Our Work

Agriculture and Food Security

Forty percent of Nigerien children under 5 years old are malnourished. Poor harvests caused by frequent droughts only make this situation worse. USAID provides food assistance in regions that are particularly affected by these conditions. We focus on the most vulnerable people, including pregnant and nursing mothers and young children. In addition to food aid, we provide technical assistance and training to help people feed themselves in the long-term. We also work with communities to help them identify and address malnutrition.

In an effort to make communities more resilient to food insecurity, we work to improve agricultural, livestock and resource management practices. This includes installing water wells for livestock and setting up irrigation for farms.

Democracy, Human Rights & Governance

Since Niger’s recent return to democratic rule, the Government of Niger has taken steps to fight the corruption and lack of transparency that continue to hold back effective governance. USAID is supporting this effort through the following activities:

• Helping Nigerien legislators manage the country’s natural resources;
• Encouraging cooperation on national resource management between the legislature and civil society organizations; and
• Supporting transparency and citizen participation.

Working in Crises and Conflict

Niger faces security threats from internal and external extremist groups. USAID is working to decrease the influence of such groups with programs in Niger and three other West African countries. We help governments and local partners undermine extremist messages and create partnerships with populations that might be vulnerable to extremist influence. With a special emphasis on young people, this program creates economic opportunities and increases legitimate civic and political participation through the following activities:

• Developing legal economic opportunities;
• Supporting moderate media messages;
• Engaging marginalized communities;
• Conducting peace-building efforts; and
• Supporting good governance.

In 2012, various factors – including the arrival of refugees from Mali – have worsened the already delicate food security situation in Niger. USAID is responding to this emergency by providing money to cover basic needs during the planting season. We also help farmers increase their crop production and work to rehabilitate community land that has been degraded by overuse.