While deforestation has devastated many African countries, in the west African nation of Niger more than 200 million new trees have sprung up in recent decades. These trees, mainly a variety known locally as Gao - weren't planted. Instead, they were protected by Nigerien farmers who realized the trees were assets to agriculture and animal feed. Moki Edwin Kindzeka has this report by Anne Nzouankeu in Niamey, Niger.
Niger has one of the highest known child marriage rates in the world, with three out of four girls married before age 18
Niger has one of the highest known child marriage rates in the world, with three out of four girls in this West African country married before age 18. But some girls are refusing this traditional, cultural practice and being helped by women who were themselves forced into child marriage. Moki Edwin Kindzeka has this report by Anne Nzouankeu in Niamey, Niger.
African Union hopes to boost intra-African trade; traders want customs barriers to be broken
The African Continental Free Trade Area launched in Niger Sunday at the opening of the African Union Summit. The agreement, signed by 54 of 55 African nations, will form the largest free trade area in the world. But while there is much hope that pan-African trade will grow, structural weaknesses are expected to make it a slow process. Anne Nzouankeu reports from Niamey, Niger; narration by Moki Edwin Kindzeka.
System allows refugees to choose what food they buy and allows women to rely less on their husbands
In refugee camps in Cameroon, food aid has been replaced by mobile money payments. The system allows refugees to choose what food they buy and helps women so that they no longer have to rely on their husbands in the mostly polygamous society. Moki Edwin Kindzeka has this report by Anne Mireille Nzouankeu in Gado, Cameroon.
Forest tribe’s edible maggots becoming a delicacy in city restaurants
Cameroon’s forest tribes have long depended on insects to supplement their diets. The palm weevil grub, a fat worm found in palm trees, is such a popular source of protein that it has squirmed from the forest into the villages and even urban restaurants. Moki Edwin Kindzeka has this report by Anne Nzouankeu in Yaoundé.
Local e-commerce platforms allow farmers to earn more money by selling directly to the consumer
Information technologies are changing the lives of many Cameroonian farmers, who previously were dependent on brokers, who charged fees to serve as middlemen to purchasers. Now they can use the Internet to find customers more easily and increase their income. Moki Edwin Kindzeka narrates this report by Anne Mireille Nzouankeu from Douala in Cameroon.
