Food crisis in Niger
Concern started its emergency programme in Niger in July 2005, in response to crippling food shortages in many areas.
Although the harvest in October brought some relief, for many families it was not enough and the food is already starting to run out. The effects of last year's crisis are still being felt, as many people sold land and livestock in order to survive. It is estimated that two million people are at risk from food shortages. The next harvest is in six months' time.
Concern is continuing to provide supplementary food and medical care to those most in need. Since the programme started, Concern has provided food for over 50,000 people.
Concern’s emergency nutrition programme started in July 2005 and treats 7,000 children at 18 distribution sites. Concern also provides medical care and intensive feeding at its stabilisation centre, where children are referred by Concern and other agencies. In addition, family rations supplied to the children’s families have provided supplementary food to approximately 50,000 people. Concern has a team of 18 international and 200 national staff working throughout Tahoua region.
Food and poverty
The reasons for the ongoing crisis are complex and go beyond access to food. There is long-term poverty in Niger, made worse by poor health services, a weak education system, lack of manufacturing and exports and a harsh environment straining to provide enough food for the population.
Life expectancy
Even in a so-called “good” year, one in four children in Niger do not live to see their fifth birthday and many of these children die of preventable diseases. Life expectancy stands at 44. All of these factors combine to make the population vulnerable, even in a “normal” year.
Concern’s nutrition programme will continue as long as the numbers of malnourished children remain high, but it is also looking to the future and how it can work with the government and the local population to tackle some of the many issues the country faces.
- Niger nutrition programme in action: Saratou's story
Twenty year old Zeinabou had been ill for weeks. Her second daughter, Saratou, 20 months old, was also sick - very sick, having fallen ill soon after she had been weaned. For three months her mother had tried to care for her, but to no avail. (02 Oct 2006)
- Ongoing Crisis in Niger
Recent press reports from Niger have highlighted the ongoing crisis in the country. In Tahoua, where Concern works, there are still high levels of malnutrition despite a good rainy season and recent harvest. (29 Nov 2005)
| 08/08/2005 | Article & Video | Crisis in Niger, NBC talks to Concern's programme director, Dominic MacSorley |
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