Herding for Sustainable Futures

This has been an especially challenging period in Niger. The country had its first case of coronavirus in late March and the government reacted swiftly - they shut the borders, limited transit within the country, closed schools from Kindergarten through University, and asked people to remain home if possible. The government's reaction was necessary - Niger simply doesn't have the medical infrastructure to deal with a widespread outbreak. Unfortunately, as we've seen in many other countries, the impact of the virus goes well beyond the virus itself. Closing borders and limiting transportation stalled supply chains. It became harder to access basic necessities and as stockpiles dwindled, prices soared. RAIN's partner communities - poor, remote villages - are some of the hardest hit. 

In this way, COVID reiterated the importance of communities being able to meet their basic needs locally. Herding initiatives provide a layer of security for communities to provide for themselves - providing dairy, meat, and income. Now, more than ever, our partner communities need your support - local access to water and food is always critical but right now it is also urgent. 

While regular programming had to be put on hold for COVID, RAIN stepped in to ensure program participants had what they needed to make it through COVID safely, distributing soap, establishing washing stations, and providing health and hygiene training. These steps help communities transition back from quarantine to daily life while protecting their health.

 Thank you for your generosity and for standing by these communities in need. Please consider sharing this opportunity with your friends and family - none of us can do it alone.

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