Nomadic Culture's topics - tribe.net

New moderator

juanita — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:16:18 GMT

I would suggest soemone who comes from a nomadic culture environment, what you think?

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

henna artist???

Tawni — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:24:05 GMT

I am looking for a Henna artist is San Francisco. I can't spend big bucks but have some materials & hope they would come to my house or otherwise???

Thanks for any suggestions,
Tawni
415.216.5984
tglitter@yahoo.com

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

Touaregs massacred in Niger

Theresa — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 13:24:58 GMT

Sorry to be the bearer of this horrible news. This is from Tinariwen's manager in the UK:

Dear Friends,

There is terrible news coming out of Niger, where the FAN (Forces Armée du Niger) are pursuing a government backed policy of terrorizing and harassing innocent civilians, in a bid to quell a Touareg uprising led by the new rebel group, the MNJ (Mouvement des Nigériens pour la Justice). Please read below for two officially unconfirmed reports of recent civilian massacres.

Many thanks for your interest.
More news to follow.
Best Regards, Andy Morgan.

========================================
Andy Morgan
TINARIWEN
www.tinariwen.com
www.myspace.com/tinariwenofficial
www.youtube.com/tinariwen

SIMPLICITY IS FREEDOM
====================================

Begin forwarded message:

From: QUEEN B <tacoho@hotmail.com>
Date: 9 October 2007 05:20:29 BDT
To: Abdallah Inlamawan <inlamawan@yahoo.fr>, abdou Salam <ag_assalatt1@hotmail.com>, abdou salam <abdousalam.touaregtours.com@agat.net>
Subject: FW: Touareg Situation

Hi
this sad news came from our friend in Germany
Love
Berta

_u will be aware that the situation in Niger with the Touaregs has had another sad "highlight" ...
PLEASE pass on the info as much as you can. I did also inform the UN Commiette on Arbitraty Executions.
We posted info on indymedia and tried to inform other NGO / HR organisations.
talk to you later
Gunter

* * * * * **

Since February, we are watching the so-called Touareg-conflict in the North of Niger. We do also have some contacts.
Within the last days, we were notified about two massacres, actually arbitrary killings of civilians without warrants, court verdicts or the like.
We figure you will be aware of the overall situation in the North of Niger and the atrocities happening there.

Execution of 12 civilians, October 1st
According to our sources, on October 1st, the FAN Forces Armee du Niger (Forces Armee du Niger / Army of Niger) had stopped five vehicules close to the Algerian border. The passengers were urged to leave the vehicules; the soldiers separated them up in lighter-skinned and darker-skinned persons. The light-skinned individuals, supposedly Touaregs, altogether 12 individuals, were shot to death instantly. Remaining passengers of the convoi witnessed the shooting and the fact that these persons were shot on reason of the color of their skin. They gave witness in the towns of Arlit and Tamanrasset.

Execution of 17 (22) civilians, October 2nd
According to our sources, the same military patrol of the FAN / Army of Niger pulled a number of individuals out of their tents in the vicinity of a pist between Assamakka and Arlit (also in the far North of Niger, close to the Algerian border), north of Iferouane. Due to their lighter color of skin, these persons were classified as Touaregs and instantly shot to death. The number of individuals killed in this incident varies - according to the sources - between 17 and 22 persons.

All individuals shot and killed were civilians and not involved at that time in any combat situation.
All individuals have been executed without any accusations or any court decision.
The executions have taken place arbitrarily and without any reasons other than the person's color of skin.

Please find at the end of this email a list of names of some of the executed persons.

We ask you to understand that it is very difficult to get information / confirmation out of the North of Niger since the Nigerian Government is actually blacking out all news from that area. As you will be aware, even RFI Radio France International has been forbidden to broadcast for a month earlier this year due to the fact that they had reported about the conflict. RFI's journalist Mousa KAKA is still imprisoned in Niger prisons at Niamey for the same reason.

Our means as a small organisation are limited. Therefore, we ask you urgently to put pressure on the Niger Government to stop the violence against civilians and to seek a peaceful resolution of the conflict. We also ask you to press for an inquest / investigation in this case and for a punishment of the persons and officers responsible for this act / crime.

Please feel free to contact us anytime for further information.

yours
Gunter Wippel
HUMAN RIGHTS 3000, Freiburg, GERMANY

Sources:
MNJ website: http://m-n-j.blogspot.com/ 1. and 2. of October 2007
as well as Direct communication from Niger

List of names of some of the persons executed on / just before October 1st
Zeyda ag Badi
Ahmadu ag Moussa
Ghoumour ag Ahmad
Mohamed ag Akarfa
Ismaghil ag Akam
Rhissa ag Attaher
Bikim ag Ilyas
Akloua ag Hama
Oumra
Lahcen

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

holiday cards that support peace in Niger

carleigh — Sun, 21 Oct 2007 05:56:26 GMT

Hi friends,

Leslie Clark has beautiful holiday cards with proceeds supporting the Nomad Foundation.

Please check out.

Please support.

http://nomadfoundation.org/peace.html

be well,
Carleigh

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Touareg Festival in the Desert

Theresa — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 21:45:05 GMT

Interesting article on the precarious nature of the Festival in the Desert. I made the grueling journey there from the U.S. in 2003. It was surreal and sublime. If the link gets truncated, go to www.afropop.org, scroll down to interviews and click on "Many Ansar on past and future of Mali's Festival in the Desert"

http://www.afropop.org/multi/interview/ID/113/Many%20Ansar%20on%20past%20and%20future%20of%20Malis%20Festival%20in%20the%20Desert

posted in Nomadic Culture - 5 replies

Obesity celebrated among Mauritanian women...

asharah — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 13:36:14 GMT

...but not without major health problems. This is affecting some of the nomadic peoples as well.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070417/ap_on_re_af/mauritania_loving_fat;_ylt=AvYDz8kOPSoWJtZjF.Ei50vMWM0F

From Yahoo! News/Associated Press, 17 April 2007.

NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania - Mey Mint struggles to carry her weight up the flight of stairs, her thighs shaking with each step. It will take several minutes for the 50-year-old to catch her breath, air hissing painfully in and out of her chest. Her rippling flesh is not the result of careless overeating, though, but rather of a tradition.

In Mauritania, to make a girl big and plump, 'gavage' — a borrowed French word from the practice of fattening of geese for foie gras — starts early. Obesity has long been the ideal of beauty, signaling a family's wealth in a land repeatedly wracked by drought.

Mint was 4 when her family began to force her to drink 14 gallons of camel's milk a day. When she vomited, she was beaten. If she refused to drink, her fingers were bent back until they touched her hand. Her stomach hurt so much she prayed all the animals in the world would die so that there would be no more milk.

By the time Mint was 10, she could no longer run. Unconcerned, her proud mother delighted in measuring the loops of fat hanging under her daughter's arms.

"My mother thinks she made me beautiful. But she made me sick," says Mint, who suffers from weight-related illnesses including diabetes and heart disease. She asked that her full last name not be disclosed because she feels embarrassed.

A quarter of the 1.5 million women in Mauritania — a barren, dune-enveloped country more than twice the size of Texas — are obese, according to the World Health Organization. That's lower than the 40 percent of American women who the WHO says are obese, but surprisingly high in a country that has not a single fast-food franchise.

To end the brutal feeding practices, the government has launched a TV and radio campaign highlighting the health risks of obesity. Because most Mauritanian love songs describe the ideal woman as fat, the health ministry commissioned catchy odes to thin women.

These efforts, combined with the rising popularity of foreign soap operas featuring model-thin women, has helped reduce the practice, especially among the country's urban elite.

Only one in 10 women under the age of 19 has been force-fed, compared to a third of women 40 or older, according to a survey conducted by the National Office of Statistics in 2001, the most recent available.

Those still forced to eat were overwhelmingly from the country's rural areas.

But although the canon of beauty is changing, entrenched values are hard to uproot.

"My husband thinks I'm not fat enough," complained Zeinabou Mint Bilkhere, explaining that her husband found her pretty during the last months of her pregnancy. Since giving birth, the weight has dropped, however, and with it his desire for her.

Although few women are force-fed today, many feel pressured to be bigger-than-average. Like many, Bilkhere has turned to a more scientific method of weight gain, using foreign-made appetite-inducing pills.

Wrapped in a floor-length veil, the 24-year-old, who is roughly a size 8, opens her purse and pushes a fistful of change across the counter of a roadside pharmacy for a box of Anactine, a Moroccan-made antihistamine.

The pills, commonly prescribed for hay fever, also induce hunger. They and similar drugs replace a more blunt instrument, recently outlawed by the government: animal steroids intended for fattening camels.

"When I was little, my mother hit me to eat because I didn't want to be fat. Now I want to be big because men like that," said Bilkhere, who wants to gain more than 20 pounds.

But many men say they prefer voluptuous women.

