In Niger, HI supports communities in the face of crisis

Niger is one of the countries most affected by the security crisis afflicting the Sahel. In the Tillabéri and Diffa regions, non-state armed groups have been stepping up their attacks for several years. Hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes. In the areas that have been attacked, the presence of improvised explosive devices contaminates the ground and continues to injure and kill civilians, who are often unable to identify them. Furthermore, recurring climatic hazards such as floods and droughts are exacerbating the situation, and many families are facing food insecurity. It is to address these needs that HI has launched a project to provide humanitarian aid and improve security and access for communities affected by conflict in Niger. This project is being implemented across several regions to protect communities, promote inclusion, and support food security.

Reducing the impact of armed violence and strengthening social cohesion

To reduce the risks associated with explosive devices, HI is implementing awareness-raising initiatives. Our teams organize educational sessions on the risks of explosive devices to teach local people how to recognize mines, identify signs of their presence on the ground, avoid dangerous areas, and adopt the correct behavior when encountering a suspicious object.
To ensure the sustainability of this initiative, focal points and community leaders have been trained in each region. In turn, these individuals raise awareness among residents and pass on warnings about potentially contaminated areas. Thanks to these efforts, the number of accidents and deaths linked to explosive devices has been gradually falling since 2021.
At the same time, the project has set up a support system dedicated to survivors of explosive devices. These individuals receive comprehensive care, including medical treatment and the provision of prosthetics where necessary. They also receive psychosocial support and assistance with economic reintegration. To date, more than 60 people have been supported.

“Thanks to this project, we have saved many lives. We are seeing a reduction in the number of accidents. When a victim of an explosive device undergoes an amputation, coming to terms with this situation is often difficult. Our role is to step in to support them,” emphasises Moussa Sidikou Sanda, project manager. 

The project also includes a component dedicated to social cohesion. In a context marked by tensions, particularly between farmers and herders, peace committees have been set up in the areas where the project is active. Trained by mediation specialists, these committees help prevent conflicts by facilitating dialogue between communities, thereby reducing the risk of violence escalating.

Including everyone 

In crisis situations, certain people are often overlooked, such as people with disabilities, women, older people, and children. HI addresses this by placing inclusion at the heart of its work: in partnership with the Niger Federation of People with Disabilities (FNPH), training sessions are organized on rights, accessibility, and inclusion. Those trained in inclusion then carry out awareness-raising activities to encourage everyone’s participation in community life.
People with disabilities have also received mobility aids, such as tricycles, crutches, and walking sticks. This equipment has enabled them to be independent in their daily lives.

“We have supported people with disabilities through training and awareness-raising on inclusion. We have also provided them with tricycles, walking sticks, and glasses,” says Fatoumata Tatou Bako, Inclusive Humanitarian Action Officer.

A flagship activity of this program is the organization of free mass medical outreach clinics. These enable communities living far from healthcare services to access, sometimes for the first time, specialist care in ophthalmology, ENT, or physical therapy. To date, more than 32,000 people have been treated: some have received glasses, others have undergone minor surgical procedures, and others have regained their mobility thanks to physical therapy. 

“A young girl had been so badly abused by her stepmother that she could no longer hear properly. She was treated by a specialist. Today, she is in school and can hear perfectly.” - Moussa Sidikou Sanda, project manager.

The program participants themselves highlight the importance of these initiatives:

“Before, I couldn’t get to my workplace. Now, thanks to HI’s support, I have my own tricycle. I no longer feel this disability. HI has also provided us with mats, pots and blankets.” - Maimouna Adamou, resident of Tillabéri.

Supporting food security and livelihoods

In the face of climate and economic crises, the project also provides direct assistance to households in need. Financial aid is granted following events such as floods or droughts to enable residents to meet urgent needs such as shelter and food. Thus, following severe flooding in 2025, 600 households in Diffa have already received financial aid. 

“Thanks to this money, many of our needs have been met. With the second payment, we plan to buy food, which makes us even happier.” - Moussa Kanuri, a resident of Diffa.

For families who have lost their homes due to displacement or a disaster, shelter kits have been distributed, accompanied by training in the construction of resilient homes to enable them to re-house themselves in dignified and safe conditions. 

“Today, thanks to HI, we have been able to build this lovely house. HI trained me to build this type of modern, resilient home. We can store our food safely here.” - Adamou Oumarou, resident of Diffa.

At the same time, additional support is provided to households in the form of seeds (millet, sorghum, groundnuts) to revive agricultural activities and strengthen food self-sufficiency.
To support families’ well-being, the project has also launched the ‘Mothers of Light’ program. These are local women who are trained in good nutritional practices and are then tasked with passing on this knowledge within their communities.

A tangible impact for communities

Since the project’s launch in 2021, the results have been clear: a reduction in accidents involving explosive devices, improved access to healthcare, strengthened social cohesion, and tangible support for livelihoods.

“I can say this loud and clear: this project has had a very positive impact,” says Moussa Sidikou Sanda, project manager.

The project is continuing with a second phase until the end of 2026, with the aim of proceeding to a third phase in order to continue to protect, include, and sustainably support Niger’s communities in need.