Oxfam's work in Niger in depth

Niger has consistently been one of the world's poorest countries (ranked 174 out of 177 in the Human Development Report 2007). The 2005 food crisis illustrated how minor shocks are having an increasingly severe impact on the lives of the poor, and that more people are at risk of falling into poverty. Given the food security problems in Niger, supporting the Nigeriens' right to adequate food and freedom from hunger is a key strategic way for Oxfam to fulfil its mission of overcoming poverty and suffering in the country.

In Niger, Oxfam is supporting the most vulnerable and marginalised communities living primarily in agricultural and pastoral zones, where resources are fragile and the environment harsh and unpredictable. Our current programme in Niger focuses on food security and education.

Food security

The Food Security programme aims to help improve the livelihoods, and reduce the risks of shocks and exposure to food insecurity, of poor producers in farming and pastoral zones. To achieve our food security programme objectives, Oxfam is aiming at:

(i) increasing the income and wealth of poor producers by developing the capacity of communities and authorities to sustainably manage water resources;

(ii) strengthening the economic and political power of livestock producers and their influence in cross border trade markets;

(iii) improving the capacity and accountability of key stakeholder to respond to food insecurity and food crisis

Food security programme impact

We aim to have the following impact with our food security work in Niger:

Communities and households are better able to manage water resources in a sustainable manner
Communities are better able to adapt to climate change and natural disaster
The government adopts, integrates and implements water resource management plans to promote livelihood growth for the poor
Poor producers practise improved collective organisation and decision-making in order to maximise their earnings
Livestock organisations are able to successfully develop and implement business economic models for livestock commercialisation
Livestock producers and organisations have stronger civic engagement and lobbying influence
Poor livestock producers will have a better economic environment supported by appropriate policies in public and private sectors
National and international stakeholders will demonstrate improved consensus and coordination in addressing food insecurity and crisis
Policies and practices reflect a greater awareness that ‘access to adequate food and freedom from hunger for people from Niger’ is a fundamental right and hence responsibility of all stakeholders

Education

Education is fundamental to addressing gender inequities and reducing vulnerabilities. Yet a lack of investment in education continues to disadvantage the most vulnerable in Niger. Issues of access, quality and governance characterise the education system in Niger.

The Oxfam Education Programme is contributing to ensure universal and equitable quality education that provides the appropriate skills to all children. It also empowers communities to claim and protect their rights and influence decisions that affect their lives. The programme promotes an accountable and transparent management of education resources at all levels.

To achieve our education programme objectives, we work with our partners to:

(i) support quality, governance and universal access to basic education in Niger by 2015;

(ii) improve accountability and the capacity of the government and key stakeholders to address related critical factors that affect access and quality;

(iii) carry out advocacy and capacity building work to press stakeholders for increased resources to support the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper education targets and efficient management of resources.

Education programme impact

Oxfam’s education programme in Niger aims to bring about the following key changes:

The government and international donors respect officially agreed financial targets
Increased participation and capacity of civil society organisations and local communities to access, support and monitor education resources management from national level down to the school level
Decentralisation processes provide adequate resources to schools and allow communities to make decisions concerning allocated resources
Local communities abolish beliefs, values, customs and practices that act as barriers to access to education for girls
Local education authorities and education services have the capacities and resources to deliver quality education
Pro poor models of good education initiatives and practices are used effectively for evidence based advocacy and policies
Equal access to education opportunities for both boys and girls
Education curriculum takes into account gender relations and facilitates more interactions in classrooms
Equal representation of both men and women in decision-making structures in schools and other social community structures

Learn more about the West Africa Regional Pastoral Programme

Last updated: November 08