Isselmou Ould Mohamed says he loves his wife's 200-pound body and was pleased when she began adding even more weight during pregnancy. When he learned she had started walking around the soccer stadium to try to shed the extra pounds, he was revolted.

"I don't like skinny women. I want to be able to grab her love handles," said the 32-year-old. "I told her that if she loses a lot of weight, I'll divorce her."

Although Mauritania is the only culture known to force-feed girls, obesity is popular across much of the Arab world. Nomadic peoples struggling to survive the harsh desert came to prize fatness as a sign of health.

Fifty-two percent of women over 15 in Kuwait are obese, as are 46 percent in Egypt and approximately a third of women in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, according to the WHO. That contrasts sharply with most sub-Saharan countries, including Mauritania's neighbors, Senegal and Mali, where only 9 and 6 percent of women are obese.

"A man's goal is to marry a woman that fills his house. She needs to decorate it like an armoire or a TV set," said Seif l'Islam, 48, curator of a library of ancient Islamic manuscripts, which include numerous love poems to plump women.

There are signs of change. In the dying desert light, chubby women in head-to-toe veils can be seen perspiring as they walk around the capital's soccer stadium.

When she first started walking laps six years ago, 40-year-old Ramla Mint Ahmed said, she tightly veiled her face, hoping not to be recognized. Now she exercises openly and is dieting.

Her obese mother, who as a child was repeatedly woken at night and forced to drink camel's milk, says she doesn't object. But that doesn't mean her notions of beauty have changed.

Ahmed is the eldest of three daughters and the only overweight one. Her 22- and 26-year-old sisters are no larger than a size 4. In America, they would be envied for their tiny waists, yet their mother sees them differently.

Asked which daughter is the prettiest, she waves her hand dismissively toward the model-thin sisters, saying, "Definitely those two are not beautiful."

Her oldest daughter, like her, has garlands of fat on her belly and voluminous thighs.

"This one," says the mother, "has the face of a queen."

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

Captivating Music of Mauritania

DJ Teezed — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 03:47:36 GMT

Are into Toureg and MAli music? then you will like to sample Daby Toure from Mauriatnia he plays finger style guitar and recently played in Womad. You can access his work in youtube.com and key in Daby toure. Cheers

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Drought Forces Desert Nomads to Settle Down

s-a-n-d-i — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 17:17:55 GMT

Heard this on NPR this morning...
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=11608264&ps=bb1

posted in Nomadic Culture - 5 replies

New foundation supporting nomad culture

Theresa — Wed, 09 May 2007 02:29:03 GMT

I am not affiliated, just posting this from a yahoo group related to nomadic culture:

Hello Festival go-ers,

I have some fabulous news… We just launched www.NomadHope.org, for an incredible non-profit organization, Sahara Solutions Foundation. Have a look and tell me what you think.

Hope you can join us on June 10th for a fun filled Nomad Music Festival with Tidawt, in Hermosa Beach, CA. See site for details & tickets! www.NomadHope.org

June 10th. 1 – 5pm
Tuareg Music Festival @ Sangria
68 Pier Ave
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(310) 376-4412
Get directions

Please send it to everyone you know and ask them to Sponsor a Table for our Music Event on June 10th in Hermosa,
or even just a ticket…or encourage them to make a donation!

Hope you can make it. .PDF Flyers are on the site for download as well.

Thanks, it’s for a good cause!
Keely McGeehan
Sahara Solutions Foundation
"Helping nomadic families"
________

Info@NomadHope.org
www.NomadHope.org
(310) 422-3482

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

Fundraising project for Darfur.

dancepanther — Tue, 23 Jan 2007 08:49:21 GMT

Sharing this here, in case anyone would be interested in setting up a similar project (see end of post).

Link to this thread:
http://tribes.tribe.net/676be46e-c066-4420-8434-841ac0eed664/thread/7da5ea8d-abd7-488a-9402-54bd88d4c658

Need African Black Beans and Rice recipe for project
Thu, January 18, 2007 - 1:15 PM
HI,
Does any one have a recipe for black beans and rice that is from Africa or African influenced? It should be as simple as possible. Here's why -

A friend and I are doing an awareness and fundraising project for Darfur. What we are doing is asking members of our church to "fast" for one day by eating only what a Darfuri refugee is rationed. We are doing a "Fast for Darfur" Kit with info on Darfur, the rations and, hopefully, a recipe for the participants to use to cook their rations. We are purchasing black beans and brown rice in bulk to divide out into rations for each kit/participant. The participants will "purchase" the kit with rationed food by donating the same amount of money they would spend eating out just ONE meal. They are asked to sign a pledge that they will not eat anything else that day and will walk one mile which is the distance that a Darfuri has to walk to obtain the amount of water needed to cook the rationed food. They are also to supply one cup of milk which refugees would also be rationed.

Since a refugee would have few if any spices, and probably no other foodstuffs (vegetables, etc.), I'd like the recipe to be fairly simple so that we can point out that even the FEW extra added items other than beans, rice and water are a luxury that the refugees do not get.

Our goal is to get 75 people to participate in the fast with a $10 donation each and another 25 people who will just donate $10 for a total of $1000. We are going to publish the list of people who join the fast/donate in our church newsletter and on our Social Action Community Board at church.

THANKS SO MUCH for any input and help. I have only been vegetarian for a few years and don't have many cookbooks. I need the recipe by the end of the month.

Lori Allen

PS> If anyone is interested in participating or setting up your own project, I'd be happy to send you all the info.

http://tribes.tribe.net/676be46e-c066-4420-8434-841ac0eed664/thread/7da5ea8d-abd7-488a-9402-54bd88d4c658

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

the season of giving

carleigh — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:22:41 GMT

Hi nomadic loving friends...long time no see. (Im so busy with school, please excuse my absence, I do miss you all.)

I wanted to share my holiday message with you (from my blog and site):

It's the season of giving, so let's give!

I know with 100% certainty that if you are reading this, you are better off than 2/3rds of the world's population. More than 850 million people around the world are living in hunger. Hunger and related illnesses continue to kill more people worldwide than AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined. Let's not get into how many lack potable water...I won't ruin your holiday cheer.

So, before you head off to your next holiday party, let's work out a deal...You give to the charity of YOUR CHOICE and I will give you one of these beautiful items to show appreciation for your giving spirit. Go here to see the reward choices for your giving: www.dontletmypeopledie.org

"If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one" ~Mother Theresa
"For it is in the giving that we receive" ~ Saint Francis of Assisi

If you don't have a favorite charity, please choose one from my list of organizations who support nomadic life in Africa.
www.dontletmypeopledie.org/help.html

Just forward the receipt for your donation to me along with your mailing address and which item/size you want and we all will have happier holidays! giving@dontletmypeopledie.org (if you need to fax it to me, email me and I will give you my fax#)

Please feel free to share this posting. It would be great if everyone would give. (mind you, my supply of rewards is limited)

I don't mind if your favorite organization is to support breast cancer research or the humane society. As long as it's doing some good for the world, I support it.

thank you and hope your holidays are full of love and joy,
Carleigh

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Desert Voices Project

alias-sid-rumpo — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:39:00 GMT

The Desert Voices Project aims to document the lives of those living in the desert regions of northern Africa. It's at a very early stage, so I've got no idea how it's going to develop, but it's going to be worth watching.

http://www.panos.org.uk/global/desertvoices.asp

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Building a school in Niger

carleigh — Wed, 11 Oct 2006 19:44:18 GMT

Hi guys,

I wanted to spread the word about a fundraising going on to build a school in Niger. There will be an event here in San Francisco, but the organization is taking donations for the project as well.

http://www.dontletmypeopledie.org/nigerschool.html

Here's the details:

Dance for Nomads…
DJ Walt Digz spinning Salsa con Timba and Reggaeton, www.anejoprod.com
Door and donations go to the construction of a school for Wudaabes, a nomadic people of Niger.
Monday, October 16
10:30 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.
The Little Baobab

3388 19th St, between Mission and Capp Sts
$3 entrance, donations appreciated

--Crafts from Niger—Film footage of nomads—
--Delicious cocktails and juices (no host bar)--

For more information, or to send a donation, e-mail ocklawaha2@hotmail.com or call (415) 971-0357. All donations are tax deductible and go a long way towards helping the Wudaabe fulfill their vision.

The Wudaabes are one of the few people of Africa (and of the world) who continue to lead a truly nomadic lifestyle. Niger, home to the Wudaabes, is the second poorest country in the world by UN standards. With the the recent famines in Niger and the encroachment of the Sahara Desert, which covers 75% of the country, the Wudaabes have come to realize the importance of aquiring skills other than animal husbandry, yet they are proud of their traditions and value their nomadic existence.

With the monies collected from the entrance fees at Dance for Nomads combined with a pledge from World Vision, a non-profit organization located in Niger, to pay for half of the construction fees for the school, the Wudaabes will be able to build a school near an existing well in a remote area far from developed cities. As many Wudaabe are forced to encamp close to this well during the hot season (which coincides with the the academic school year) to procure water, the establishment of a school nearby will allow them to educate their children while maintaining their traditional, nomadic lifestyle.

