Niger | ASB Foreign Aid

Humanitarian aid for vulnerable people in Tahoua | Niger

The ASB is working in Tahoua to support the livelihoods of refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities by distributing cash. In addition, the ASB has saved livestock from hunger and thirst with the construction of pumping stations and a deep well and secured the income of the shepherds. The ASB also improved access to drinking water and sanitation. In addition, the ASB supports one of the largest school canteens in the region and ensures that schoolchildren receive two healthy meals a day.

The project

Project title: Humanitarian aid for Malian refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities in Tahoua in the areas of CASH, WASH and food security
Project region: Tahoua region, Niger
Financing: Federal Foreign Office and own resources
Project volume: €4,302,173.91
Duration: 01/04/2020 - 31/03/2023
Target group: Refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities

The region of Tahoua has received many Malian refugees and internally displaced persons in recent years. Municipalities like Tilia have taken in almost as many people as half their own population, which immediately leads to very high pressure on natural resources. The majority of the population are shepherds and livestock farmers, who are confronted with current conflicts over natural resources. Limited access to natural resources such as pasture land and water has been a major cause of conflict in the region for years.

How the ASB is helping in Niger

Improving availability and access to sanitary facilities and drinking water

The ASB has drilled a 750-meter-deep borehole for a well and built a hybrid photovoltaic system in the village of Adrezagene, a place for displaced persons and refugees 20 kilometres east of Tilia. In addition, the ASB built a water station with eight taps for internally displaced persons, built separate latrines for the secondary schools in Intikane and Telemces and installed four water towers at the primary school, the teacher’s house, the secondary school and the clinic in Intikane. In addition, the ASB repaired pumping stations for livestock farmers in the cities of Infen and Machékari, making it easier for the livestock farmers and their animals to get water. With the assistance of the ASB, around 21,000 people have gained access to safe and clean drinking water.

Restoration of destroyed pasture land through “cash for work”

The ASB’s “Cash for Work” programme is combating desertification in the region by restoring used pasture land. The ASB also provides cash to many households that are struggling financially. The traditional “crescent” technique is used to restore degraded areas. After the crescents have been excavated, selected tree and plant seeds are sown during the rainy season. The plant species planted are adapted to the climatic conditions in the region and are resistant. The project has restored 2,000 hectares of degraded land. Of these, 720 hectares have been planted or sown with seeds. The remaining 1,280 hectares were planted by spreading seeds or existing seeds in the soil. 3,000 people in precarious situations have benefited from the “Cash for Work” programme and received a monthly income of 50 euros over three months.

Protecting the livelihoods of vulnerable people after disasters

In March 2021, a non-state armed group attacked settlements in the rural community of Tilia near the Mali border. The ASB was on hand immediately to help the people after the attack. 500 affected households, including 202 internally displaced persons, received cash amounting to around 150 euros. In addition, 1,200 cattle breeders were provided with free feed to protect their livestock from starvation. In addition, the ASB bought and distributed 300 tons of wheat bran to counteract the famine on the pastures in 2021.

Provision of meals for schoolchildren

The primary school in Intikane is one of the largest schools in the region and is attended by refugee, internally displaced and local children. For most of these children, their meal at the school canteen is their only balanced meal. The canteen is therefore a crucial factor for the food security of these children. The ASB therefore offers two healthy and balanced meals every day for 3,000 primary school pupils in Intikane.

Website: www.adkoul.org