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Severe Drought in Niger and Mali

Niger and Mali are situated in the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa, which is especially vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The Sahel is already very dry and suffers from regular food shortages caused by drought. In recent years, the Sahara desert to its north is thought to have increased in size, heading southward into the Sahel. This may partly be due to changes in the climate that are making the region hotter, as well as the effects of deforestation that have allowed the sands to move. These changes in the region are making it increasingly difficult for farmers to feed their animals and have been contributing to the chronic food problems and shockingly high rates of malnutrition amongst the population. In this region, one in five children die before their fifth birthday.

As Mali and Niger become hotter and drier, access to clean water will become more restricted. During the last 100 years, the rainfall across Mali has decreased by up to 50 percent, causing massive social, economic and health-related problems. In 2005, food shortages left more than 4 million people on the brink of starvation. If scientific predictions are correct, then these food crises will become ever more frequent.

Islamic Relief has been working in Niger and Mali for a number of years and has provided emergency relief during periods of drought. In Niger, our work in the Tillaberi region has focused on planting trees, helping communities recover agricultural land and teaching them new techniques so that they are able to grow crops even during periods of drought. This has helped many families survive the food crisis, but the long-term effects of climate change need to be tackled to give the people of this region a more secure future.

Islamic Relief Sudan aims to be carbon neutral

Islamic Relief ’s Sudan office is helping to offset its carbon emissions by planting trees after every flight taken by staff. Due to the vast distances between Islamic Relief ’s offices in the country, flights have to be taken on a regular basis, but staff are conscious of the damaging effect this has on the environment.

The lack of trees is a serious problem in Sudan, as many areas are arid and drought-prone. The trees are being planted in public areas such as schools and health clinics, where they can also provide shade for the local community. Islamic Relief staff are also planting fruit trees such as mango and guava saplings in the homes of children sponsored by the organization. When these trees mature, they will provide fruit for the family and perhaps even be enough for them to sell at market.