Special thanks to DJ Walt Digz for donating his time and to the Little Baobab for allowing all entrance fees to go to Niger!!! Learn more about DJ Walt Digz events and music recommendations at www.anejoprod.com. The Little Baobab is open 7 days a week for fine West African and Caribbean Creole dining. After dinner, the Little Baobab opens the dance floor for hot music and tropical drinks. Try the Bissap Baobab, at 2323 Mission Street between 19th and 20th Streets, for exquisite, Senegalese cuisine and an international, lively atmosphere.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

New York Times article on the Nomad Foundation's tours

Theresa — Sun, 20 Aug 2006 16:27:45 GMT

From an email sent out by the Nomad Foundation. Scroll down to find the link on the NYT page.

This page was sent to you by: bimbia@nomadgal.com
Message from sender:
Here is an article on the Nomad Foundation's humanitarian tours in Niger. Leslie Clark

http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2006/08/20/travel/index.html?8dpc

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

Entrancing music by Touareg and Wodaabe nomads from Niger

Sanaag — Fri, 04 Aug 2006 22:04:49 GMT

Introducing Etran Finatawa: some of the slickest and most beautiful electric guitar imaginable.

By Bruce Elder, reviewer Sydney Morning Herald
August 1, 2006

Artist: Etran Finatawa
Genre: Folk/World
Label: World Music Network/MRA

The deserved success of Tinariwen, the "poet guitarists of the southern Sahara", has guaranteed interest in Etran Finatawa.

This is another extended group (10 members in all - four Tuareg tribesmen and six from the Wodaabe ethnic group) with the same nomadic desert roots and love of mixing their driving traditional music with some of the slickest and most beautiful electric guitar imaginable.

Just listen to the guitar solos on A Dunya and you'll be instantly seduced by the beauty of this music which has its roots in the West African country of Niger. Marvel at Iledeman and in the driving 12-bar structure you can hear the real roots of American blues.

And, in the case of Aliss, there are echoes of the compulsive music which made Tinariwen one of the highlights of Womadelaide in 2004. This is a genuinely exciting addition to the broad canvas that is West African music.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/cd-reviews/introducing-etran-finatawa/2006/08/01/1154198116848.html

CD available on: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F3A9W6/002-2811552-9236819?v=glance&n=5174

More detailed article in Independent on:
http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/features/article1197746.ece

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

Sebastião Salgado in the Namib Desert

alias-sid-rumpo — Sat, 17 Jun 2006 10:46:21 GMT

A new set of pictures of the Namib and its people by Sebastião Salgado has just been published.

You can read about them here http://arts.guardian.co.uk/salgado/story/0,,1799559,00.html

and some of the pictures are here http://arts.guardian.co.uk/salgado/image/0,,1799505,00.html

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Article on Tinariwen from Reuters.

asharah — Mon, 12 Jun 2006 13:39:04 GMT

I know you all would appreciate this article on Tinariwen published today by Reuters. It's fascinating in light of current events in northern Mali.

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L06455979.htm

Mali desert rebels swap Kalashnikovs for guitars

By Nick Tattersall

DAKAR (Reuters) - Legend has it Keddou Ag Ossad went into battle in the Sahara with a Kalashnikov over one shoulder and an electric guitar over the other.

A hero of the "Ishumar", a generation of frustrated desert youths bent on revolt, he was shot 17 times fighting for greater freedom for Tuareg nomads in Mali and Niger.

More than a decade on, the band Tinariwen he formed with fellow desert outlaws is still fighting the Tuareg cause, using haunting Saharan poetry and electric guitars to tell audiences around the world of an ancient and threatened nomadic culture.

"Tinariwen was born of the spirit of rebellion," Abdallah Ag Alhousseyni, guitarist, lyricist and singer with the award-winning group said by phone during a tour in Sweden.

"The music keeps the same spirit: passing on the message. Before, the spirit was to inform the Tuaregs about their own situation. Today it is to make the whole world aware," he said.

The colonial carve-up of Africa put borders through the Saharan caravan routes the light-skinned Tuaregs had worked for hundreds of years, dividing them up between Mali, Niger, Mauritania and Chad to the south and Algeria and Libya to the north.

Fiercely proud of their centuries-old independence from outsiders, the turban-clad nomads staged revolts in the 1960s and 1990s in Mali and Niger for more autonomy from black African governments in capitals more than 1,000 km (600 miles) away.

Tinariwen was formed in revolutionary guerrilla camps set up in the 1980s by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, an advocate of a Saharan Islamic state who hoped adopting the Tuareg cause would win him greater influence in the southern desert.

They met fellow fighters in the camps from groups as diverse as South Africa's anti-apartheid African National Congress and the Palestine Liberation Organisation and listened to the music of angry young bands like Morocco's Nass El Ghiwane.

"Gaddafi's camps were an eye-opener for the Ishumar, not only in a political sense but a cultural one too," wrote Andy Morgan, Tinariwen's UK manager, in a brief history of the group.

"In the depths of the southern Libyan desert, they heard the rebel music of Bob Marley, Nass El Ghiwane and John Lennon as well as the rebel philosophy of (Arab nationalist Gamal Abdel) Nasser, Gaddafi and Che Guevara for the first time."

REBEL MUSIC

Peace agreements after the 1990s rebellion in Mali aimed to grant Tuareg communities a greater degree of autonomy while at the same time integrating former fighters into the national army and putting Tuareg politicians in senior government positions.

But a persistent sense that nomadic traditions are threatened means resentment remains high in a region infamous for banditry and smuggling and awash with arms.

Tuareg rebels attacked the remote town of Kidal last month, stealing army vehicles and munitions before withdrawing to surrounding hills, raising fears of a new rebellion. Ag Alhousseyni went to see them before setting off for Sweden.

"They are looking for autonomy for the region of Kidal and for a form of security that fits in with the nomadic lifestyle," he said. "The region has always been marginalised."

Speaking from a mountain hideout in the Adrar des Isforhas region north of Kidal, rebel spokesman Eglasse Ag Idar said Tinariwen's music and poetry had always been an integral part of the revolt as protest anthems known to nomads across the desert.

"In the 1970s and 1980s, they made the Tuaregs aware of their situation. Their music and their poetry played a big role in clarifying the problems," Ag Idar said by satellite phone.

"The Tuaregs are people who adore desert songs, who are proud of their culture, of their poetry. They helped a lot winning rights and recognition for our culture," he said.

RAGE AND ANGER

Described by one critic as "a cross between Fela Kuti and the Velvet Underground", Tinariwen's music uses traditional Tuareg, Arabic and Songhai melodies but replaces lutes with electric guitars strumming hypnotic riffs under the vocals.

They are an imposing sight in their indigo-dyed turbans and robes, and their latest work talks of the struggles of desert life and a longing for freedom but occasionally returns to the more militant tone of their early songs.

"Under my skin is the fire of rage and anger ... at the gates of Kidal we must assemble and fight," run the lyrics of Chatma, a song on their latest album "Amassakoul".

Ag Alhousseyni said the members of Tinariwen had laid down their guns and taken to music more seriously when the rebellion began to meet some of its objectives. Guitarist Keddou no longer plays with the band, instead wandering the desert and playing well-paid gigs for wealthy Libyan cigarette smugglers.

But its members remain closely attuned to the shifting balance of power in the Sahara and the threat to their way of life, making their music as important as ever.

"There's always the risk of a second rebellion. Even the government is aware of that. The things we signed in the peace deal in 1992 have not been respected," Ag Alhousseyni said.

"The spirit of rebellion is still in people's minds."

(c) Reuters 2006. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

Crisis in Kidal

Theresa — Sun, 28 May 2006 14:30:10 GMT

From Tinariwen's manager in the UK:

Dear Friends,

Here is a brief text which I am sending to my press and ngo contacts in
the UK (and some others abroad).   If you feel ready to do it, I would
appreciate it if you could send something like it by your e-mail to
your press lists.   Please don't feel obliged to do this.   It's up to
you.   But all help and support would be much appreciated. Many thanks
for your help.   Andy.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------

CRISIS IN KIDAL

The north east of Mali is in turmoil following attacks on military and
police installations in the towns of Kidal and Menaka.   On the morning
of 23rd May, at around 06h00 local time, an armed rebel Tamashek
('Touareg') group under the command of Hassan Fagaga attacked two
military barracks near the regional capital Kidal and held them for the
next 24 hours.   Fighting continued for some hours as civilians, women
and children for the most part, fled into desert.   A number of
soldiers, national guardsmen and police took refuge in the old fort of
Kidal and continued firing on rebels and civilians in the streets
below.   There are reports of four fatalities, two soldiers and two
rebels.    In Menaka, Moussa Bah, a Touareg army officer stationed in
the local barracks mutinied and fled into the bush with a number of
other deserters, having taken a quantity of arms and ammunitions from
the camp arsenal.

