Agencies struggle to remit aid to Niger as food crisis expected to peak in June

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00:00Niger's military rulers still welcome humanitarian aid, even from Western countries that they

00:07have been fiercely criticising over the last year.

00:12This man works for an NGO that offers support to farmers in the region.

00:17Its work is funded by the EU and the US.

00:25This aid from USAID and the European Union is significant.

00:30It plays a huge role in our work.

00:34When this aid is cut, everything falls apart.

00:40We go to meet some of the programme's beneficiaries.

00:43Some have taken part in a course offering training about off-season farming.

00:48It's useful, but was stopped earlier than expected due to a lack of resources.

00:55Honestly, this NGO has helped us a lot.

00:59They provided us with motor pumps, gas, seeds and work equipment.

01:03We're very grateful.

01:05But today, with the lean season starting and our reserves running out, we need more assistance.

01:11Since last year, the rains have been scarce and we're facing a severe water shortage.

01:19The EU has pledged over 24 million euros in humanitarian aid to Niger this year.

01:26Some blame the shortages on the political, diplomatic and economic turbulence that followed

01:31last year's coup.

01:36In Niger, the cost of humanitarian aid is rising due to the closure of the border with

01:44Benin.

01:45We also struggle because the EU has cut off budgetary support.

01:53More than 4 million people in Niger are thought to currently need humanitarian aid.

01:59Many more could be added to the number if the main humanitarian corridor through Benin

02:04remains closed amidst a diplomatic standoff between the neighbours.

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