Niger

Long months of hunger between meager harvests hold Niger's families in a brutal grip. Mercy Corps is helping them break free.

Photo: Thatcher Cook for Mercy Corps

In Niger, one-fifth of the population is at risk for chronic malnutrition caused by cycles of famine. Children, already the most vulnerable group, are hardest hit. Mercy Corps is helping determined Nigeriens build locally sustainable health and nutrition networks so that communities can better cope with food crisis. We have supported 130 clinics where mothers bring their undernourished children — in one of the most dire cases, a three-year-old weighing just 15 pounds — for intensive feeding regimens and lifesaving advice.

Special Report: The Cycle of Hunger ›

Mercy Corps is working to help determined Nigeriens build locally sustainable, resilient health and nutrition networks so that communities can cope with crisis - and mothers can provide a healthier future for their young children.

Video: Fighting Malnutrition ›

In Niger, an estimated 10% of children under five are considered malnourished.

Q&A with Christy Collins ›

Mercy Corps' country director answers questions and makes observations on life and work in Niger.

Fati: Taking Action for Her Son ›

Despite uncertainty, Fati Issia is determined that her young son Moctar will have a healthy start.

Boubacar: A Nurse's Helping Hands ›

Life is hard in Sanam, Niger; Boubacar Harouna knows that better than most.

Three Wails ›

Two visitors experienced the fragility of life in Niger firsthand in the desert-fringed town of Sanam.

Niger's Faces of Need ›

Mercy Corps' John Hanson reports on the precariousness of life for families braving a persistent food crisis.

Help Nigerien Mothers Like Fatima ›

Mercy Corps' feeding program in Niger is helping children and mothers made vulnerable by an ongoing food crisis.

Malnutrition Still Shadows Niger's Children ›

Mercy Corps is responding to famine conditions in Niger with comprehensive feeding, nutrition and health programs.

Responding to Health Needs in Niger ›

Mercy Corps has an emergency team on the ground in one of Niger’s most famine-stricken areas, helping serve malnourished children and families by improving the quality and reach of critical health care.

Niger Facts

Population (2008): 13.3 million
Size: slightly less than twice the size of Texas
Human Development Index rank: 174 (out of 179)
Mercy Corps has worked here since 2005
Primary work: Health, nutrition, good governance, youth empowerment
Population living on $1 a day or less: 56%
Number of communities where we've assisted with health and nutrition programs: 130
Number of malnourished children treated: more than 45,000

Program Details

Since 2005, Mercy Corps has worked with local and regional authorities in more then 130 communities to promote health and nutrition.

Read more ›

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Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

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