At around 14h00 today an armoured division of the Malian army, which
had travelled overnight from Gao in the south, retook Kidal.   The
rebels have fled north, and the situation is apparently tense but calm.

These events follow a period of mounting regional tension.   The
politics of the southern Sahara are extremely complex.   Simmering
disagreements between certain local Tamashek leaders and the Malian
government have persisted since the signing of the National Pact which
put an end to last Touareg rebellion in 1996.   The recent opening of
Libyan consulate in Kidal, strategic rivalry between the Ghadaffi
regime and the Algerian government, the discovery of large oil reserves
in northern Mali, the presence of renegade fundamentalist militias in
southern Algeria and the arrival of US military advisors have all
fueled a welter of speculation and rumor.

Kidal is the hometown of the Tamashek group Tinariwen, who are
currently on tour in Sweden and following events anxiously from afar.
Various members of the group have managed to call friends and family
in Kidal.   They are very concerned for the welfare of their families,
who are camping out in the desert in the hottest and driest season of
the year.

There is also a concern that this story will remain largely ignored by
the western media, or even worse, that events will be misreported and
that rumor will mutate into fact.   We call on all friends of the
desert and of Tinariwen to help raise awareness of the situation
amongst media organisations in their country, and amongst any NGOs and
humanitarian organisations who have a presence in the region and might
be able to help alleviate the suffering of the civilians caught up in
this conflict.

Many thanks for all your help.   Peace and blessings, Tinariwen.

If anyone would like to interview any of the members Tinariwen about
the situation please contact:
Andy Morgan - +44 7074 556614   andy.morgan@apartment22.com    Skype:
andy.morgan12
Bastien Gsell - +33 6 23 64 91 00    bastiengsell@yahoo.fr

French speakers can also contact Aboubacrine Ag Rhissa, a native of
Kidal and founder of the charity Akassa Sahel, who is based in Paris,
and is well informed about the current situation.    +33 6 03 12 87 81
rhissa@voila.fr

For more information, please consult the following websites:

IN ENGLISH:
Reuters - http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L24611879.htm
BBC - http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/5008224.stm
News 24 -
http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/News/0,,2-11-1447_1938570,00.html
African News Dimension -
http://www.andnetwork.com/index?service=direct/0/Home/
top.fullStory&sp=l35988
UN - http://www.irinnews.org/report.asp?ReportID=43206

IN FRENCH:
www.kidal.info (one of the best sources of news and discussion about
this situation on the web)
RFI - http://www.rfi.fr/actufr/articles/077/article_43933.asp
Le Monde - http://www.rfi.fr/actufr/articles/077/article_43933.asp
www.afribone.com

=======================================================
Andy Morgan
TINARIWEN UK
19 Tewkesbury Road
Bristol BS2 9UL, UK
Tel: (+44) (0)117 9556615
Skype: andy.morgan12
andy.morgan@apartment22.com

Freelance writer / Tinariwen Management / Apartment 22

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

new fundraising effort with new tee's, tanks, and fleece

carleigh — Thu, 04 May 2006 16:12:39 GMT

With the benefit show over, the dvd sold out, and still a great need for help and awareness to the nomadic people of Niger and West Africa - we have a new tee for fundraising.

100% of the proceeds are currently going to the Nomad Foundation (Leslie Clark from the benefit show) to dig a well for a Tuareg community in Niger that is without water.

The new merch has a Tuareg cross from Agadez, Niger printed on the chest. (hoodies on the back, minis on the thigh).

You can see some photos at http://www.dontletmypeopledie.org/tickets.html

or you can donate directly to the Nomad Foundation (please indicate Dont let My People Die Well) at http://www.nomadgal.com/foundation/index.html.

I will have this merch at Tribal Fest on the lawn.
Look for JUDITH'S HEAD (those great leather fringe belts).

as always, thanks for your continued support

posted in Nomadic Culture - 4 replies

Indigenous cultures and progress / internet.....

maxineastorga — Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:26:18 GMT

Check this on line article.

With more than 3.2 million new pages of content every 24 hours, and an estimated 1 billion users by 2005, the Internet is an information empire on a scale never before approached in human history. Although the Internet brings the opportunities of the Information Age to villages in every corner of the Earth, most content is in English and promotes the capitalist ideals and products of modern industrialized society. Is the Internet just another example of Western domination that will speed cultural homogenization? Or can indigenous peoples and cultural minorities join the information revolution to ensure their cultural survival, thus protecting the worldâs precious cultural diversity? We asked four participants from diverse backgrounds to share their views on these questions. Their responses help highlight both the positive and negative impacts of global communication on indigenous cultures, and give clear direction to how indigenous groups can make best use of the Internet to sustain their traditions

more...
http://www.wadsworth.com/anthropology_d/special_features/ext/earthwatch/rt.html

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

Tinarawin at Yoshis April 19th (Oakland, Ca)

carleigh — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 19:07:47 GMT

To share some GOOD news....

SOUTH SAHARAN ROCK!

Tinariwen

OPEN DANCE FLOOR!

Wednesday, April 19
8:00pm Show $20
10:00pm Show $14

Tinariwen is the latest worldwide rock ‘n’ roll revolution, reinventing the electric guitar and giving a new voice to the political and economic awakening of the Afrikan Diaspora. Tinariwen is a band comprised of Tuaregs, an indigenous people from Kidal in Eastern Mali in the Southern Sahara. In the late 1970’s, young Tuareg men fled the misery of drought, poverty, war and misfortune in their homeland to take refuge in Algeria and Libya. These men laid down the traditional lutes and fiddles of their culture and instead picked up guitars, creating wails and cries that eloquently expressed their pain and frustration with their people, who languished in an ageless slumber while their world was crumbling around them. Thirty years later, the message continues to grow increasingly louder and reach farther corners of the globe. The music and poetry of Tinariwen, the pioneer band of contemporary Mali youth culture, echo the deeply truthful passion of the Tuarag people facing resistance and exile.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 22 replies

Niger blocks BBC from filming malnutrition, food supplies: report

carleigh — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 19:06:04 GMT

Niger blocks BBC from filming malnutrition, food supplies: report Mon Apr 3, 6:04 PM ET
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060403/hl_afp/nigerbritainmedia_060403220424

LONDON (AFP) - Niger has withdrawn permission for foreign and local media to report on malnutrition and food supply problems there, the BBC reported on its internet site.

A BBC television film crew had been in the drought-prone African state but were told by government officials not to cover the food situation, BBC News Online said.

Niger, a former French colony lying between North and sub-Saharan Africa, is rated by the United Nations as one of the world's least developed nations. Hunger and malnutrition are recurrent problems.

Reporter Orla Guerin wrote that she and her crew found evidence of hunger and food shortages in the southeast Maradi region, quoting relief agency Medecins Sans Frontieres as saying desperate financial aid was needed.

The Maradi region has also been badly hit by a meningitis outbreak that has killed 668 people in Niger and neighbouring Burkina Faso since the start of the year and infected 6,912, according to the United Nations.

"After we broadcast our first story we were recalled to the capital, Niamey, and told our permission to report on the humanitarian situation had been withdrawn," Guerin wrote.

"Officials said they had no problem with our story but the government did not want foreign or local media to report about food supplies or malnutrition.

"The officials also criticised aid agencies without naming names, claiming that some of the funds raised for Niger last year did not reach their destination."

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

Three Day Fast

Sat, 03 Sep 2005 19:35:21 GMT

Anyone want to sign up to do a public three day fast? I've never done it before, so we'd be winging it.

Maybe we could set up camp in San Francisco during business hours with video of what is happening there, make huge signs?

I don't know what else to do... tell me what to do, we can't let this continue.

I know there are a lot of issues out there, a lot of suffering, a lot of violence. Don't let it shut you down, let it wake you up. Compassion splits your heart wide open and allows you to feel more deeply.

Lets get together and act.

A dancer in my workshop in Ireland today told me her group did a 24 hour fast and raised 2,000 Euros! THANK YOU! Let's keep it going.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 7 replies

Festival to sell Tuareg culture / Tinariwen

dancepanther — Wed, 08 Mar 2006 03:18:26 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4782506.stm
(Pics on the bbc site)

Festival to sell Tuareg culture
By Vincent Dowd
BBC, Essouk, northern Mali

There surely can be no more spectacular festival site anywhere.

Once Essouk was a major Saharan trading post; today it is little more than a map reference in northern Mali.

Touareg man
The Touaregs' indigo turbans led to their nickname: 'Blue men of the desert'

What it still offers however is a wonderfully sited natural amphitheatre in the dunes, some 150 metres wide - the site of a multi-faceted celebration of Tuareg culture.

Around the rim of the arena sit dozens of big leather tents, each the colour of red ochre, sheltering Tuareg who have come from as far away as Niger and Libya, drinking strong, sweet tea boiled on hot stones.

