The article titled “Financing and Transforming Agriculture in the Sahel and West Africa”, written by Dr. Maman-Lawal Bagoudou Mossi, addresses the structural challenges of agriculture, especially in Niger. Structural adjustment programs in the 1980s led to the withdrawal of the state from productive sectors, dismantling support systems for farmers and limiting access to credit. This disengagement increased dependency on imports and worsened trade imbalances. Commercial banks, ill-suited for the realities of agriculture, created a gap filled by the Agricultural Bank of Niger (BAGRI), which offers inclusive credit schemes, particularly for women and youth. The article calls for a major overhaul of agricultural financing, including guaranteed funds, public-private partnerships, modernization of farming techniques, and targeted support policies for producers.

State, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This bulletin, published by Action Against Hunger (ACF) in May 2025, presents monitoring data from 64 microenterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania. The report highlights the continued economic vulnerability of households, despite support for income-generating activities (IGAs). Average monthly income remains low (27,540 MRU) and unstable, particularly for women (22,250 MRU). Households face heavy expenses for health, food, and education, with limited savings capacity and weak income diversification. The report also notes the negative impact of climate shocks on economic activities. While beneficiaries acknowledge positive effects from the program, their prospects remain precarious without structural support, enhanced market access, training, and financing opportunities.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Aid, Private sector, Funding

The study “Integrating Mental Health into Crisis Contexts in the Sahel/West Africa” examines the effects of security and humanitarian crises on mental health in Mali, Mauritania, and Chad. It highlights a high prevalence of psychosocial disorders—such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression—driven by armed violence, forced displacement, service breakdowns, and social isolation. Access to care remains limited due to a shortage of qualified personnel, lack of financial resources, and persistent stigma. The report calls for mainstreaming mental health into humanitarian responses and public policies, strengthening community-based support, and producing disaggregated data that is gender- and age-sensitive.

Gender, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Education, Family, Social, Health, Violence, Threat, Crisis, Santé mentale

n 2025, Mauritania is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing insecurity, climate change, and a significant influx of 318,000 Malian refugees and 55,000 returning Mauritanians. During the lean season (June–September), an estimated 590,452 people will face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+), particularly in the Hodh Chargui region. While agro-pastoral conditions are generally favorable, localized floods and high food prices are straining vulnerable households. Action Against Hunger's emergency response has improved food diversity, coping strategies, and key nutritional indicators. Despite being a socioeconomic pillar, pastoralism is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and cross-border pressures. Stronger partner support is crucial to prevent conflicts and build long-term resilience.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Food security, Human security, refugee, Information, Malnutrition, Emergency

The Mali Lean Season Note 2025 by Action Against Hunger (ACF) highlights worsening food and nutritional vulnerabilities due to conflict, climate shocks, and displaced populations. In 2025, over 1.5 million people are expected to face acute food insecurity, worsened by cuts in humanitarian funding (notably from USAID and UNICEF). The closure of over 400 school canteens threatens child nutrition and education. ACF documents positive impacts of its interventions (reaching 234,000 individuals), including improved food consumption, dietary diversity, and reduced negative coping strategies. However, persistent insecurity hinders humanitarian access and disrupts health services, especially in northern regions. ACF advocates for an integrated and community-centered response grounded in the Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus. It emphasizes the need to strengthen local systems, involve civil society in planning, and ensure coordinated advocacy to secure sustainable financing and equitable assistance delivery.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Family, Food security, Human security, Social, Health, Insécurité, Malnutrition, Crise humanitaire

This ACF monitoring bulletin presents the progress of 56 micro-enterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania, under a UNHCR-funded project. Despite a fragile economic context, some positive trends are observed: improved debt repayment (88%), increased use of personal savings, and emerging financial diversification. Agriculture, livestock, and general trade prove most profitable, while solar energy remains the most vulnerable sector. However, major challenges persist: reliance on humanitarian aid, limited access to formal financing, poor business structuring, rising input costs, and client indebtedness. ACF recommends reinforced support (training, management tools, formalization, access to credit) to ensure long-term sustainability. The strong involvement of women and the growing use of community-based solutions (tontines, AVECs) are encouraging signs of economic resilience and adaptation.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Aid, Private sector, Funding

The February 2025 monitoring report covers 56 micro-enterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania, under a project funded by UNHCR. These enterprises span six sectors including agriculture, livestock, and general trade. Despite a fragile economic environment, there is a slight improvement in savings and investment. However, access to financing remains limited due to the lack of tailored financial structures. Entrepreneurs face several challenges such as client debt, high input costs, and poor adoption of management tools. Most businesses report the ability to meet their debts, reflecting a degree of economic resilience. NGOs and local institutions play a crucial role in technical support and financial inclusion. Nevertheless, the sustainability of these businesses depends on more strategic, long-term financing options.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Aid, Private sector, Funding

This study, conducted in Mali, Niger, and Togo, analyzes the sociocultural, economic, and legal determinants of child marriage (CM) and proposes empowering girls as a strategy to combat it. Despite national laws, traditional and religious norms, particularly Islam, favor the continuation of this practice. Child marriage is often perceived as a protection mechanism against out-of-wedlock pregnancies, a religious obligation, or an economic survival strategy. The low educational attainment of girls and poverty exacerbate the phenomenon. The research mobilized a multidisciplinary and mixed-methods approach, involving qualitative and quantitative surveys. The authors recommend greater involvement of community actors and a change in social norms. Empowering girls through education and economic skills is essential to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and domination.

Gender, Natural ressources, Political Violence, Education, Family, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This study examines the labor market inclusion of young Nigeriens (18-35 years old), focusing on gender and poverty dynamics. It reveals that largely underemployed youth rely heavily on informal self-employment, with limited income security and restricted access to productive assets. The high cost of education significantly hinders labor market integration, particularly for the poorest. Migration is perceived as an opportunity, but it is often too costly and risky. Young women, particularly vulnerable, are increasingly entering the labor market to support their families, despite rigid gender norms. Changing social norms, community initiatives (such as tontines and support groups), and NGO support are key factors in youth inclusion. The report emphasizes the importance of accessible and relevant training and highlights how Niger's sociopolitical context shapes poverty trajectories and youth labor market participation.

Politics, Political party, Inequality, Gender, Natural ressources, Justice, Education, Poverty, EMPLOYMENT