Niger

Called "the least livable country on earth" by the United Nations, Niger has bounced from drought to coup to famine for centuries. Nonetheless, its people persevere across their ocean of sand and scrub with dignity and fortitude. In this country nearly twice the size of Texas, camels are king, hospitality is paramount and tourists sleep on the warm sand under the desert stars.

Despite Niger's rich and storied culture, instability and drought are intractable challenges. In 2005, a food crisis prompted worldwide attention. Endemic malnutrition affected more than 3.5 million people. Catholic Relief Services launched an emergency response program that fed thousands of malnourished children and provided seeds to farmers. Niger is still recovering from the crisis, and the situation remains precarious. Millions of people still don't have enough to eat.

CRS Niger opened its doors in 1991 as a small, satellite office of the CRS Burkina Faso program. In 1999, with increased investments from donors, CRS established a full country program in the capital city of Niamey, and three suboffices located in Dogondoutchi, Dosso and Zinder. CRS Niger employs a team of 50 staff members. Lisa Washington-Sow is the country representative.

CRS Niger works with the Catholic Church and local partners such as Caritas Development Niger to improve access to food in rural Nigerien households. CRS also works in the fields of health, agriculture, farming, microfinance, education and emergency response.