Nothing began even vaguely to schedule and one or two of the events simply did not happen at all.

For myself I was disappointed that the twilight dance of Tuareg shepherds was mysteriously dropped.

But the hundreds of Tuareg who made the long journey to Essouk undoubtedly loved almost every moment.

One gorgeously dressed woman who had travelled from near the Libyan border said she wanted to see Tuareg culture and show it to the world.

Chaotic camel heats

Among the musicians were Tinariwen, the guitar band - internationally the best known Tuareg performers.

Tinariwen

"Tinariwen is a group which is really more of a social movement, born out of the struggle for Tuareg recognition in the 1980s," said their British manager, Andy Morgan.

"Since the first festival in the desert in 2001, it has slowly become internationalised, which is having quite a benefit, hopefully, on this region."

Tinariwen come from nearby Kidal but there were other memorable performances too - from vocal group, Iswat, for instance.

The Tende drummers, all female, beat out their appreciation each afternoon while around them some slightly chaotic heats took place in the camel parade.

Only resource

The Essouk festival, which has evolved from an annual "Takoubelt", or Tuareg gathering, is just beginning to be marketed.

Even by Malian standards this is a desperately poor area.

With almost no natural resources, its culture and especially its music are among the few things it can export.

Tuareg leader Issa Dikko hopes the festival can open up the region to the outside world, after suffering drought and conflict in recent times.

"The second reason is to create a forum for all the Tuareg groups from all over the desert."

However, the number of tourists present probably never topped 100.

Women clapping

Kai from Germany said he had gone for "cultural adventure" - he was not disappointed.

The organisers hope they have started a process of building the festival's reputation with world music fans and other tourists to rival that of the better known Festival in the Desert near Timbuktu.

Some think that the Tuareg's nomadic culture is no longer feasible in the 21st Century.

To survive, all cultures need to renew and to celebrate themselves.

For three days, this is what this festival did superbly in the sands, under the skies of the Sahara desert.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Niger Benefit money distribution

carleigh — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 18:45:05 GMT

Hi all -

I am sending out the $$$ from the Niger Benefit, I have the money divided between:

Nomad Foundation (Leslie Clark- private foundation)
World Food Programme (Niger Relief Fund)
DoctorsWithoutBorders (Niger Operations)
Oxfam (Niger Relief fund)
Africare (Niger Relief fund)
Niger Direct (University of Arizona outreach)
TurtleWill (private foundation)

These organizations continue to support the relief efforts IN NIGER and/or have programs for sustainable living.

If you'd like to suggest any other's, please let me know in the next day or so as I am cutting checks...

posted in Nomadic Culture - 10 replies

Bird Flu Hit's Africa

kathrynwhittington — Thu, 09 Feb 2006 12:08:05 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4695684.stm

At present it's in Nigeria, but it is expected to spread. Not really what the continent needs, a disease that can wide out it's poultry stocks and spread to humans as well.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Niger situation is precarious: Window of opportunity to act now to prevent crisis

carleigh — Fri, 03 Feb 2006 06:25:46 GMT

Source: CARE
Date: 01 Feb 2006

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/DPAS-6LMCXX?OpenDocument

Niger situation is precarious: Window of opportunity to act now to prevent crisisNiger is facing another serious food crisis with latest indications showing that one million people are running out of food now and that this number is likely to double. Two million people, or one-fifth of the total population, are likely to have run out of food by the time the next rains are due to start in June.

Exactly six months since the Niger crisis first came to public attention in the UK, leading development agency CARE International is calling for urgent action and investment by the international community both to avert another emergency and to tackle deep-seated poverty in what is the poorest country in the world.

"The situation for hundreds of thousands of Nigeriens is precarious in the extreme," says Geoffrey Dennis, chief executive of CARE International UK. "Yes, they survived last year's crisis but as many as three in five households emerged from it heavily in debt and have had to sell much of their harvest to repay loans. Food stocks are now running dangerously low in many parts of the country."

Dennis adds: "If the international community steps in now, there is a window of opportunity to prevent a recurrence of an emergency on the scale of 2005. If we don't act, the cost will be felt in both human lives and the financial cost of mounting a full scale relief operation."

International investment must be stepped up urgently in order to increase:

- measures that could prevent another emergency, like school feeding, food for work and cash for work activities and targeted food distribution to the most vulnerable

- activities to help people recover from last year's crisis like providing cattle and other livestock for traditional herding communities, cash for work programmes to bolster incomes and restocking community supplies of seed and cereal to tide them over until the next harvest which is not until October.

Dennis adds: "Last year the British public showed their generosity and raised £26million through the Disasters Emergency Committee for Niger. That money funded life-saving food distributions and helped CARE and other agencies start to help rebuild people's lives.

"Yet it's clear Niger's problems can't be solved overnight. Let's not forget that this is the poorest country in the world. And that means it is only by sustained investment in helping people make a living that they will be able to move away from a hand-to-mouth existence."

CARE is the largest international NGO working in Niger and was responsible last year for distributing one third of all the food distributed throughout the country. It has operated in Niger for some 30 years and is running a variety of programmes to provide long-term solutions to chronic poverty. These include:

- women's savings and loan schemes,

- agriculture and livestock projects,

- school feeding,

- community cereal and seed banks,

- and encouraging better use of natural resources.

CARE is also running three nutritional recuperation programmes in two regions which have treated over 6,000 malnourished children. These programmes train mothers in improved nutrition and health and provide nutrition-rich food ingredients. CARE has also just started a project to support the Government's disaster alert system.

Three-fifths of Niger's population were faced with debts after last year's crisis – the average size of the debt was around £30 representing half the average income for 60 percent of the population. Half of all households had sold land or animals, meaning that animal and food stocks are lower this year.

For more information about Niger or to arrange interviews please contact

Fiona Turnbull, head of communications, on + 44 207 934 9315 or + 44 7788 106890.

Notes to editors.

CARE International is one of the world's largest relief and development agencies with programmes in more than 70 countries. Our long-term programmes tackle poverty through a range of issues like education, health-care, micro-finance and water and sanitation. We also respond to emergencies all around the world.

Niger is the poorest country in the world. The average life expectancy is only 46 years and the mortality rates among pregnant women and infants are among the highest in Africa. Less than half the population has access to safe water and only 14% of the population can read and write.

CARE is one of the ten agencies involved in the DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee) Niger Food Crisis Appeal which was launched in August 2005. Thanks to the generous donations made by members of the public, the appeal raised over £26 million. CARE received almost £2 million from the appeal to fund our work in Niger.

The UN World Food Programme is appealing for £33.9million and has so far received pledges of £20.9million, three-fifths of the total required.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Has anyone received their DVD yet?

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 19:05:01 GMT

Haven't seen mine up here in Canada yet? Curious whether they've been shipped?

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

Moon Oracle let the phases of the moon guide your life

Thu, 26 Jan 2006 00:46:06 GMT

About letting go ~
In-vision your lover in a boat with all things needed for a safe journey to flow out on a long slow moving river towards freedom. Yet you hold a rope tied to the boats bow.
Letting go of the rope sets both boat & lover free they are now free of us and the shore line.

What's wrong with this vision ~
We are still trapped on the shore line.
It's not our lovers who should be in the boat we hold the rope to keeping them on our shore line, it is ourselves.
By standing on the shore line we only stay in one place, no wonder we hold on to people and things who sail by it's very logical it's lonely on shore all alone.

I invite you to see a new vision ~
You are in the boat with all things needed for a safe journey flowing out on a long slow moving river yet this time the rope tied to the shore line is now in your hands.
On shore you see all things you love and value, none of which will fit into the boat.
You let go of the rope flowing gently down river and find freedom.
Finding this opens us to all-love on all levels all things and ideas all-ways of life.

The moon is key ~
We are here in this tribe for a reason, we need to understand the effects the moon has on our lives.
On December 27, 2005 I ended a moon cycle which began Jan 10, 2005
A time of learning, much Pluto pain twisted by the moons Lilith and that big shiny one we call the moon.

The moon Oracle ~
Let the phases of the moon guide your life: by Caroline Smith and John Astrop.
I would say to any-one who wishes to use the moon get this book!!!!!
Inside you'll find a very cool tarot deck, and a moon table that will amaze you in how right on things happen.
A sprit I know went through a moon cycle which began in Feb 2005, Till jan 2006, the day the event was ending we meet once more in person in total peace and calm, not something we could do during these two events. So how do you slow down or rush an event like that,,, you don't.

Make or Break ~
If one of these events is on-going, about to happen or has happened in your life what should you do?
Let go of the rope.

