Niger – July 7, 2008 – In northern Niger, a series of natural disasters such as locust invasions, drought, and flash floods have had a devastating effect on the livestock. During a recent assessment IRD found that 70% of the population lost more than half of their herds and 30% lost all of their animals.

Animals such as sheep and goats, which Nigerians use to provide milk and to sell or barter for millet, were the most affected. Without these animals, the local population began to experience a serious food shortage – made worse, of course, by rising food prices.

As part of an effort both to restore the herds and to protect the people of Niger from being affected by future natural disasters, IRD has distributed 2,000 goats to the people of Azawak and Tadress regions. All animals are de-wormed and vaccinated, with recipients receiving additional information on goat husbandry. IRD is also undertaking longer-term infrastructure projects to help ensure herd health.

“The goats increase agricultural production, and agricultural production increases income. Increased income means the people of Niger will be less vulnerable to drought, crop damage, and rising food prices,” said Aaron Marshall, Country Director for IRD in Niger. “Plus, infrastructure improvements like the rebuilding the watering points will help prevent the same loss of livestock in the future. We’re building resiliency.”

The distributions are part of a two-year U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food for Progress program which will improve the food security of 40,000 individuals in those areas. The focus of the program will be to increase agricultural production through animal restocking, creation and preservation of pasture reserves, rehabilitation and creation of water points for livestock, and increased vegetable production.

IRD will use proceeds from the sale of USDA commodities (mostly rice) to strengthen the economic base of herding households through the reconstitution of herds, rehabilitation of livestock watering points, promotion of pasture reserves and creation of fire-breaks around pasture lands. The distribution of livestock began in May of 2008 and the program will continue for two years.