• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

WE FIGHT FOR EVERY CHILD

  • Latest news
  • Contact us
  • My new icon
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Chance for Childhood HomepageChance for Childhood

We fight for every child

  • About us
    • Our Team
      • Our Staff
      • Our Trustees
      • Our Patrons And Ambassadors
      • Technical Advisors
    • Our Finances
    • Our History
    • Current Jobs
  • Our Work
    • Our Impact
    • East Africa
    • West Africa
    • #OverExposed
  • Get Involved
    • Corporate Partners
    • Funding Partners & Grant Makers
    • London Marathon
    • Give In Your Will
      • Donate In Memory
  • Donate
LATEST NEWS

Hunger-fighting trees

9 July 2012

Nigerien garden clubs: growing miraculous life-changing trees.

When you think about a garden club, many would immediately picture a group of people tending beautiful plants or flowers in their garden; something that would attract the bees and encourage the neighbours to make a friendly comment.

The scene couldn’t be more different for a group of women living in Niger, Africa, who after years of recurring droughts and watching their children suffer from malnutrition, have fought back with the return of the traditional Moringa trees.

The revival of the plant has been called the country’s ‘front-line weapon’, as it can produce crop throughout the year despite the harsh Nigerien environment.

Ramata Hama, daughter of the woman who suggested the gardening group, told reporters: “People were suffering because of the lack of food. Women are being forced to find work in Niamey [the capital]. They have to take their children with them, meaning they don’t go to school”.

The knowledge of this miracle tree had sadly become lost over the years, instead of harvesting it as a crop it was used to build fences. Its Hausa name literally means ‘fence tree’.

Its leaves are actually very nutritious, rich in Vitamins A and B, and could mean the difference between life and death for millions. For the children, it also means a chance to go to school.

It took some time for World Vision to persuade the people that the leaves were edible, but they have now helped train over 200 women to make use of its produce and cook nutritious meals with a mixture of its leaves and other local foods, such as chili, onion, and couscous.

This progress is a glimmer of hope for the 6 million Nigeriens, who according to Niger’s Early Warning System, still need immediate assistance.

Share on TwitterShare on FacebookShare on LinkedInShare on Email
We fight for every child Donate now

Footer

Get our emails

Stay connected

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Get in touch

01483 230 250


Safeguarding

If you have concerns about a Safeguarding or Child Protection issue, or would like to speak to us about a concern please contact:

Useful links

Our promise to you

Global safeguarding policy

Terms & conditions

Privacy and cookies policy

Complaints policy

Jobs

Gift Shop

Fundraising Regulator logo

Registered address: 3 Fairfields, 26 Green Lane, Cobham, KT11 2NN.
Correspondence address: Chance for Childhood, PO Box 3030, Romford, RM7 1US.
Charity registered in England & Wales no. 1013587. © 2021 Chance for Childhood

We use cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device. Privacy & Cookies policy ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT