Niger Nomads

The Niger nomads are mostly livestock-raising people. The ethnic groups of Niger that comprise the Niger nomads or semi-nomads include Fulani, Kanuri, Tuareg, Toubou and Arabs. But these nomads of Niger are struggling for their existence because of the rapidly growing population and the consequent competition for meager natural resources.

In their struggle for the survival, the Niger nomads have often come into conflict in the recent years. The Niger nomads who mostly survive through cattle herding mostly run into distressing condition. A number of volunteer groups from foreign nations try to manage funds for the survival of the nomads of Niger.

The Woddabe nomads are found in plenty in Central Niger. The international photographer Carol Beckwith spent nearly one and a half years among the Woddabe nomads. She intimated with them and took snaps of their lifestyle.

Her photography book on the Niger nomads is accompanied with text accompaniment by Marion Van Offelen. Their joint effort has put forward the hapless condition of the nomads of Niger. Following the release of this book, donations have ushered in for the improvement of the life conditions of the nomads in Niger.

The voluntary group of Nomad Foundation has focused on the betterment of the living conditions of the Niger nomads. The Nomad Foundation with the provision of their aids is providing basic requirements and health to the Niger nomads. The voluntary group also promotes the handicrafts of the Niger nomads in the foreign markets. The volunteers also provide fun and enjoyment in the lives of the Niger nomads. One of such initiatives was the organization of a soccer game for the Tuareg children in Aboye, Niger by the Nomad Foundation.