Tahoua and Agadez Provinces, Niger — January 18, 2008 — Today, IRD launched a program in the Tadress and Azawak villages in northern Niger, funded by a $2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, to build economic oppotunities for the the people of Niger.

"The technical services and training provided will increase local income in the short term and improve opportunities and the region's economy in the long term," said IRD-Niger Country Director Aaron G. Marshall. "But it could only happen with the enthusiasm and support of the local authorities and the communities themselves."

The official launch was conducted by Madame Afissou Saade Souley, Minister de l’Amenagement du Territoire (Territorial Administration). She challenged the communities to build their stake in and claim ownership of the program. The governor of the province of Tahoua, Amadou Zeti Maiga, also expressed appreciation to IRD and the people of the United States for their continuing collaboration.

The launch was attended by local and traditional leaders, the regional and departmental heads of the governmental services, military officials and local NGOs. In the weeks immediately following the launch, IRD will begin a series of agricultural development training workshops for the communities.

IRD was founded in 1998 as a charitable, non-profit, non-governmental organization dedicated to reducing the suffering of the world’s most vulnerable groups and providing tools and resources needed to increase their self-sufficiency.

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