All Sisters Here
http://daughtersofthemoon.tribe.net/?_click_path=Application%5Btribe%5D.Tribe%5B0ad01871-ba0e-4548-9414-2710ef35fbc0%5D

Dream Love Moon
DLM
rock 2 rose

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

How do you feel about the new tribe layout/design

Stardawn — Tue, 24 Jan 2006 19:25:49 GMT

Ok, so i'm cross posting this to all the tribes i belong to, then i'll send the results to Wade (the main mod)

List your likes/dislikes and, hopefully, we'll all get what we want.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

paintings in Photo Album

Ramona — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 14:13:06 GMT

I am new to this tribe, and was wondering who posted the beautiful paintings in the photo album. Can you message me with more information about the artist?
Thanks,
Ramona

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

World AIDS Day; Christmas Gift ideas

Ayin — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 17:23:35 GMT

I know I was a bit late getting this info in, but I couldn't get to the Lappy.

According to NPR's sources, approximately 1/4 of the Sub-Saharan African population has HIV or AIDS. One in every 100 people in India also has HIV. These numbers are devastating. I know everyone who is a member of this tribe can understand the seriousness of the health crisis of these cultures we love and respect so much...

A good way to help and honor our human family is to remember them during the holidays. Whether it's fair trade goods, or purchasing an option through the below charities that includes medicines and educational material, or a ton of other options, to fit every budget-

We can do so much more than buy useless and unneeded trinkets for Christmas- let's make our money count.

Also don't forget to stay tuned to the Niger Benefit website for that DVD!!!

http://www.aidsandafrica.com/

http://www.avert.org/aidsinafrica.htm

http://www.data.org/

https://shop.thehungersite.com/store/site.do?siteId=220

http://www.turtlewill.org/

Anyone else with more info than my rather quick post, please share.

:)

posted in Nomadic Culture - 6 replies

Inuit Natives Suing US in Landmark Human Rights Complaint

dancepanther — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 00:32:56 GMT

Subject: ENVIRONMENT: Threatened By Warming, Arctic People File Suit Against Us
Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 10:15:43 -0500
///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\

Welcome to Light*Line USA
FLASH NEWS 12.8.2005

THREATENED BY WARMING, ARCTIC PEOPLE FILE SUIT AGAINST US
AFP
December 7, 2005

http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/12/07/051207182757.ht1oak7y.html

The people of the Arctic filed a landmark human rights complaint against the United States, blaming the world's No. 1 carbon polluter for stoking the
global warming that is destroying their habitat. The Inuit Circumpolar
Conference (ICC), representing native people in the vast, sparsely-populated region girdling the Earth's far north, said they had petitioned an inter-American panel to seek relief for Canadian and US Inuit.

"For Inuit, warming is likely to disrupt or even destroy their hunting and
food-sharing culture as reduced sea ice causes the animals on which they
depend to decline, become less accessible, and possibly become extinct,"
said Robert Corell, who spearheaded an Arctic climate impact assessment.

More than 150,000 Inuit, formerly called eskimos, are spread throughout the vast frozen northern territories of Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Scandinavia and Russia.

These regions have experienced the most rapid and severe climate change on earth, according to Corell's assessment, which was prepared over four years by more than 300 scientists from 15 countries and six indigenous organizations.

Global warming has caused the northern ice cover to retreat, making it more dangerous for the Inuit to hunt food animals such as polar bears, seals and caribou, their investigation found.

These animals also face decline or extinction, unable to adapt to warmer
temperatures as their own access to food sources, breeding grounds and
migration routes are altered.

And, rising sea levels and flooding threaten coastal Inuit communities.

"Inuit are an ancient people. Our way of life is dependent on the natural
environment and animals. Climate change is destroying our environment and eroding our culture," said Sheila Watt-Cloutier, the ICC chair.

"But we refuse to disappear. We will not become a footnote to globalization."

The petition urges the Washington-based Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to declare the United States to be in violation of the 1948 American Declaration of the Rights and Duties of Man.

It also wants the Commission to recommend that the United States adopt
mandatory limits of its greenhouse-gas emission and join international
efforts to curb global warming.

And it wants the Commission to declare the United States should help the
Inuit adapt to unavoidable impacts of climate change.

If the Commission rules in favour, the impact will be more political than
legal, the ICC acknowledged.

The panel, part of the Organisation of American States (OAS), is empowered to investigate and comment on human rights abuses, but has no power of enforcement.

Rising emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases
primarily caused by burning fossil fuels are expected to warm the Arctic
about 4-7 C (7.2-12.6 F), about twice the global average rise, over the next century, the ICC report concluded.

These dramatic climate changes "violate the Inuit's right to practice and
enjoy the benefits of their culture."

Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin added to this gloomy tableau.

"High in the Arctic, in our interior and along our coasts, the country we
know is being transformed," he said.

"Winters are growing milder, summers hotter and more severe, there is plant life where before there was none; there is water where before there was ice. Our permafrost is thawing -- and releasing methane gas into the atmosphere, accelerating climate change itself."

"Within short decades, the Northwest Passage, the famously un-navigable
thoroughfare of history, may be passable -- a striking and unsettling
example of our delicate balance succumbing to untenable strain," Martin
added.

The United States, with only five percent of the world's population, emits
some 25 percent of all harmful greenhouse gases.

Washington signed the 1992 Rio Convention on climate change and the Kyoto Protocol, but refused to ratify the latter.

The Inuit petition came as more than 100 ministers gathered Wednesday for the main part of a UN climate change conference in Montreal that has been going on since November 28 and is to end Friday.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

New video

Gabrielle — Sun, 27 Nov 2005 03:43:36 GMT

Hey guys, I was just searchin the web and came across this video. Unfortunately, I can't view it with english subtitles. The only one that works for me is the french version, but it's worth watching nonetheless.Lemme know what you think...

http://homepage.mac.com/ingridpatetta/tagaste/Menu81.html

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

Niger denies hunger crisis

timrayborn — Fri, 25 Nov 2005 18:49:27 GMT

President Mamadou Tandja, for whatever reasons, says that everything is fine in Niger.

This is also the government that refuses to ackowledge the problem of slavery, and accuses aid organizations of keeping money for themselves.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051125/ap_on_re_af/niger_hunger

Until this kind of political corruption is overcome, there will be little progress in many third world countries.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

Hunger is Africa's Natural Disaster

Fri, 25 Nov 2005 14:49:35 GMT

Friday, November 25, 2005
Hunger is Africa's natural disaster

By CAROLYN GIBB VOGEL
GUEST COLUMNIST

Widely known for being falsely accused by the Bush administration of selling uranium to Iraq to build the notoriously non-existent weapons of mass destruction, Niger is facing a genuine scandal. One-quarter of its population is facing a yearly food shortage and the government is in denial about the alarming situation.

A similar crisis is brewing among the population in Malawi, where the cycle of drought and poverty is quickly spiraling out of control. Relief workers in the country, like those in Niger, are fearful that appeals for aid will bring about only short-term relief. Recent news reports in The Washington Post and Newsweek say that while the Bush administration is providing more aid to Africa than previous administrations, it is falling far short on fulfilling its pledges.

It is amazing that so little has changed since I worked in Niger as a Peace Corps volunteer nutritionist more than 15 years ago. The global policy outlook hasn't really changed. Much is promised, but little is delivered and nothing ever really addresses the problems of persistent hunger, poverty and famine -- Africa's very own version of an ongoing Katrina.

I met many children during my time in Niger, but one stands out in my memory. Her name was Salamatou, but they called her Juma -- Friday, in the Hausa language of Niger, the day of her birth. I found her and her teenage mother waiting for a lift at the intersection of two dusty roads. At about 2 years old, Juma lay on a piece of tattered colored cloth, too emaciated even to sit up.

Pictures of children like Juma are what bring in much-needed emergency food aid to countries struggling with chronic food shortages. But does the motivation exist to turn this aid into something that could actually begin to establish food security?

As we've learned from our own Katrina, natural disasters happen. But unlike hurricanes, poverty and its resulting hunger can be prevented. In Niger and Malawi, the food supply is being stretched beyond its limits and other resources -- financial and natural -- are being overburdened by rapid population growth.

Many young girls in Niger still begin childbearing in their early teens and each woman has an average of eight children (the highest birth rate of any country in the world). Its population (14 million) is projected to nearly double by 2025 -- to 26 million. Yet access to and use of contraceptives is almost non-existent; fewer than 5 percent of married women of reproductive age use modern contraception.

Niger's plight is hardly unique. Poorly functioning government institutions and the spread of HIV, which now affects approximately 15 percent of the population, exacerbate the food shortage in Malawi. There, women have an average of almost six children and population is projected to increase from 13 million today to almost 20 million in 2025.

Across the continent, the average number of yearly food emergencies has nearly tripled since the 1980s. In sub-Saharan Africa, where the population is growing at a faster rate than in any other major world region, the number of malnourished people has increased from around 88 million in 1970 to about 200 million today.

One clear solution to slowing population growth in Africa exists: Increase access and availability of reproductive health care. When given the opportunity to determine the size of one's family, couples often choose to have fewer children. As a result, the burdens on a country's financial and natural resources decrease. Families improve their chances of avoiding poverty. More girls and young women continue their education. Women also become able to contribute to the financial well-being of their families. This money increases access to food.

