Niamey, Niger 12 April – Today, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), announced the launch of the second phase of the Resilience in the Sahel Enhanced (RISE) project in Niger. Through this project, the United States intends to commit more than $540 million (CFA F 315.5 billion) over five years to help the most vulnerable Nigeriens build resilience to climate and other shocks and permanently escape poverty.  United States Ambassador to Niger, Mr. Eric Whitaker; High Commissioner for the Nigeriens Nourishing Nigeriens Initiative, M. Aly Bety; and USAID Mission Director for the Sahel, Ms. Lisa Franchett officially launched the project.

“US government assistance to Niger includes multi-sectoral, long-term programs that target the root causes of malnutrition, lack of agricultural productivity, and poverty in general. The RISE project, officially launched here this morning, is a significant contribution of these programs and aims to reduce chronic vulnerability and facilitate inclusive growth,” Ambassador Whitaker said.

The RISE project is a regional approach conceived in 2012 by USAID as a response to a historical pattern of severe droughts and other issues in the Sahel region of Africa. Over the past five years, USAID’s RISE activities have helped individuals, communities, and governments in Niger to better manage crises, pursue a diverse range of job opportunities, feed their families, and invest in their futures.

The new generation of the RISE project broadens USAID’s collaboration with the Government of Niger to help it better meet the needs of its citizens and make progress on Niger’s journey to self-reliance. USAID activities will aim to create better access to water and other natural resources, promote business development and opportunities to engage in growing markets, improve health outcomes, strengthen community and national health systems, strengthen effective governance at all levels, and empower women and youth to be a force for positive change in their communities.