Agencies struggle to remit aid to Niger as food crisis expected to peak in June
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00:00Niger's military rulers still welcome humanitarian aid, even from Western countries that they
00:07have been fiercely criticising over the last year.
00:12This man works for an NGO that offers support to farmers in the region.
00:17Its work is funded by the EU and the US.
00:25This aid from USAID and the European Union is significant.
00:30It plays a huge role in our work.
00:34When this aid is cut, everything falls apart.
00:40We go to meet some of the programme's beneficiaries.
00:43Some have taken part in a course offering training about off-season farming.
00:48It's useful, but was stopped earlier than expected due to a lack of resources.
00:55Honestly, this NGO has helped us a lot.
00:59They provided us with motor pumps, gas, seeds and work equipment.
01:03We're very grateful.
01:05But today, with the lean season starting and our reserves running out, we need more assistance.
01:11Since last year, the rains have been scarce and we're facing a severe water shortage.
01:19The EU has pledged over 24 million euros in humanitarian aid to Niger this year.
01:26Some blame the shortages on the political, diplomatic and economic turbulence that followed
01:31last year's coup.
01:36In Niger, the cost of humanitarian aid is rising due to the closure of the border with
01:44Benin.
01:45We also struggle because the EU has cut off budgetary support.
01:53More than 4 million people in Niger are thought to currently need humanitarian aid.
01:59Many more could be added to the number if the main humanitarian corridor through Benin
02:04remains closed amidst a diplomatic standoff between the neighbours.