Preparing for Drought, Preventing Famine

Overview

In 2012, eight West African countries were suffering from drought and famine. This story takes a look at the looming famine in the Sahel and how one country, Niger, has seen success in a grassroots campaign to re-green the desert and increase food production.

Videos

 Discussion Questions

1. What problems can you identify in this story? Are solutions presented?
2. In what way might this story be relevant in your community? 
3. Traditional agricultural techniques such as water traps and planting trees are being used again to fight desertification. Why do you think these methods fell out of use? 
4. How do climate conditions impact other parts of society?
5. The average woman bears seven children - a rate that will triple Niger’s population of 16 million by 2050, offsetting any gains in food production. What is the link between food security and population or family size?

 Writing Prompt (250 Words)

As droughts become more frequent and long lasting around the world, do you think these methods are sufficient? How else should countries mitigate drought and famine?