Local Solidarity Mechanisms for Resilience and Crisis Response in Niger

<p dir="ltr">In the absence of adequate formal assistance, many communities rely on informal solidarity mechanisms for support in meeting daily needs, building resilience, and responding to multiple shocks and crises. This is the case in Niger, where a variety of local mechanisms exists across diverse communities – some with demonstrated capacity to respond to shocks. While these mechanisms are often overlooked in policies and programmes, two exceptions include support for women’s informal savings groups or tontines, and adaptation of a local pastoral redistribution system for relief and development initiatives. Further strategies are needed to heighten understanding and promotion of such mechanisms in national policies and programmes.</p>