Women's Community Gardens in Niger

RAIN brings hope and food to communities of rural and nomadic people. Our Women’s Community Gardens provide economic stability and healthy options for families in the surrounding communities. These gardens give women the added boost that they need to get through difficult times and feed their children. Not only are they able to feed their families, but they are also able to sell their extra crops for a profit. Both supporting their community and themselves which is creating a big impact.

         Cold season growing helps women prepare for the hot-dry season. With irrigated crops, water is able to be provided year long. Without ready available water sources, like wells or irrigated water drip systems the crops dry and die. This year’s late rains have jeopardized many gardens. Well-irrigated women’s community gardens help buffer the burdened families during these difficult times. Families use the women’s garden as a source for their sauces that they eat, which provide more nourishment and flavor then they would otherwise receive.  

       There are many types of crops that these women rely on to feed their families. Onion, cucumber, pumpkin and squash, to name a few, play a huge role in the garden. They use most parts of the vegetables. They remove the onion’s leaves to use as added flavor and crush them into a powder. They have the ability to store these for harder times or to sell and produce a profit from their plot. Many of these foods can be dehydrated and last a long time. Being able to create stores of food is very important with the unpredictable rains and shifting seasons.  

        “The most difficult thing is just keeping up with the well-being of my family. Our daily household work and the difficulties that we face always challenge us. I am looking forward to working consistently in the garden to produce a lot. This will help improve the quality of food we eat and may help earn money in times of need.”- Mariam.

        Women use a technique of protecting their crops by planting corn rows on the east side of the garden. These rows of corn act as a wind buffer and protect the lower land plants from mixing seeds. Women are taught to garden. Many of these women have never gardened before, but learn and grow with the garden itself. This creates skills that can be passed on to others in the community. 

By donating you provide women with skills, seeds, equipment, and the ability to feed their families. This only strengthens women like Mariam and empowers others like her.