From vulnerability to resilience: the benefits of goat kits for the women of Bagaroua

From vulnerability to resilience: the benefits of goat kits for the women of Bagaroua

The department of Bagaroua, located in the Tahoua region of Niger, faces increasing insecurity due to several factors. The region is indeed affected by the activities of armed groups and intercommunity tensions. These armed groups, often linked to terrorist networks operating in the Sahel, carry out attacks against civilians, security forces, and local infrastructure. This insecurity led to massive displacements of populations who had to flee their villages to seek refuge in safer areas, thus creating camps for internally displaced persons including that of Bagaroua. 

These population movements have led to an acute humanitarian crisis. Once settled, these displaced people most often lack food, drinking water, health care, and adequate shelter. “I lost my husband in my village in Mali. I also lost all my resources by leaving my village when I was fleeing insecurity by coming here to Bagaroua. I have nothing to support my children. We manage day by day and it’s very difficult for my children,” says Aichatou, a widow and mother of five children.

Insecurity has also disrupted local economic activities. Markets are closed, trade routes are dangerous, and farmers cannot access their fields, leading to lower agricultural production and higher food prices. These consequences show the scale of the challenges facing the Bagaroua department. 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 intervening through several humanitarian activities in response to this crisis caused by insecurity to help relieve the suffering of this displaced community in Bagaroua. Thus, World Vision Niger, to further strengthen the resilience of displaced people, initiated a distribution of 100 goat kits composed of 300 goats to 100 female heads of households, widows and divorcees, including 70% internally displaced persons (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. I am grateful for this help which gives me confidence.”This initiative aims to improve the living conditions and strengthen the resilience of these vulnerable and marginalized households. These kits are designed to enable beneficiaries to start a goat breeding activity and to enable beneficiaries to generate income through the sale of milk, meat and kids. This helps improve their purchasing power and reduce poverty. “The goats I received give me new hope. As a widow, I had lost everything I had. Before receiving the goats, I struggled 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 now I feel more independent and able to provide for my family,” adds Alguima.  These impacts show the importance of goat kit distributions to support vulnerable households and strengthen their resilience. By this, World Vision Niger continues to play a crucial role in improving the living conditions of communities affected by crises.