Perceptions of famine and food insecurity in rural Niger

The first is a study of villagers" perceptions of food security in 11 sites in the arrondisements of Tera, Filingue, and Ouallam in Tillaberi department. Filingue and Ouallam arrondisements were chosen for their record of chronic food deficits and Tera arrondisement as a comparison due to its generally greater supply of natural resources. Respondents describe the famines they have experienced, their strategies for producing food and income, perceptions of food security and of vulnerability, coping strategies during poor years, local forms of assistance, and receipt of food aid. The second paper, a Social Soundness Analysis for the Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation Project, examines the sociocultural milieu in which the project will operate, with particular attention to local perceptions of disasters/emergencies; concerns relating to gender and disadvantaged populations; and participation in disaster mitigation activities. Lessons learned from cash-for-work and food-for-work projects are included. The third paper presents local chronologies of famine in central and western Niger dating from 1913 to 1984. The famines are denoted by their local names. The fourth, a literature review. focuses on food security, vulnerability, early warning systems, coping strategies, and traditional assistance. Includes a 4-page reference list.