2 June 2010: Plan and partners have completed the first round of food distribution to 73,000 severely vulnerable people affected by the food crisis in Niger.
Working with the World Food Programme, Nigerien government and local non-governmental organisations, 1,048 tons of food has been delivered to families from 118 communities in the Tillabéri district - one of the worst hit areas.
More rounds will be required before the harvest begins in October and Plan is urgently appealing for funds to respond to the crisis.
Please make a donation to the Niger emergency appeal today.
Vital support
Poor rains and failing crops have left 7,800,000 Nigeriens without food. Many people have survived by eating leaves, reducing meals or sending children to work.
"This aid comes at the best moment because we have nothing to eat, and our living conditions are deteriorating day by day," said Gambi, a mother of 8 living in Sakoira, a village 10 kilometres from Tillabéri. Her family was given 100kg of sorghum.
In the weeks before the food arrived, teams of Plan and partners' staff spread out across Tillabéri ensuring that the roads were passable and local staff were hired to secure stores and warehouses.
Communities take the lead
Villagers have been key to the process, particularly by helping Plan staff identify the most vulnerable families.
"Communities led the process," said Fatouma Zara Soumana, Plan Niger's disaster response and risk reduction coordinator. "In some villages, the women took the lead - since often the women are most in touch with everyone's needs."