equal opportunities and societal integration by aligning with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

International Organization for Migration

In Niger, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has organized various initiatives to connect individuals with disabilities to employment opportunities. One notable event was the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, 2019. Collaborating with local organizations in Agadez and Tahoua, the aim was to promote the societal inclusion of people with disabilities as outlined in the 2030 Agenda. The event featured conferences, presentations by local organizations, film screenings, bicycle races and poetry readings, all aimed at fostering integration and awareness.

– Ryan Patrick
Photo: Flickr

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Niger Eradicates River Blindness

Niger Eradicates River Blindness Onchocerciasis disease, or River Blindness, is a neglected tropical disease (NTD) plaguing Africa for years, thriving among poverty-ridden populations. The Gates Foundation, in partnership with other organizations, is combating this disease by making its medical treatment easily accessible. In 2023, Niger became the first African country to eliminate this disease, marking a significant achievement in public health. Niger eradicates river blindness, setting a precedent for other countries in the fight against NTDs.

River Blindness in Africa

River Blindness is a result of the bites of infected blackflies of the genus Simulium and its symptoms include visual impairment, intense itching, disfiguring skin conditions and permanent blindness. In 2018, onchocerciasis infection was most widespread in central and western Africa. The highest average infection rates at the national level were recorded in Ghana, with a prevalence of 12.2%. Furthermore, other countries with national infection rates exceeding 5% included Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and South Sudan.

According to the Reaching the Last Mile Fund (RLMF), 240 million people are at risk of River Blindness and 99% of people infected with Onchocerciasis live in Africa. As stated earlier, Onchocerciasis is an NTD, which is a group of infectious diseases that primarily affect populations in tropical and subtropical regions, often characterized by limited health care access and insufficient attention from the global health community.

Moreover, as an NTD, River Blindness disproportionately affects the poorest populations, compounding the cycle of poverty by hindering access to preventive medicine and basic clinical care. The resulting blindness further limits economic opportunities for affected individuals, perpetuating the challenges faced by these communities. Addressing the complex interplay between health and socioeconomic factors is crucial to breaking this cycle and improving the overall well-being of those impacted by River Blindness.

Eliminating River Blindness in Niger

The primary approach for eradicating River Blindness involves population-based treatment using ivermectin, commonly referred to as mass drug administration (MDA). This strategy aims for a minimum therapeutic coverage of 80%. In regions with high and moderate endemicity (hyper and meso endemic areas), a sustained effort of 12-15 years of annual treatment is necessary to break the transmission cycle, aligning with the lifespan of the adult Onchocerca volvulus parasite.

Additionally, Merck generously donates the drug known as Mectizan®. Remarkably, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially recognized four countries — Colombia in 2013, Ecuador in 2014, Mexico in 2015 and Guatemala in 2016 — as free from onchocerciasis after they successfully conducted elimination activities for several decades.

Globally, 1.8 million people now reside in areas where mass drug administration for onchocerciasis is no longer required. In 2023, Niger accomplished a significant milestone by becoming the initial African country to successfully halt the transmission of river blindness.

Looking Ahead

Senegal is on track to become the second African country to eliminate Onchocerciasis. Currently, the Gates Foundation collaborates with Reaching the Last Mile and other global partners to eliminate River Blindness and lymphatic filariasis in 39 countries across Africa and Yemen. In addition, this collaborative effort seeks to reduce the number of people needing treatment by 350 million. Niger eradicates river blindness, setting a significant precedent in the global health community’s fight against neglected tropical diseases.

– Lucciana Choueiry
Photo: Flickr

Addressing Period Poverty in Niger

Period Poverty in NigerPeriod poverty, the circumstance where menstruating females do not have access to sanitary or feminine products, is a common occurrence in many parts of the world. Although period poverty affects developed countries, including the United Kingdom and parts of the United States, it is most prevalent in underprivileged countries in South Asia and Africa, such as Niger, where nearly 25% of females are subject to this. Here is information about period poverty in Niger.

Causes of Period Poverty

One can attribute period poverty to many factors, from social to economic; however, UNICEF explained that one of the leading causes of its presence in Niger is the “long tradition of viewing menstruation as impure.” This long-standing belief, along with cultural taboos, lack of sex education and poverty, created a stigmatization of this menstruation cycle, causing people to ignore and overlook the issue.

Another contributing factor is that period products, such as tampons and pads, are expensive to buy, especially for girls in developing countries such as Niger. In Niger and other less-privileged areas, girls and boys begin working and supporting their families at a young age to survive, often earning just enough money for the bare necessities of food, water, clothing and shelter. In these circumstances, period products almost seem a frivolous need.

