Niger | ASB Foreign Aid

Assistance for the economic development of livelihoods in Tahoua | Niger

The ASB supports communities in the northern region of Tahoua affected by climate change, violence, natural disasters and food insecurity. During the low-yield season, the ASB helps distribute animal feed to displaced livestock farmers, refugees and vulnerable households. Children are particularly affected by violence, displacement and poverty, which is why the ASB supports ten schools in the region. The ASB also helps households by distributing stoves made specially for the region, animal feed and unconditional cash.

The project

Project title: Economic development of the livelihoods of refugees, displaced persons and host communities in the departments of Tilia, Tchintabaradene and Abalak in the northern region of Tahoua in Niger
Project region: Tahoua region, Niger
Financing: UNOPS – “LIVES IN DIGNITY” (EU) and own resources
Project volume: $ 837,782
Duration: 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2023
Target group: Refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities

This project focuses on the departments of Tilia, Tchintabaradene and Abalak in the northern region of Tahoua. The growing presence and frequency of attacks by non-governmental, para-military and criminal groups, as well as intense ethnic tensions in the region, have led to a large number of Malian refugees and internally displaced persons arriving in the region. The majority of the population are shepherds and livestock farmers, who are confronted with the current conflicts over natural resources such as drinking water and the consequences of climate change. Most schools in the three departments lack furniture and school materials. In order to go to school, the children have to stay overnight in the village and are thus separated from their parents. As a result, many parents are reluctant to enrol their children in school.

How the ASB is helping in Niger

Unconditional cash for disaster-stricken households

The ASB helps people affected by disasters get back on their feet with unconditional cash transfers. With the money, they can maintain their livestock, buy food, access health services or repair their homes. In February 2022, bushfires ravaged more than 15,800 hectares in Abalak in the Tahoua region. More than 1,191 animals were killed. The ASB responded immediately, identifying the 80 most vulnerable households. They received unconditional cash, which enabled them to replenish their livestock and ensure their livelihoods. In May 2022, a new wave of refugees from Mali and internally displaced persons arrived in Tahoua due to the deteriorating security situation on the Niger-Mali border. To respond to this new situation, the ASB provided unconditional cash assistance to 170 households affected by displacement.

Support for livestock farmers during the low-yield season

During the pastoral low-yield season between June and August of each year, the feed supply is exhausted, which endangers the livestock of many farmers. The ASB is helping 1,600 needy livestock farmers living in areas with a high feed deficit, and distributes animal feed. The project is aimed at displaced livestock farmers, refugees and vulnerable hosts, who each receive 250 kilos of wheat bran. This ensures that the animals have enough food to survive the lean period and ensures the continued existence of the farmers’ livelihood.

Distribution of climate-friendly stoves

In order to reduce the pressure that the large number of refugees and internally displaced persons exerts on local timber resources, 6,000 climate-friendly stoves are distributed to the households of refugees, displaced persons and host communities. This type of stove uses about 50% less firewood and other plant-based residues than a regular stove. In order to ensure the sustainability of the project, the ASB will also train local craftsmen in the production of these improved metal stoves. After their training, these craftsmen will produce this kind of stoves. This will allow them to earn extra income by repairing, manufacturing and selling the stoves.

Tables, benches and solar lamps for schoolchildren

The ASB works with ten schools that also house refugee and internally displaced children. The ASB built tables and benches to create a safe and secure environment in which the children can develop. The project also distributed school materials such as books, chalkboards, workbooks and pens. One problem in the area is the lack of electricity, which means that many pupils cannot do their homework after dark. That is why the ASB distributed solar lamps to 1,000 students and 15 teachers. This enables them to continue learning after sunset or prepare for the next day’s lessons.