CARE has increased its work to address ongoing food insecurity in Niger, focusing on the Diffa region in the eastern part of the country.

According tothe United Nations, a poor rainy season has created food shortages affecting nearly half of the population, or 7.5 million people.

CARE is implementing cash-for-work activities to provide poor families with money to purchase food and seeds in preparation for the coming planting season, and is distributing emergency food rations to vulnerable families. To increase resilience in the long-term, CARE is working with communities to strengthen cereal banks, improve water access points and rehabilitate and protect pasture land.

Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world according to the United Nations, with infant and maternal mortality rates among the highest in Africa. The majority of people living in Niger face regular food insecurity, and high levels of disease and illiteracy.

CARE is closely monitoring the impact of the Feb. 18 military coup on the humanitarian situation in Niger, and to date CARE’s programs have not been affected. CARE does not take sides in conflicts or support political parties. CARE is an independent, non-political organization working to reduce poverty in Niger and around the world. In Niger, our focus is on responding to the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable people.

CARE has worked in Niger since 1974. CARE’s programs are in livelihood security, civil society organisation development, governance, gender, health, HIV/AIDS and micro-finance. CARE Niger has solid experience in conflict resolution and community mobilisation around water, food security and natural resources management.