OBI food banks still running strong after two years
Hindatou and her family suffered during the 2005 Niger famine before OBI came to their aid.
After operating two food banks stocked with several tons of millet, OBI constructed an additional 14 banks in famine-stricken areas around Niger.
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POSTED: July 05, 2007
By David Darg and John Patrick
NIGER, Africa - Hindatou's smile beams out from among a crowd of children in her village of Garitoundi.
Yet her smile hides the harsh reality of life in this rural area. Every day, she hikes several miles under the blazing desert sun to fetch water for her family.
The past few years have been especially difficult for Hindatou – who recalls 2005 as a "scary time." That year, a devastating famine marked by months of drought and a severe locust infestation, left an estimated 3.6 million Niger residents on the brink of starvation.
Hindatou and her family were among the millions forced to journey to far off markets to purchase food – where vendors sold their wares at high, "lean season" prices.
Other times, they were unable to leave their village for weeks at a time, stranded by floodwaters.
However, a lifeline from the international aid community did come for Hindatou and thousands in her same situation.
Groups such as Operation Blessing and German partner, Humedica, delivered emergency medical aid village-to-village. Meanwhile, OBI worked with the World Food Program to help secure and distribute more than 5,000 tons of rice, beans, oil and other food supplies.
Two years later, the work hasn't stopped. After operating two food banks stocked with several tons of millet, OBI constructed an additional 14 banks in famine-stricken areas around Niger.
The concept of the food banks is simple. During the 'lean season,' the banks – managed by local government – distribute millet to the villagers as needed. During times of harvest, villagers give back a portion of their crops to help restock the banks, ensuring a year-round supply of food.
The program is working – and so far, there have been no hunger-related deaths in the villages the banks serve.
That's good news for Hindatou.
"Since we built the food bank in Garitoundi, Hindatou doesn't have to take the perilous journey to find food, and she no longer goes hungry," said David Darg, OBI's assistant director for international programs. "She is happy that things are looking better for her village."
How You Can Help
With your financial partnership, we can provide food for those caught in the grip of hunger and famine. Take part in Operation Blessing's life-changing works by making an online contribution today.
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