During the Niger food crisis of 2005, about 3.3 million people were impacted, with about 800,000 being children under the age of five. Many people suffered from malnutrition and even starvation while much of the world paid hardly any attention.
The famine made the most impression in the regions of Maradi, Tahoua, Tillaberi, and Zinder. This terror in Niger was caused by many geographical factors, including destruction by desert locusts and drought. Despite this, the people of Niger have managed to survive, despite great suffering. With chronic poverty and high food prices, it was difficult for Nigerians to help themselves, much less their neighbors. The lack of water and grain deficits took its toll not only directly on the people, but also on the livestock of the nomadic people of Niger. Cattle, camels, sheep, and goats, all which were a great source of both food and income, quite often perished during this difficult time.
The UN, as well as the rest of the world, reacted slowly and reluctantly, especially the United States. Of the US $81 million appealed for by the UN, less than half came from citizen donors. Even after some help was sent, much controversy went through the media. In Norway, a video was published that insisted that there was no famine in Niger, and that no additional attention need be paid, and that there was merely chronic malnutrition, no different from previous years. This so called “tragedy” was just the poor luck that stemmed from living in that area.
Even after supplies were sent to Niger, many did not end up where needed most. Many gangs formed during this time and soon they had taken control of these new food sources. Even the outside assistance Niger was receiving would not be enough.