After severe drought and locust infestations, International aid agencies brought Niger to the worlds attention in 2005. Described as one of the poorest countries in the world, It was estimated that over 2 million people faced death & starvation if immediate action wasn't taken to assist the most vulnerable.
News reports from areas such as Tahoua, Zinder & Maradi highlighted some of the worst suffering. Nomadic tribes in this harsh sub-saharan country were hit the hardest. almost totally reliant on livestock, the drought decimated herds of cattle & goats leaving them with little option but to sell land and possessions to feed their families.
Lack of clean drinking water, inadequate sanitation, poor health care and the high prevalence of Malaria all contributed to the problems. Support of programmes designed to tackle these fundamental issue, by the Government and the International community, were seen as essential if any long term change was to occur.
In early June 2006 the United Nations Childrens Fund (Unicef) reported that over $3 million was required to address the needs of women and children most affected. " Niger faces an acute and chronic nutrition crisis," UNICEF said, citing a recent survey showing that 15.3 percent of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition and 50 percent from chronic malnutrition, rates comparable to those observed in conflict zones and the worst emrgencies in the world.
One of the eight millenium goals of the United Nations is the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty and by 2015 reduce by half the proportion of people who suffer from Hunger.
email: liron_bruce@yahoo.co.uk Mob: 07700328658
