Introduction

Ihsan is now moving beyond Sierra Leone to establish projects in various West African countries. The first focus is on the country of Niger.

Country Profile

Niger is a landlocked, Sub-Saharan nation, whose economy centers on subsistence crops, livestock, and some of the world's largest uranium deposits. It is the largest state in West Africa (twice as vast as Texas) but with a small population of some 12 million. Two–thirds of the country is desert. Cyclical drought (worst in 1969, 1973/4, 1985 and 2004/5) and locust infestation (as in 2004), have devastating effects on food production, animal husbandry and cash crops. Niger, along with other countries in the Sahel, suffers persistent food insecurity. The drought and locust infestation in 2005 led to food shortages for as many as 2.5 million people.

The Commune of Tarka

Ihsan, in collaboration with the Hidaya Foundation, has focused its attention on The Rural Commune of Tarka, with its administrative center in Belbedji, and a population of 56,199 inhabitants. The Commune occupies an area of 11,000 square-km, and includes two main areas: 1) The sedentary area in the South comprising 126 villages in which the inhabitants are farmers; and 2) The Northern pastoral region comprising 64 nomadic tribes who are exclusively devoted to raising livestock. The Rural Commune of Tarka is located in the south of the Sahelo-saharian strip and is one of the driest and most vulnerable areas, given its geographical location. With the threat of desertification, access to water is very difficult. The valley named Tarka crosses the commune westward along a distance of about 60 km in length; its bed is currently threatened by sands that can cover it up and by the degradation of its potential for vegetable growth, which is not only due to the consequences of the desertification, but also to the abusive cutting down of trees by the populations who use the trees as a source of income in order to cope with the tough economic conditions. The Commune also has poor infrastructure, especially roads. There are no paved roads in the Commune, which makes the Rural Commune of Tarka one of the most isolated communes.

Ihsan Projects

In response to the Niger 2004/5 famine crisis, Ihsan started various initiatives in October 2005 to alleviate the suffering of the people of Niger. Food (rice) was distributed to about 950 households in 4 villages and 64 nomadic camps, representing 4% of the population of the commune of Tarka. Livestock (goats) were given to 260 households (1 goat per household with priority to women and widows). Medicines (chloroquin, paracetamol, injectable vitamins, metronidazol, and antibiotics) were also distributed. and an electric generator was purchased to supply water to the population of the village of Zongon-Algabid. In January 2006 Ihsan focused on more long-term solutions to the famine crisis with the establishment of food banks in six villages as well the distribution of goats to get the nomads back on their feet. Ihsan also touched on education by extending help to three traditional schools.

Summary of Ihsan and Hidaya Relief Projects in Niger

Ihsan, in collaboration with the Hidaya Foundation, undertook the following projects in Niger: