Harouna Yahaya's inspiring journey to resilience
Harouna Yahaya's inspiring journey to resilience
In the Guidan Roumdji department of southern Niger, socioeconomic and food challenges abound. The predominantly rural region faces advanced agricultural land degradation, chronic food insecurity, and a lack of economic opportunities for vulnerable households. The village of Tchamro, nestled in this area, is no exception. It is in this difficult context that Harouna Yahaya's story takes on its full meaning."I am Harouna Yahaya, from the village of Tchamro. Before, my life was truly miserable. My family lived from hand to mouth, in complete poverty."
Harouna, a father and farmer, saw his once fertile land become barren, invaded by Sida cordifolia, a harmful plant that suffocates crops. With no other source of income, he struggled to feed his children and wives."Our land was producing almost nothing anymore. And I had no other activity to compensate."
It was then that a decisive turning point came with the arrival of the Maradi Integrated Resilience Project, funded by the World Food Program (WFP) and implemented by World Vision in the rural commune of Guidan Roumdji. This project, focused on the reclamation of degraded land, offered local communities the opportunity to participate in paid work: removing invasive plants, digging half-moons, and planting grasses and trees."At first, I wasn't even selected. But I begged Lawali to enroll me. Today, I thank God for his persistence."Thanks to his involvement in Food for Assets (FFA) activities, Harouna began to earn a monthly income of 19,500 CFA francs. This income, although modest, marked the beginning of a profound transformation."With this money, I was able to feed my family and even save. I saved up to 110,000 francs."
With his savings, Harouna invested in a cow, which gave birth to a calf. He also bought 25 cups of peanuts, which he planted on two plots of land. The harvest was exceptional: 40 bags of peanuts."I stored the bags until the price rose. Then I sold them and bought a motorcycle for 130,000 francs. That motorcycle is still there, and my cow is now in her third pregnancy."
Today, Harouna is a model of resilience in his village. He was able to turn an opportunity into a springboard to economic independence."I thank God for this business. It changed my life." »His message to his peers is clear:"I call on my compatriots: don't sit idly by. This project is an opportunity. It's not about remaining vulnerable and waiting for help. We must act to escape poverty."
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