Challenges of Development: Turning On The Tap in Niger

So, with 2 blogs to contribute to, I had to decide which one to blog on first, which, apart from laziness, is one of the reasons I've procrastinated for so long. For some reason, I've found it so much easier to write from a global health and development perspective, as opposed to the more reader friendly and general blog about my experiences interning in Niger. And, while I'm not gifted at story telling, spewing out my thoughts is certainly something I can do (perhaps to the dismay of those who read/listen!).

I've been in Niger for over a month now, on a 6 month CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency) sponsored internship with Samaritan's Purse Canada (SPC). Though I was sad to leave my SUNSIH duties early (including working with such an incredible committee on the Western Regional Global Health Conference in Edmonton this past weekend :) ), I feel truly lucky for this opportunity. As a "Water for Life Intern," I am working on the SP Household Water Program (HWP), which largely entails the specific use of the Biosand Water Filter (BSF) technology in areas of the world where a clean water source is not an option for those living there. Alongside my partner and national staff, I am to conduct monitioring and evaluation of previously installed filters (and if needed, maintenance and repair), work on the building and installation of new filters, as well as help in facilitating accompanying health and hygiene education for the beneficiaries and the youngs girls who live in the villages where Samaritan's Purse Niger work (SPN). By the end of this year, SPN will have installed 900 new filters, totalling 1800 over the past 3 years, in households averaging 8-12 people.

One of the major draws for me in working on this internship was the opportunity for hands-on experience in the field, and working alongside nationals towards participatory community development in the area of public health. I had always admired the work of SPC: their ability to appropriately respond to international crises, as well as to implement sustainable community development. In particular, my research on the effectiveness of the BSF in reducing the incidence of diarrheal diseases got me more interested in this internship and the SP HWP in general. While I was no expert on water, nor am I one now, the statistics on diarrheal diseases grasp my full attention: 90% of all diarrheal deaths are seen in children under the age of 5, and that 4, 500 children die every day from diseases associated with lack of safe water, sanitation, and hygiene. Not only that, but, as many of you already know, without clean water, in general, health is poor. School attendance decreases. Potential to work is lessened. Without generating income, the cycle continues. To me, addressing the issue of water is part of community development 101. It's an initial step towards any kind of social, economic, and cultural change. I wanted to learn first-hand what sustainable development could look like.

Niger is truly a country one could gain an understanding of development. Niger is no stranger to foreign aid and involvment. Approximately 50 % of the goverment budget is attributed to foreign aid (from the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, France, the European Union, among others). In the past 3 years, Niger has ranked as one of the bottom 3 nations on the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI). In 2006, it was ranked number 177 out of 177 nations, shortly following the Food Crisis (Niger famine) of 2005. The poverty is apparent, especially in the villages. Garbage and animal waste litter the sandy ground. Many children run around with tattered or no clothes on. Many children have distended bellies, because they're malnutrioned (and may also have bellies full of worms). The river water where many bathe, wash dishes and clothing, and use for drinking and giving their animals is the colour of mud. In the capital city of Niamey, driving down the road, sign after sign is for another NGO. I often wonder if any of these organizations are creating change. Are they doing anyone any good? Am I?

While SPN is a great organization to work with (not to mention with fantastic staff) and I have already learned much in the way of development, I think one of the most important things I've discovered is that development is hard. I have to keep reminding myself that it is a process. I have always been an admirer of African women. In Niger, the women are no exception. They carry babies on their backs, have heavy things they're carrying on their heads, take care of the children (sometimes, they're doing these 3 things all at once!), cook, clean, work the farms, fetch the water...essentially everything. Many of their male counterparts, on the other hand, don't do so much...Much of the day is spent sitting under trees, talking to one another and drinking tea. They recognize that the women suffer, yet do nothing about it (of course, not true about everyone!!! I have met many hard-working men). Not only that, but while the children suffer from malnutrition, like many countries in the global south, everyone has a cellphone. Where are your priorities?! Alas, the frustrations of development. While all of these things are certainly not black and white, and things are far more complicated when you bring in the issues of culture, religion, the history of colonialism, neo-colonialism and poor policy making of the past, you can't help but wonder...what now?? How can we bring about change together when so many factors are just slowing it down? Can we make a difference? While one can usually keep light about the challenges of this work, with sayings like TIA (This is Africa), or WAWA (West Africa Wins Again), it's still so difficult not to feel frustrated sometimes, especially when you see things that break your heart.

But, after all this frustration, I still can't help but love the work and the people. There have been changes in people's lives because of the filters. For some families, their kids don't get sick anymore. People are so proud to show you how well they remember their training for maintaining their filters. People actually want latrines and fight off neighbours from using theirs. They love their children and want the best for them. Even with all the struggles I've faced looking at development, I try to keep in mind all the things I appreciate about Niger and Nigeriens. They've only shown me kindness, generosity, patience (mostly with my French and Zarma), and a friendly demeanor (especially now that the month of fasting for Ramadan has just ended). And, of course, there is truly nothing like going into a village and and everyone making fun of you because of your bad Zarma. But, at the same time it's that bad Zarma that helps people connect with you :)

But, I still have lots more to learn...Back to the villages tomorrow. I'm hoping to learn how to ride a camel!

Note: I will add pictures when I figure out how to do so...