Statistics and Physical Impacts of Period Poverty in Niger

United Nations Women of Africa conducted a study on menstrual hygiene in Niger in February of 2018. The results exemplified the results of a severe lack of period products, with 31% of women taking breaks from their occupation during their cycle or even quitting to avoid the embarrassment of bleeding out. One in 10 school girls was also reported to have stayed home during their cycle.

Period poverty also has a vast impact on females physically. Due to the lack of proper sanitation products, women often opt for less safe and healthy ways to manage their hygiene during their cycles. For example, Niger women frequently stuffed unclean cloth strips or foams in their undergarments rather than pads. 

These poor hygiene methods, explained by the National Library of Medicine, often cause health concerns such as “reproductive and urinary tract infections, thrush, and others.” Other diseases include pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), which leads to blood loss and, eventually, anemia. These infections can easily worsen, especially without access to proper medicine.

Mental Impacts of Period Poverty

Not only does period poverty have a physical impact on females, but it also has a mental effect, as women who were subject to poverty had a significantly higher chance of developing depressive symptoms and anxiety. These feelings are also accompanied by lowered mental health, low self-esteem and lowered self-perception. The shame and stigma associated with menstruation may cause girls to feel a sense of embarrassment and a lack of self-empowerment, negatively affecting their ability to lead an enjoyable life. Period poverty especially challenges females in the workplace and at school, as they are often overwhelmed with extreme anxiety and fear. 

Efforts to Combat Period Poverty in Niger

Social Voices reported that activism campaigns recognized that the main obstacle to addressing period poverty in developing countries such as Nigeria and Niger is affordability. Campaigns such as One Voice Initiative for Women and Children Emancipation (OVIWCE) and Reaching Minds Foundation have created and distributed reusable sanitary pads. These pads are made up of environmentally friendly fabrics and are durable. Women can reuse these pads month after month, cutting back the costly price of usual disposable pads. 

OVIWCE has been distributing these reusable pads since 2016, and between 2020 and 2021, it claimed that they had reached nearly 5,000 people, 3,000 of them being schoolgirls. The organization also worked on teaching communities how to create reusable pads. Joseph Adebajo, the founder of OVIWCE, explained, “We had twenty staff and volunteers who had the knowledge and embarked on training people in communities we had distributed pads to in the past on how to make the pads.” Pad Up, a company in Nigeria, became one of the first African companies dedicated to creating these types of pads.

Looking Ahead

Period poverty in Niger, though not an uncommon issue, results in a plethora of consequences for young girls and women. They create diseases from unsanitary practices which are potentially deadly. Furthermore, it also has an impact on mental health, decreasing female empowerment and increasing the stigmatization of menstrual cycles. However, NGOs such as OVIWCE, among others, are currently creating and distributing reusable pads to make period poverty an issue of the past.

– Emma Luu
Photo: Flickr

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Unraveling the Complex Tapestry of Poverty in Niger

Poverty in NigerIn 2021, the UN’s triennial review acknowledged Niger as one of the world’s least-developed countries. In 2023, circumstances have progressively worsened. With the recent military coup d’etat throwing the dependability of International aid into question, natural disasters vulnerability with recurrent flooding and drought, persistent food insecurity and overwhelming population growth, the potential for any economic or social resurgence comes with an inherent difficulty. The focus of this article is to give insight into the stark realities of poverty conditions in Niger, discuss the impact the recent military coup will inevitably have on development and recovery, and finally give light to the initiatives in place designed to rehabilitate the state and what the future might look like.

Examining the Stark Realities of Poverty in Niger

Projections for 2023 from the World Bank estimated that levels of extreme poverty in Niger were to reach 44.1%, that is, more than 12 million people living below the poverty line. Simultaneously, figures from the World Bank also indicate that by September 2023, Niger had been host to more than 700,000 displaced people. Providing provisions and sanctity for the likes of refugees and asylum seekers is not uncommon in Niger, since the country shares borders with some seven other countries, notably Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali. Niger has always been a popular crossroads for migrants. In addition to the overwhelming pressures of providing for foreign migrants, Niger holds one of the world’s fastest-growing populations, with 6.8 births per woman, and comprises a populace that youth dominates. 

Niger’s geography not only leaves it exposed to migration but also vulnerable to the extremities of natural disasters. Niger’s land is largely infertile, a state dictated by savanna and deserts, leaving little room for agricultural development. Despite this, agriculture still contributes to more than 40% of the national GDP — an indication of the frailty of their economy. Flooding in September 2023 caused the collapse of more than 14,000 homes, taking 51 lives in the process. Niger also currently ranks 120th of 125 countries on the Global Hunger Index, which notes a 16.1% rate of Child Wasting, i.e., children under five that are underweight, and a 47.7% rate of Child Stunting (children under five with low height for their age due to chronic undernutrition).

