CARE International’s history in Niger
CARE began working in Niger in 1973 to help communities facing a devastating famine.
Over time, we have continued to focus on food security while expanding our work to support communities in other areas – these include health and nutrition, education, women’s empowerment, and emergency response.
Niger is also the birthplace of CARE’s Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) approach, known locally as Mata Masu Dubara (MMD), which supports women to save money and access small loans. Since its creation in Niger, VSLAs have become one of our most successful methods to help women improve financial independence.
CARE and partners’ work in Niger today
CARE works with communities and partners to help communities facing food shortages and support access to basic services. We focus on:
Crisis response
CARE provides humanitarian aid to communities affected by conflict and displacement. Our support includes cash assistance, shelter, food, child protection, and access to water and sanitation.
Food and water
CARE supports food security and nutrition through farming activities, improved water management, and access to safe water and sanitation services.
Health
We support access to health and nutrition services and works to prevent disease outbreaks, including through promoting good hygiene practices.
Making the economy work
CARE supports livelihoods and economic activities through savings groups and microfinance approaches, including VSLAs or Mata Masu Dubara, as the approach is known in Niger.
Climate
CARE supports communities facing drought and flooding linked to changing rainfall patterns. We also support a food crisis early warning system that brings together information from communities, government, and monitoring agencies.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE’s work in Niger.
CARE supports women through savings groups and livelihood activities that strengthen their economic opportunities and social participation.
For recent updates on CARE’s work in Niger, see here.
