Climate Change in Niger

Climate Change in Niger

Climate change is causing problems all over our planet and while some countries deal with floods, others struggle with drought. TEAR Fund works in many countries where constant drought and lack of clean water are a daily struggle.

Take for instance a project where TEAR Fund is working with nomads on the edge of the Sahara desert  to preserve their nomadic way of life.

TEAR Fund is partnering with Jemed and TEAR Fund UK to bring hope to poverty-stricken nomads. Project Amidinine is working with the Tuareg and Woodabe nomads to achieve environmentally, economically and socially sustainable livelihoods.

Currently the semi-nomadic way of life practiced by the Tuaregs and Wodaabes, isn’t sustainable. Eventually the ravaged environment and social structure of Niger will force an end to their lifestyle and culture. There must be a way for nomads to develop economically, socially and culturally, and retain their traditional way of life in an environmentally sustainable way. Jemed is working closely with the nomads to enable this to happen.

The nomads themselves,have identified the principal challenges and solutions which need to be addressed so their culture survives and a more sustainable way of life is developed. Issues surrounding safe drinking water, land preservation, environmental management, legal land rights, food security, education for both children and adults, and health care are now being addressed through the project. Fixation Points became the solution. ‘Fixation points’ provide schools, wells, health care training, grain banks and animal loans to nomads.

Families camp around the fixation points during the hardest months and some family members stay throughout the year. Others continue their nomadic lifestyle coming back for periods.   

Presently, Project Amidinine operates at 19 active sites across the Sahel desert. New sites are being opened, and lives are being changed while still retaining the unique and valuable nomadic culture.

If you would like to know more about this project or would like to give, phone 0800 800 777 or email enquiries@tearfund.org.nz