Posted
on August 3, 2015
Ever
since 1960, August 3 has been Independence Day, a day to celebrate
the African nation's independence from France.
Ever
since 1975, August 3 has also been Arbor Day, a day to plant trees
and thus fight against desertification.
Desertification,
as you might realize, is the natural process when rather dry land
becomes increasingly drier and drier. This is usually accompanied by
fewer plants and animals living in the habitat (or some species being
replaced by hardier species that can live in a desert).
Most
of the nation (more than 80%) is already covered by the Sahara
Desert. This land wasn't always a desert, and it can be very
concerning to see more and more land change from fertile to desert!
Here
are some other problems (just a few of many) that Niger has to deal
with:
- The literacy rate is one of the lowest in the world. Less than 30% of the population can read – and that includes the shocking statistic that only about 15% of women and girls can read!
This young woman wears
ankle bracelets that show
she is enslaved.Up to 870,000 people (nearly 8% of the total population) in Niger are enslaved. This shocking statistic needs to change! Apparently, when the French were colonial rulers over Niger, they largely ignored the problem, and some of the major slave owners are the ones who are wealthy and powerful enough to become political leaders.
Again, women are more vulnerable and even more likely than men to being enslaved.
I read that slavery was outlawed in Niger in 1960, prohibited in 1999, and criminalized in 2003 - but the laws have not been adequately enforced!
- The enormous population growth – one of the highest in the world – puts pressure on the increasingly non-fertile land. The farming practices necessary with large families on subsistence farms end up causing desertification to speed up. This feedback loop creates a deepening problem.
Of
course, there are amazing beauties to be seen in Niger, as well.
Deserts usually have stark beauty, and of course the precious oases
are often gorgeous. The people, the Niger River, and the canyons cut
by the river are some other gorgeous sights to see...
 |
| Above, dunes; below, oasis |
 |
| Above, mother and child; below, men in a beauty contest |
 |
| Above, the Niger River; below, a beautiful canyon |
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| These are salt flats seen from space! |
Check
out this and
this other earlier
posts about Niger.
Also
on this date:
Plan
ahead:
Check out my Pinterest boards for:
And
here are my Pinterest boards for:
