Niamey - Last month (October 2021), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Agence française de développement (AFD), and the High Authority for Peacebuilding (HACP) launched the KAWAR Economic Development Support Project (PADEK). The project aims to promote social cohesion in Kawar, northern Niger, and improve economic opportunities for youth.

A delegation consisting of the AFD Director, the President of HACP, IOM Niger's Chief of Mission, and senior regional and local officials from Agadez visited Bilma and Dirkou for the launch. 

The adoption of law n°36-2015 on the criminalization of activities related to irregular migration and smuggling of migrants has disrupted the economy of some communities in Niger. In Kawar, a migration hub, the populations of Dirkou, Bilma, Djado, and Fachi, the four communes of the region, have been particularly affected by this law. The various economic activities linked to transit migration have long been a means of survival for the communities. 

"The Kawar has been affected by the economic downturn in the last decade, due to changes in migration patterns and increasing insecurity. Moreover, its geographical position in the remote north-eastern region of Agadez, with challenging access does not facilitate many opportunities for the youth. As one of few international partners working in the area, we believe it’s important to support the local authorities and communities to create better social and economic perspectives," says Barbara Rijks, IOM Niger's Chief of Mission.

As part of the project, IOM launched a study to assess the feasibility of setting up market gardening and livestock initiatives in the Kawar. The study results reveal that market gardening and livestock activities can contribute to economic development while strengthening the financial capacities of the beneficiaries and proposes solutions for the effective implementation of such projects. 

Following this study, IOM and partners will identify beneficiaries in the four targeted communes to support them in implementing their market gardening and livestock activities. 

The PADEK project is funded by AFD and HACP and implemented by IOM.

For more information, please contact Aïssatou Sy at IOM Niger, aisy@iom.int.