UN activates its anticipatory action framework in Niger

The United Nations (UN), in close collaboration with the Niger government, has activated an anticipatory action framework in the country to prevent and mitigate the immediate impacts of insufficient rainfall related to drought and climate change.  

In total, 9.5 million US dollars (9.5 million euros) has been released from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF). With these funds, the UN and its partners will support some of the most vulnerable and at-risk communities through anticipatory humanitarian interventions that help mitigate the impacts of the rainfall deficit recorded between June and July 2022.

“Our humanitarian system must be as proactive as possible to prevent suffering,” said Martin Griffiths, the under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator. “This CERF allocation should be a reminder to all to fully fund ongoing operations and support the anticipatory approach.”

In Niger, rainfall deficits are affecting many farmers who have experienced failed plantings up to four times this season already. Droughts are also the main factor in the deterioration of the livelihoods of pastoralists in agropastoral and pastoral areas, contributing to their vulnerability and poverty.

The current rainy season is essential for farmers and pastoralists to produce enough food to meet the food and livelihood needs of their families, communities and livestock until next year's harvest. However, there are concerns about the outcome of this season in places where rainfall measurements between 1 June and 31 July 2022 were among the lowest in the past 30 years, particularly in the southwest of the country.

The humanitarian situation in Niger remains complex due to the multiple crises affecting the country. This year, 3.7 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance due to insecurity, global economic shocks and last year's erratic rains. While some regions face up to drought, other parts of the country have been severely affected by floods in recent months, with the IFRC activating its Early Action Protocol for Floods in August.

This is an amended version of an article published on ReliefWeb. 

Photo: A cash-for-work programme in Gobro village, Niger. These structures preserve water when it next rains, refilling the water table and encouraging the regrowth of vegetation. This was part of an Oxfam project run in partnership with the World Food Programme and the NGO Mooriben. © Fatoumata Diabate/Oxfam, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0