Oxfam, together with our local partner organisation Karkara, is helping communities and local authorities in Banibangou, south-west Niger, to better understand how they use their fragile natural resources and adopt sustainable water and land management practices. The aim is to set up a model that can be scaled up and replicated in other parts of the country. 

In its first two years, the project has brought about tremendous improvements: farmers can irrigate their crops even in the dry season; farming production and household income have increased; women - who constitute the majority of farmers in Banibangou - are more empowered and their roles are being more valued; and water and land disputes have decreased.

Project aims

• Build communities' water and land management skills, by providing equipment and training, and supporting initiatives to monitor, protect and sustainably replenish their natural resources.
• Improve farming productivity and food supplies, by enhancing farming practices and supporting water-efficient irrigation systems to supply water to crops, even in the dry season.
• Reduce pressure on existing water resources by refurbishing wells for nomadic herders.
• Maintain local peace and increase collaboration among communities, by encouraging dialogue and joint planning.

 I have always practised market gardening but only on small plots, smaller than one square metre. Now, with Oxfam's and Karkara's support, I have enlarged the size of my plot to around four to five square metres.

I use some of what I produce for my own consumption and I sell the rest, so it's also a source of income. I can buy school stationery for my child and my nephews. And I can pay some medical expenses for my family too.

Madina Tahirou produces a range of vegetables, including potatoes, lettuce, carrots and tomatoes in the farming area of Banibangou.

Companies:

Kimberly Haynes - khaynes@oxfam.org.uk
01865 472431

If you're based in Scotland:

Annie Lewis - alewis@oxfam.org.uk
0141 285 8873