Context
Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world, ranking last on the Human Development Index (UNDP). A landlocked country in sub-Saharan Africa, its economy depends on crops, livestock and uranium. In recent years, cycles of drought and desertification have led to major food crises.
The lack of water and the scarcity of vegetation also lead to the increasing displacement of nomadic populations; shepherds can no longer rely on the lakes, which are often dry, to water their herds. Water scarcity thus increases the dependency of populations on wells.
Our action
Since 2001, on the initiative of Agathe Bagnoud, godmother of François-Xavier Bagnoud, FXB has been building or rehabilitating damaged wells with and for the Tuareg population, a minority ethnic group.
Some wells can no longer be used because their wooden structure is deteriorated or rotten, or they are too shallow. FXB rebuilds the cement entry points in order to increase protection and water circulation inside the well.
These wells considerably improve the living conditions of the populations in the remote and arid areas of the north of the country.
