1 February 2008
Chadakori
Chadakori Area Development Programme (ADP) is located in a semi-desert area of Niger’s Maradi region. World Vision began working with the Chadakori community in 2007, assisting 44,500 people from 30 villages.
In the Hausa language, Chadakori means to arm oneself with a bow and arrow while fetching water, a reference to men protecting women from wild animals that used to live in the area.
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 Chadakori ADP
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Education
Half of Chadakori’s children enrol in school, but only 30 per cent complete their primary education. It is not considered important to educate girls, so only 40 per cent ever begin school and most drop out to get married at a young age or to assist with household chores. Schools are poorly equipped; there aren’t enough classrooms, half of the ones they have are made of sticks and thatch providing little protection from the weather, and only two schools have latrines.
World Vision teaches parents about the importance of education for all children. It trains teachers and constructs additional permanent classrooms and sanitary latrines. Non-formal education classes, called second-chance schools, are established by World Vision and community members are trained to teach these classes.
Health
Not many health services are available in the Chadakori area, and health workers and traditional birth attendants are unaware of modern medical practices. Hardly any children are immunised. The few wells close to villages are shallow and easily contaminated. Malaria, respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, conjunctivitis and malnutrition are common.
Chadakori ADP trains health workers and community members about preventative healthcare, immunisation, hygiene and HIV and AIDS. It educates parents about growing and cooking nutritious foods. The ADP digs and repairs wells and protects them from contamination by concreting them and constructing troughs for animals. Existing sanitation and hygiene committees are trained to educate others and maintain the wells.
Agriculture and food security
Although most families in Chadakori rely on agriculture for food and income, annual harvests provide food for only a few months. Rains are unreliable and there are few wells for irrigation. Farmers grow mainly cereal crops, resulting in an imbalanced diet and poor nutrition. There are no longer any forests, the soil is poor and the desert is encroaching on farmland.
World Vision teaches modern farming methods and crop diversification to increase the amount and nutritional value of food. It promotes soil and water conservation and tree planting. Cereal banks are being established so farmers can store crops during times of excess, and borrow from them during shortages. Chadakori ADP will work with farmers co-operatives to assist them to sell their increased harvests.
Community leadership
World Vision works with community leaders and existing groups to promote involvement in development activities. A community-based organisation will be established to oversee activities and progress. Community members learn about child rights and human rights, involving women and children in activities, and living in harmony.
Religious leaders play an important role in this mainly Muslim community. World Vision works with them to encourage community participation in development activities and raise awareness of ways to support vulnerable community members.
Sustainable development
World Vision started Chadakori ADP in 2007, and is working with the community to enhance ongoing development. Progress is evaluated every four years, and when the community reaches its goals (generally after three evaluations) World Vision will begin to reduce its support, allowing the community to direct its own development.
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