RESTA

Improving food and nutrition security and strengthening women’s income in the agri‑food sector of the Tahoua region

Description

This initiative focuses on the Tahoua region in Niger, an area severely affected by high rates of malnutrition and a deep scarcity of resources. The main objective is to strengthen food security and climate resilience among the most vulnerable families in the provinces of Tahoua, Kalfou and Keita.
To achieve this goal, the project adopts an integrated approach combining immediate assistance with socio‑economic strengthening. It responds to emergency by distributing targeted food supplies during periods of crisis and by activating canteens in three schools to ensure a nutritious daily meal for children and to encourage school attendance.

At the same time, the project invests in women’s empowerment—recognized as a key driver of lasting change—by supporting 90 women in managing three community gardens. These gardens promote agroecological practices adapted to the dry climate, improving access to fresh and diverse foods.
The project also creates sustainable economic opportunities by supporting eight women’s entrepreneurial associations and establishing small agri‑food processing units. This training and support pathway not only increases income but also builds strong networks of solidarity, making the whole community more resilient to future challenges.

SDGs

OBJECTIVES

The overall objective of the initiative is to strengthen livelihoods and resilience among vulnerable families in the Tahoua region in response to climate change.
The specific objective is to ensure that the most fragile groups in the areas of Tahoua, Kalfou and Keita improve their food and nutritional security.

Activities

To improve food security in the Tahoua region, the project combines immediate interventions with long‑term actions.
It supports the most vulnerable families by distributing food stocks during crises and ensuring regular meals for children through three school canteens. At the same time, it strengthens local food production by creating three women-led community gardens managed through agroecological techniques suited to the dry climate.

Communities also take part in awareness‑raising sessions to improve knowledge on nutrition, health and hygiene.
The project also strengthens women’s economic autonomy. It supports eight associations of women entrepreneurs by helping them improve their organizational capacities and by setting up small agri‑food processing units equipped with both technical and managerial training. Women who wish to start or expand a business receive tailored training programmes as well as initial support in the form of equipment and materials.

Output and results

Result 1: Improved access to quality and diversified food.
Key outputs:

300 vulnerable families received food kits containing raw and processed products.
3 school canteens operational, managed by 5 trained women per school.
90 women trained in agroecological farming and managing 3 community gardens.
60 women trained in food and nutrition health to act as community promoters.
More than 300 women reached through awareness‑raising activities on nutrition and healthy practices.

Result 2: Increased income‑generating opportunities for women in the agri‑food sector
Key outputs:

8 women’s entrepreneurial associations created or strengthened and trained in governance.
8 agri‑food processing units installed and fully functional.
40 trainers trained in processing and preservation techniques.
40 women trained in micro‑enterprise management following ILO methodologies.
8 in‑kind grants (500 euros each) awarded to the most promising initiatives.