Empowering Women of Bagaroua, Niger: Goat Kits Transform Vulnerability to Resilience
From vulnerability to resilience: the benefits of goat kits for the women of Bagaroua
The department of Bagaroua, in the Tahoua region of Niger, is facing increasing insecurity due to a number of factors. This situation has led to massive population displacements, forcing people to leave their villages and seek refuge in safer areas, creating camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). Once settled, these displaced people most often lack food, drinking water, health care, and adequate shelter.
I also lost all my resources by leaving my village
"I lost my husband in my village in Mali. I also lost all my resources by leaving my village when I fled insecurity and came here to Bagaroua. I have nothing to feed my children. We live from day to day and it's very difficult for my children," says Aichatou, a widow and mother of five.
Insecurity has also disrupted local economic activity. Markets are closed, trade routes are dangerous and farmers cannot access their fields, leading to lower agricultural production and higher food prices. These consequences illustrate the scale of the challenges facing the department of Bagaroua. A coordinated and sustained response is needed to mitigate these impacts and restore security and stability in the region. This is why, since 2022, World Vision has been responding to this insecurity-related crisis through several humanitarian interventions to alleviate the suffering of this displaced community in Bagaroua.
A new hope !
To further strengthen the resilience of displaced people, World Vision Niger initiated the distribution of 100 goat kits, each containing 300 goats, to 100 female heads of households, widows and divorcees, including 70% IDPs and 30% indigenous people from the commune of Bagaroua.
For Alguima, a widow and indigenous head of household, "receiving these goats was a blessing. They will allow me to start a small breeding activity. I will now be able to sell milk and kids, which will help me cover my family's expenses", she explained that it gave her confidence.
"This initiative aims to improve the livelihoods and build the resilience of these vulnerable and marginalised households. The kits are designed to enable beneficiaries to start goat rearing and generate income through the sale of milk and meat. This helps to improve their purchasing power and reduce poverty. "The goats I have received have given me new hope".
"As a widow, I had lost everything I had. Before, I received the goats, I was struggling to feed my children. Thanks to this kit, I am sure that I will be able to sell milk and kids, which will allow me to buy food and school supplies for my children. My life will change and I now feel more independent and able to provide for my family," adds Alguima. These impacts demonstrate the importance of goat kits in supporting vulnerable households and building their resilience. World Vision Niger continues to play a crucial role in improving the livelihoods of crisis-affected communities.