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Niger
17-12-2025 | di COOPI
Niger. From emergency to resilience: an integrated response to food insecurity in Abalak
Niger’s capacity to adapt is severely limited by poverty, environmental degradation, and desertification. This situation is further aggravated by instability and structural barriers that weaken an already fragile humanitarian context marked by recurring food crises, which are sources of insecurity and malnutrition. The effects of climate change are particularly visible through the increasing frequency of droughts and floods, which undermine the livelihoods of vulnerable populations, agricultural production, water availability, and access to pasture, with direct impacts on food and nutrition security. Forced population displacement further exacerbates the limited access to adequate food, health and nutrition services, forcing people to interrupt their agricultural and commercial activities.
In order to strengthen resilience to food and nutrition insecurity, COOPI is implementing a 15-month project starting in July 2025 entitled “Assistance for the resilience of the displaced and host population in the Abalak department, Tahoua region, affected by insecurity and adverse weather events”, funded by the MAECI through AICS. The project is part of the “Resilience and Food Support in Tahoua (RESTA)” program (AID 013138/01/0) and is implemented by COOPI, the consortium leader, in partnership with Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgique (VSF-B) and the local NGO ADKOUL, in the areas of health and nutrition, agriculture, and food security. Adopting a Triple Nexus approach (humanitarian – development – peace), the intervention aims to address immediate food needs while reducing structural vulnerabilities and strengthening economic resilience and women’s empowerment in the Abalak department.
COOPI’s action contributes to strengthening local capacities in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition among children aged 0–59 months and among pregnant and lactating women (PLW). Until January 2026, the project’s two mobile nutrition units have enabled the admission of 3,284 children (including 1,574 girls) and 72 PLW for the treatment of acute malnutrition, either through direct care provided by nutrition staff or through referral to Outpatient therapeutic feeding centres for moderate and severe acute malnutrition (CRENAM and CRENAS) and to Intensive nutritional rehabilitation centres (CRENI) for complicated cases.
Community mobilization is a central pillar of the intervention, with 30 community relays trained in the IYCF (Infant and Young Child Feeding) approach and engaged in active screening using MUAC (Mid-Upper Arm Circumference). These relays have screened 19,467 children, identifying 1,272 cases of moderate acute malnutrition and 466 cases of severe acute malnutrition. In addition, 150 Mother-lead MUAC were mobilized to promote positive family and nutritional practices within communities. The project also supports the local health system through the mobilization of 17 health workers across six Integrated health centres and the CRENI of the Abalak health district. The provision of 500 WASH in Nut kits, as well as medical and nutritional supplies, contributes to improving hygiene and the quality of care for malnourished children.
The project also supports the strengthening of local governance in natural resource management, promotes the creation of economic opportunities for pastoralists and farmers, and helps reduce the vulnerability of rural communities through an integrated approach linking food security, agropastoral systems, and the capacity building of communities and local institutions. In this regard, during the 2026 lean season (June, July, and August), 855 households will receive support from VSF-B and ADKOUL through cash transfers, and some through the distribution of enriched flour, improved seeds, and livestock fodder.
COOPI has also launched the establishment of two school vegetable gardens in the primary schools of Azamor and Salama, under the Abalak Primary and Preschool Education Inspectorate. This initiative included training for teachers, members of the School Management Committees, Mothers’ Associations, and students belonging to green clubs on gardening techniques and the management of agricultural activities. The school garden is thus a valuable educational tool, promoting social cohesion, raising awareness about environmental protection, encouraging healthy diets, and teaching the principles of sustainable development. In addition, COOPI supported the functioning of school canteens through the provision of dry food rations (millet, cowpea, rice, and pasta) and seasonings (oil, canned foods, salt). The produce from the school gardens will help improve school meal menus and may also generate financial resources through the sale of surplus products to cover additional school needs.
The intervention also places strong emphasis on strengthening women’s productive and commercial capacities. In Niger, women face significant gender inequalities that limit their access to food, nutrition, and economic opportunities. Social norms restrict their decision-making power and their ability to mobilize resources for themselves and their children. In this context, resilience, economic inclusion, and women’s empowerment are a central pillar of the project. 50 women were identified and trained in the SIYB programme (Start and Improve Your Business) or in livestock management techniques to support them in formalizing their income-generating activities. The financial resilience of these women will be supported by a credit mechanism through Village Savings and Loan Associations. Furthermore, 64 women agricultural producers were selected to participate in the activities of the project’s two Agro-Pastoral Field Schools, aimed at strengthening their capacities to adapt crops and livestock to the effects of climate change.
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COOPI has been working in Niger since 2012, developing integrated multisectoral programs to respond to the various humanitarian crises affecting the country. In over a decade of presence, it has implemented more than 160 projects, reaching over 8,000,000 direct beneficiaries. Interventions focus on nutrition and food security, health and education in emergencies, psychosocial support and mental health, protection, disaster risk reduction and preparedness, as well as the promotion of entrepreneurship. COOPI also carries out rapid response activities and initiatives aimed at strengthening community resilience and mitigating the impact of climate shocks.