Unpacking the Aftermath: Coup d’État and Its Impact on Poverty in Niger

On July 26, 2023, a military coup led by the now self-proclaimed Head of State Abdourahamane Tiani overthrew Niger’s government. The immediate aftermath witnessed a pause, then suspension, of international aid from the U.S., condemnation and threat of military intervention from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and further financial aid was halted from the EU, France, Germany and more. Deteriorating relations with such significant foreign powers will inevitably have a catastrophic impact on Niger’s economy, with France having committed as much as €120 million in 2022 (a figure that was anticipated to be exceeded in 2023), the U.S. suspending nearly $200 million in foreign assistance programs, and the EU having allocated more than €500 million of its budget between 2021-24 to development in governance, education and sustainable growth. 

The military coup in Niger is the third in the Sahel region in as many years, following on from similar revolts in Burkina Faso and Mali. Consequently, in 2023 Niger formed the Alliance of Sahel States with Burkina Faso and Mali, unifying against the potential for a military intervention from ECOWAS. This, accompanied by the announcement that France will begin to withdraw its military presence from Niger, has led to growing skepticism over whether a way back can be found.

Catalyzing Change: Progress and its Challenges in Niger

Despite circumstances seeming especially dire in Niger, there are initiatives in place and positives to be taken in the fight for social and economic resurgence. Although suspending significant funding to foreign assistance programs, the U.S. has committed to maintaining its humanitarian presence by facilitating food and health assistance to benefit the people of Niger. The World Bank has established clear aims that can rebuild the Nigerian economy, although this heavily relies upon a resolution being met with ECOWAS and key International benefactors. 

The UN has proven determined to maintain its humanitarian capacity in Niger, providing as many as 22,000 persons with food and cash assistance weekly This commitment does not, however, come without challenge, evidenced by the expulsion of its Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator in early October. Alliances with neighboring states Burkina Faso and Mali provided the means for Niger to open its borders not long after the siege. 

However, sanctions that ECOWAS placed upon Niger have largely inhibited its means of trade. So much so that Members of the House of Representatives have posed the question to the Nigerian government to reopen borders with Niger amid growing concerns over the consequential hardship faced by Nigerians. Ultimately the means for prosperity and development are readily available, to attain this Niger and its counterparties must come to a resolution that puts the needs of Nigerien people first.

– Ruairí Greene
Photo: Flickr

Camels to Help Ease Poverty in Niger    

Poverty in Niger
When something so essential to a country’s well-being is on an economic swing, it may be hard for it to maintain— especially if there is no warning of the ways that will lead to an abundance of woes. In a land where agriculture is dire to the prosperity of its people, many cannot afford the setbacks stemming from a poor water infrastructure. However, in Niger, where the water is either too little or too much to sustain anyone, it is the livestock that heavily influences the level of poverty in Niger and determines who the poverty affects.

Background

Harmattan’s dry, dust-filled winds are frequent in Africa’s west side, dissolving clouds, lowering humidity and replacing the once fertile landscapes with inarable terrain. Increased temperatures in these settings will lead to the pervasiveness of droughts and strain in the agricultural sector— one that employs almost 90% of the population and could be a way out of poverty in Niger.

Last year, Niger experienced a 78% rainfall deficit in which its economy struggled to stay afloat. The agriculture sector makes up 40% of Niger’s GDP, missing the percentage of those living in extreme poverty by just 1.8%.

As the probability of a good year’s harvest dwindles due to prolonged drought, irregular rainfall and the increase in unsuitable land to carry out agricultural activity, many find themselves working in the field of livestock production where the benefits seem to outweigh the risks.

Livestock has a heavy association with wealth; 69% of livestock herders did so to make money. In rural areas, this figure increased by 10% with 79% of the population reporting that they were involved in livestock work to generate wealth, according to the 2020 Helda report.

Camels as a Status Animal

Though livestock production is not an avenue all Nigeriens explore, it is responsible for 90% of the country’s exports. However, all livestock production is not for monetary gain. According to World Atlas, some Nigeriens opt for subsistence farming where they carry out tasks to sustain themselves and their family.

Niger is a country that mainly uses camels due to their ability to withstand extensive droughts, high tolerance to desiccation and the low-risk, high-reward nature of the even-toed ungulate. Camels could be the safest animal to possess in comparison to other livestock animals as they are capable of providing a stable source of food and finances. They traditionally helped to extract water from dwellings, transportation and pack saddling. Now with new technology, they can help to plow through deserted soil and expose the nutrient-rich ones that were hidden underneath, providing farmers with a new, cost-effective way to cultivate the land.

