Protecting food security in Niger

Joanne Thomas, Caritas Australia's Program Coordinator for the Humanitarian Emergency Group, shares some insight into her aid work and experience in Niger - the world's poorest country.



Village chief of Goure, Niger
welcomes Jo to the village where

Caritas is supporting those

affected by the 2009 food crisis


Access to food is a basic human right yet there are 1 billion people around the world who do not have enough food. Nearly all of these people live in developing countries.

Niger is the poorest country in the world. In the UNDP Human Development Index, it is ranked 182 out of 182 countries. It is landlocked and two-thirds of the country is desert terrain. In late 2009, severe drought and crop failure resulted in a food crisis that affected almost 50% of the population. By April 2010, a state of emergency was declared by the Niger government and a call for international assistance was put out.  



Caritas' 'Cash for work' program
involves sand dune fixation to

prevent further desertification



Caritas Australia responded to this call through our Africa emergency appeal. As the majority of Niger's population is engaged in subsistance farming, investment in agriculture and improved environmental conditions were highlighted as key priorities for delivering effective aid relief.    



Family houses are built near the

sand dune fixation projects

Caritas now supports people affected by the 2009 food crisis through a 'cash for work' program. This program includes sand dune fixation activities to prevent further desertification and protects food security for over 200,000 women and children, ensuring nutritional needs are met. Through our work in Niger, Caritas Australia is committed to overcoming global poverty and helping the
poorest of the poor build sustainable futures.



To learn more or donate to the Africa Appeal, please visit the Caritas Australia website.