Water for life in the Sahel region of Niger
Hand-digging a well in the Sahel region of Niger.
Photo: NAGARTA
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NAGARTA (a Housa word meaning “welfare”)
Continuing a Church World Service-sponsored Water for Life / Water for All project in Niger, some 1,898 people (about 278 households) in Baourou are gaining wells of their own through NAGARTA to provide water for household use and for their livestock and gardens.
Village women and children are responsible for fetching household water, along with other domestic duties. They walk miles each day in search of water – water that may be polluted and carry waterborne disease.
The existence of permanent water points that provide quality water will improve nutrition, especially for children. It can also encourage the creation of income generating activities, such as irrigated village gardens. This will assist in reducing the famine that chronically exists in this part of Niger--the arid southeast.
The community is assisting NAGARTA in drilling one hydraulic well which will be used for drinking water. In addition, ten shallow garden wells are being dug and three pumps provided to irrigate family gardens. Other equipment and small tools for gardening are also being provided to the families.
NAGARTA is providing training in water and environmental management, conflict avoidance, and legal rights. A village committee for self-sufficient food security is also being formed.
The community is donating its labor to help install the wells and is fully involved in the realization and success of the project. Training in well-digging and maintenance, and in management of the work is reinforcing the community’s capacities. The community is contributing part of the funds for the project and is providing the well-diggers with food and lodging.
Support for Church World Service helps make this program possible.
Updated 6/10/2008
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