Postcard from the Field: Preserving land in Niger
In Djetkoram village, Niger, Catholic Relief Services counters conflict and promotes stability through a Cash-for-Work project, which distributes cash to local community members people recently displaced by Boko Haram violence in exchange for work on community projects. The majority of displaced people are seeking refuge in local communities, putting a strain on already vulnerable host families coping with the effects of climate change and poverty.
Adam Bassaí, 49 years old, works to prevent fertile land from transforming into desert in September of 2016. He and other community members from the village construct barriers along sand dunes using dried plants. The cash they receive in exchange provides an injection of resources that can be used to address a range of needs. With support from the USAID Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance, this project is helping more than 6,000 households in Diffa, the region of Niger most affected by Boko Haram violence. The cash distributions are also supported by Global Affairs Canada in partnership with Development and Peace (CARITAS Canada).
Postcards from the field features submissions to the Climatelinks photo gallery. This photo was submitted to the “Reducing conflicts by strengthening capacity” category of the 2019 Climatelinks photo contest. The Climatelinks community is encouraged to submit new photos to the 2020 Photo Contest through this submission form.
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