Unlike so many, Juma was a lucky little girl. She was sent to a nutritional recuperation center in the nearest town. When I visited her several weeks later, Juma had doubled her weight, and when she was tickled, a faint smile would cross her lips. At the time, it seemed like a happy ending.

I've wondered over the years what became of Juma, or if she is even alive today. She'd be 18 years old and most likely a mother herself -- probably several times over. I doubt she has access to reproductive health care, and I fear she does not have enough food for herself and her children. Unless more is done to give people like Juma the information and contraceptives they need to plan and space their childbearing, the fate of her children and grandchildren is likely to be grim.

Carolyn Gibb Vogel, MPH, is a senior research associate at Population Action International and was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Niger from 1988-1990.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

Second food crisis

kathrynwhittington — Thu, 24 Nov 2005 13:34:11 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4463796.stm

Depressing, however I did hear it reported on the news on Radio 2 (one of the BBCs national radio stations in the UK) this morning so it's at least getting some decent media attention here at least.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

Aloha nomads

Tara — Wed, 23 Nov 2005 22:33:13 GMT

I know that Rachel felt she needed to physically go to Niger to offer up her heart and her hand to the people she has come to care so much about. I know how much this meant to her. I just wanted to say that though I'm sure her physical presence would have been welcome her spirit has been felt by many and the inspiration and motivation she has provided has fed more mouths, provided more comfort, and spread more compassion than her physical presence ever could have. She has truly awakened many to the problems in Africa and who knows still how many more she will reach. She has helped inspire me to use some of my time before I start working as a nurse to volunteer in Africa. Though I will not be in Niger, there are poor hungry African peoples in desperate need of medical care all over this continent. I am in Africa as I write this and I leave for my medical placement in Ghana next week and I just wanted to say thank you Rachel and thank you all for the inspiration. Much love and many blessings to you, you all are splendid. Kisses, T

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

6M hungry

kathrynwhittington — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 12:57:31 GMT

This isnn't solely about Niger, but I thought it's a report that outhers would find interesting, if somewhat depressing :(

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4459348.stm

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

November 17- Skip a meal for Oxfam

tribaljewel — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 03:24:53 GMT

One week before the Thanksgiving feast, skip a meal to remember the more than 850 million people who are hungry. Then donate the money saved to Oxfam.

http://ga0.org/campaign/skip_a_meal05/wx3xu684z5ijmbw?

I read this to my son today and he voluntarily decided that he wanted to skip and meal and send part of his weekly allowance to Oxfam. I hope that all of you will join Rune and I in skipping a meal on 11/17.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

fasting

cherylkornegay — Fri, 28 Oct 2005 15:21:39 GMT

Well, for my own personal enlightenment I decided to try out a fast (thanks for the idea, Rachel!). Let me tell you, you find out pretty fast what a spoiled little American you are! Today is day two and I’m feeling alright this morning – I’m not a breakfast eater to begin with, but in the past when I’ve skipped a meal I usually stop being hungry after a while. I’m only a little hungry right now, but last night was a different story. Around three o’clock in the morning, when I had danced hard before bed and was hungry enough that it kept me awake all night, I was feeling pretty sorry for myself. Then I thought about how ridiculous it was for me- who could get up at any point, walk into the kitchen and grab something out of the fridge- to be complaining. After all, the whole point was to see what it was like for the millions of people in Africa and around the world who don’t have the luxury of food on demand. I don’t even know the meaning of hunger. Skipping a few meals probably won’t bring me close to feeling what those people feel every day on a regular basis. It really shames you, though, and forces you to think about the privilege that you have just happening to have been born in a wealthy nation.

Just thought I’d share my little side note on fasting and open it up to anyone else who wants to do the same!

posted in Nomadic Culture - 4 replies

rachel, your benefit concert can still raise more $$

boricualeenda — Tue, 15 Nov 2005 22:15:54 GMT

my dear rachel,

i would have LOVED to have been at the benefit! the pictures look more than absolutely amazing. it looked like an historic night - the best of the best, the LEGENDS all performed. i am positive each and every performance was breathtaking.

i am sure that everyone on this tribe would agree that they would love to purchase a copy of that video, with all of the proceeds going straight to the cause.

tribesters, are you all with me??

please tell us this is in the works.

con amor,
~la boricualeenda

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

I can't fast but....

kathrynwhittington — Thu, 10 Nov 2005 19:28:40 GMT

....I could stop eating chocolate. That in itself scares me somewhat!

What do you think? I'm like a 3 bar a day girl most of the time.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Movie at Pier 23

s-a-n-d-i — Tue, 01 Nov 2005 22:45:46 GMT

Just passed by the li'l spot on the waterfront on my lunch hour walk and noticed that Pier 23 Cafe ( http://pier23cafe.com/ ) is showing a movie this Sunday (Nov 6, 8:30pm) called Tuaregs and Toubabs by Dottie Leroux.

Here's info on the movie, although, its not promo on this particular showing:
http://www.shastafilmfest.com/films2005/tuaregs.php

Here's the calendar at Pier 23 Cafe:
http://pier23cafe.com/p23events.asp

No cover charge. Pier 23 is trying to drum up biz so they're trying out new things. Not a good place for vegetarians though - lots of fried seafood.

Anyone want to go?

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

Niger Benefit is next week

carleigh — Fri, 04 Nov 2005 18:10:47 GMT

I hope to see all of you bay area Nomadic Culture tribers at the show next Thursday.

Please do get a ticket before the show - the seats are going so fast, I'm not sure we will have any left at the door.

Aside from our biggies that we all are excited for, I have to tell you, I can't wait to see the West African performance. This guy has quite a resume and is going to sing an African Blessing to begin the show.

Bal Anat in all it's glory will take the stage with 2 of my favorite dances and then our dear Rashid (who co-directs and choreographs Bal Anat with Suhaila and Jamila) will do a solo. He is so amazing - you may have seen him at Sheherezade.

I heard a rumor Carolena may do a solo with FCBD. (it's a rumor, I can't confirm so don't hold me to it!)

Tempest is doing a Zar dance, I have never seen it performed so I'm really excited.

The Guedra is so cool, I have no idea what it is like to witness since I have only ever participated in it, so you guys will have to let me know what it's like to watch....I put the Arabic words to the chants in the program so you can chant along if you feel it.

I hear Katie Kay and Tim are workin up some magic - I can't wait to see that. Double your pleasure with those two!

And Fred always amazes me. Her costumes too! Every time I see her! That girl is so darn cute and creative, how does she do it?!

Suhaila is bringing her drummer, Ziad - you know him if you have her cds. I am taking his workshop on Tuesday at her Studio so I get a little preview ... I hear he's a real master and worth the trip right there.

And of course we have Rachel, who will have just returned from Africa. I can't wait to see what that wonder will bring us...

ok, thanks for sharing my excitement, I just told you too much I'm sure - back to work now.

xoxo,
Carleigh

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Charities

lailabh — Tue, 25 Oct 2005 13:47:01 GMT

I'm planning on donating some of my next paycheck (as soon as I get out of the hole...oy) to Oxfam, but I was wondering if anyone likes Heifer International? I think it's a fantastic idea and one I'd very much like to support. I'm still checking them out, though.

www.heifer.org

posted in Nomadic Culture - 5 replies

NPR- Tackling Poverty, Health Threats in Niger

carleigh — Mon, 31 Oct 2005 17:52:04 GMT

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4982368

take a listen

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

World Hunger Relief Project

cherylkornegay — Sun, 30 Oct 2005 19:41:08 GMT

Hi everyone,
I hope no one minds me posting this here, but I thought it might be something some of you - especially on the east coast- might be interesting in. I'll keep it short, so for those of you who are interested you can check out the link and those who aren't won't be bothered with paragraphs of information.

I'm working to get a coalition of dancers and others together for a World Hunger Relief Project. So far, the tenative plan is a three part fundraising effort that will include a fast fundraiser, a hunger banquet, and a performance by members of the belly dance community. The goal (at this point) is to raise awareness about the problem of starvation facing many poeple of the world and the distribution of wealth while generating funding for a selection of charities that represent the global effort to end hunger and poverty.

The link for more info is:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hungerproject

Thanks everybody! It was this site that inspired the idea!
Cheryl Kornegay

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Tuareg nomads visit Seacoast

carleigh — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 16:33:27 GMT

http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20051023/NEWS1403/110210105/-1/CITIZEN

I would post the article - but you really should go to it so you can see the photos too.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Oxfam decries uneven response to world disasters

carleigh — Sun, 23 Oct 2005 03:04:15 GMT

London, UK, 10/22 - UK-based charity organisation, Oxfam International said 2005 had been characterised by natural and man-made disasters that had drawn uneven response from the international community.