During the dry season, farmers who engage in transhumance pastoralism begin to move their livestock through Niger’s mainlands in order for their livestock to feed, according to the 2020 Helda report. On these expeditions, herders sell, trade with or buy from locals. One camel can cost and sell for more than $1,600.

Breeding camels contribute to economic expansion as various breeds are in high demand. The value of the camel and other livestock goes without saying. In rural parts of Niger, people use livestock as an alternative payment method, according to the 2020 Helda report. Having a multitude of animals is also seen as a status symbol.

Milk Production

Camels also produce milk. However, milk coming from camels only consisted of 10.1% of the annual milk-related products to have come from the country, according to the 2020 Helda report. However, one entrepreneur, Wouro Habsatou Aboubacar set out to change that when she started her own camel milking and herding business as a teen. Aboubacar owns more than 100 camels and provides local groceries with milk and its townspeople with a source of employment. Niger is one of the top milk producers in West Africa, making more than 1,700 liters of milk a year, according to the 2020 Helda report.

Poverty Reduction

Rural poverty in Niger was at a time, averaging 65.5% in 1999. Urban poverty stood at 35.3%. Since the use of livestock as a means of survival and poverty reduction has been implemented, poverty dropped from 2005-2011, when Niger was among one of the countries that surpassed other coastal countries in livestock production. During 2011-2012, Niger made more than $482 million a year off meat alone, according to the 2020 Helda report.

Nigerien farmers usually make $500 a year. This number could increase by 12% if small-scale irrigation becomes widespread. At present, Niger’s economy is recovering from blows taken during the pandemic where their economy dropped by 1.5%, according to the World Bank. The agricultural boom could not only help the nation’s overall economy but the people living there as well.

– Dorothy Quanteh
Photo: Flickr

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10 Facts About Poverty in Niger

Poverty in Niger
Niger is a country in West Africa and is one of the world’s most impoverished nations. Although the country has made a significant effort in poverty reduction, Niger’s extreme poverty rate was 41.4% in 2019, affecting 9.5 million people. Here are the top 10 facts about poverty in Niger.

Top 10 Facts About Poverty in Niger

  1. Niger’s fast-growing population adds to its high poverty rate. The United Nations expects Niger’s population to triple by 2050. As a result, the country’s inability to break the cycle of poverty for impoverished families will increase.
  2. Population Services International (PSI) Corporation promotes family planning resources in Niger. In 2019, PSI partnered with the Nigerien Ministry of Public Health to administer an outreach mission for voluntary family planning to rural areas of Niger. For example, the operation provided long-acting contraception methods and health education.
  3. Niger battles hunger. As of 2015, with a population of 18 million, 81% of Niger’s population lives in rural areas. Due to the rurality, most of the community does not have access to a food market. This exacerbates the problem of food security for the 20% of citizens who do not have enough food.
  4. Action Against Hunger aided 429,301 Nigeriens in 2018. The program provided better access to food markets and seasonal cast-for-work opportunities. Action Against Hunger assisted families by donating seeds and agricultural tools to those in need.
  5. Niger encounters climate challenges. As a country in West Africa, the Sahara Desert covers 80% of Niger, causing challenges for agriculture. The dry climate and minimal crop growth force 40% of Nigerien children under the age of five to experience malnutrition.
  6. Frequent droughts harm Niger’s economy. Niger’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, accounting for more than 40% of its GDP. As a result, when the country faces continuous short rainy seasons, there are food and job shortages.
  7. The World Food Programme (WFP) assists Niger’s farmers. The WFP buys produce from local Niger farmers and connects the farmers with corporate markets. This program helps the farmers to gain a steady income and reduce poverty.
  8. CARE Niger transforms the lives of Nigerien citizens. Since 1973, CARE Niger has reduced hunger through its Food Security and Nutrition and Management of Natural Resources Program. The plan established farmer field schools that advocated for markets and nutrition.
  9. Conflicts near Niger’s borders affect its citizens. Thousands of Nigerians have fled Nigeria to Niger due to violent extremism. As a result, almost 23,000 Nigerian refugees arrived in Niger in April 2020 alone.
  10. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) establishes nutritional opportunities for Niger. In April of 2020, USAID announced a five-year plan titled the Yalwa Activity, which plans to bolster the capabilities of Nigerien farmers by mandating access to affordable, safe food. Additionally, the Yalwa Activity will enhance food storage for farmers, allowing farmers to sell their produce at markets across Niger.

With its growing population, harsh climate and troubled borders, Niger remains one of the world’s most impoverished nations. Nevertheless, through outreach and international aid, Niger hopes to reduce its extreme poverty rates.

– Kacie Frederick 
Photo: Flickr