It noted in a new report that while international response to "televised disasters" had been generous, there had been a continuing failure by governments to provide "timely, sufficient aid to those, largely in sub-Saharan Africa, who suffer equally but less visibly".

The report comes against the backdrop of fear that some 80,000 people may have died in India and Pakistan from a devastating earthquake which hit the region 8 October, with the UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, warning of a second "massive wave of death" unless the international community stepped up relief effort immediately.

The UN has appealed for 312 million US dollars, but has so far only received 37 million or 12 percent of the funds required to tackle the disaster.

This is very slow compared to the Tsunami appeal in response to the December 2004 disaster in which 225,000 people died in Asia, which raised 80 percent of needed funds within ten days.

There are fears the international community is suffering from "donor fatigue," following a series of disasters including Hurricane Stan in Central America, Hurricane Katrina which ravaged New Orleans in the US, and famine in Niger.

Oxfam noted that over the last decade the number of disasters and human victims had been climbing, with Africa showing the greatest increase.

"The international humanitarian response has been inadequate to many of these crises - and others caused by armed conflicts" with an "uneven, often late and sometimes inefficient international humanitarian performance that has been undermined by inadequate funding for the UN`s vital appeals," the report added.

It said despite warnings raised in March, the international community was still not responding fast enough to the imminent crisis in southern Africa, where up to 12 million people could face severe food shortages.

According to Oxfam, humanitarian aid often arrives too late, as shown by the food crisis in Niger where "many deaths could have been prevented if funding had been made available."

Instead "it took television pictures of starving children in July to prompt adequate funds by which time the shortage had turned into a crisis," it lamented.

The report also charged that humanitarian aid was often determined more by media profile or political criteria than humanitarian need, noting for instance, that the Tsunami appeal received 3.8 billion dollars in pledges, about half the annual funds for all emergencies worldwide.

In contrast, the UN estimates that 16 million people are at immediate risk in ten "neglected emergencies" in Africa alone (including Niger, Chad, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Guinea, Republic of Congo, Somalia, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo and northern Uganda).

Oxfam said that in 2004 the UN struggled with an annual shortfall of 1.3 billion dollars for its appeals, "effectively abandoning people to destitution, starvation or death."

As a solution, it said the UN Central Emergency Revolving Fund should be transformed into a larger, more efficient "Response Fund" with additional funding of a billion US dollars a year.

The fund, Oxfam explained, would reduce suffering and death and reduce the number of crises by focusing funds on humanitarian needs rather than media or political profile.

On the relationship between development and reducing vulnerability to disaster, it noted that "while the link is not automatic, extreme poverty can vastly increase vulnerability to disaster."

The report explained that even in countries with high human development indicators, an average of 44 people died per disaster, increasing to an average of 330 people per disaster in countries with low human development indicators.

http://www.angolapress-angop.ao/noticia-e.asp?ID=385372

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

I'm going to Niger

Fri, 23 Sep 2005 23:29:55 GMT

By the way, I'm leaving Monte Carlo to go to Niger October 23rd. I can't not go and feel normal.

I'll be updating y'all about the trip. I can't hardly believe it. I'm terrified and very excited.

Rach

posted in Nomadic Culture - 20 replies

Aid from small organizations saving the day!

Tue, 27 Sep 2005 19:57:23 GMT

"In small pockets around the country, aid organizations such as Action Against Hunger, whose team I filmed, are effective at alleviating malnutrition, educating communities, preventing epidemics and supplying the tools necessary for displaced families to become self-sufficient again. But in the Congo (indeed, around the world), the support that such organizations need to be truly effective falls short. Paradoxically, we see generous examples of giving in the wake of recent disasters. Last December's tsunami in Asia, for example, spurred donations of hundreds of millions of dollars.

Nongovernmental organizations reported that for perhaps the first time in history they had enough resources to address the crisis. Similarly, recent reports of famine conditions in Niger and accompanying footage of dying children on major TV networks triggered huge deliveries of food.

The point is that emergency response is essential -- but so is support for long-term solutions that build lasting self-sufficiency. Unfortunately, financing for these solutions is more grudging than for quick fixes. Once sudden catastrophes pass, donors typically move on to the next one. As a result, aid organizations combat the same problems of disease and malnutrition, over and over, as if digging fruitlessly in the sand (which, incidentally, fuels the general perception that humanitarian aid is largely ineffective).

But it doesn't have to be this way. Things can change if donors learn to be more intelligently pro-active, supporting ongoing efforts to give communities the knowledge and tools to be self-sustaining rather than merely responding to the crisis of the moment. In the long run, such efforts would save millions more lives (and be a good deal less expensive) than all emergency rescues put together.

Another reason for the lack of funding for long-term solutions is a widespread perception that humanitarian aid is co-opted and wasted. Often it is. But there is a difference between money that goes through central governments, where it can be easily diverted into corrupt channels, and help that goes directly to beneficiaries through international aid organizations that are on the ground. In fact, to protect against resources being co-opted, some nongovernmental organizations maintain strict rules against accepting intermediaries between themselves and their beneficiaries.

It is also important to realize that diversion not only occurs on the recipient side. Often donor and donor governments attach politically and ideologically motivated conditions to aid that are counterproductive.

Realistically, both big and small aid projects are needed to end the woes of the Congo, and more resources will have to be allocated. But the as yet untested experiment in international aid is to fully fund the micro-programs being implemented by smaller aid agencies that have a real impact on changing the lot of the poorest of the poor. If we really want to lessen the problems of Africa, it is time to put our trust in organizations that have a history of building sustainability and not just responding to crises. "

Learn More
What: Screenings of "Heart of the Congo," a documentary by Tom Weidlinger

Dates, times and places: Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., San Francisco (Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.; discussion with the director follows); United Nations Association Film Festival (Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., at Delancey Screening Room, 600 Embarcadero, San Francisco; and Oct. 23, 6:05 p.m., at Cubberley Auditorium at Stanford University).

Admission: varies, $7 to $15

More information: On the Commonwealth Club screening: (415) 597-6705/6706 or (800) 847-7730; www.commonwealthclub.org/mlf.html

On the United Nations Association Film Festival: www.unaff.org

On the film: www.heartofthecongo.com

Tom Weidlinger is an independent filmmaker who lives in Berkeley.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

Journal of sorts?

Thu, 29 Sep 2005 15:22:16 GMT

9-29-05

So maybe I should start a real blog, but I dunno about those things, man...

Okay I will...

http://people.tribe.net/brice

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

Anyone into a 3 day fast for Africa?

Tue, 20 Sep 2005 13:01:38 GMT

Any one interested in doing a public fast wit' me? I've never done this before, and would have to learn a lot about what is required.

I'm thinking, if the city allows it, during the day (especially as people are going to work and coming home), we would park ourselves at a BART station or so, and dance and ask other companies to come dance.

Anyone who would be interested in not eating for 3 days, just to get a "taste" (no pun intended) of what it's like to go without food, let me know we could have a big sign stating that's what we're doing. We could get the press more involved that way.

I want to know what it feels like to be 3 days hungry.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 8 replies

Brain Food

carleigh — Wed, 19 Oct 2005 15:04:03 GMT

This tribe has gotten quiet. The trouble isn't behind us.

I found this article very informative: http://www.progress.org/2005/fpif70.htm

Opened my eyes more than my coffee; sometimes "help" hurts. (at least the wrond kind of help)

posted in Nomadic Culture - 2 replies

U.N.: Somali pirates seize second aid ship

carleigh — Thu, 13 Oct 2005 16:32:18 GMT

Not Niger - but close enough. This just baffles me.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/10/13/somalia.pirates.reut/index.html

NAIROBI, Kenya (Reuters) -- Somali pirates have hijacked a second ship carrying United Nations food aid in the latest act of piracy to strike vessels plying the anarchic country's treacherous seas, the world body said on Thursday.

Six gunmen stormed the MV Miltzow freighter on Wednesday as its cargo of 850 tonnes of food aid was being offloaded in the port of Merka, 100 kilometers (60 miles) southwest of the capital Mogadishu, the U.N. World Food Programme said.

Aboard were the crew of 10, including a Kenyan captain, Ugandan engineer and eight other Kenyans, WFP added.

The hijacking came 10 days after pirates released another ship laden with WFP food aid, the MV Semlow, which they seized at sea and held for nearly 100 days.

"It is scandalous that a small number of profiteers would once again hijack humanitarian food supplies destined for fellow Somalis," Robert Hauser, WFP's country director for Somalia, said in a statement.

The cargo was headed for approximately 78,000 people in the Jilib district, just north of Merka, which has suffered ongoing violence, flooding and a total crop failure in recent months.

The Indian Ocean waters off Somalia are among the most dangerous in the world. The Horn of Africa nation has had no proper government since 1991 and no one patrols its coastline.

Pirates in armed speedboats typically race alongside slower-moving ships, firing on them, before boarding and seizing control at gunpoint.

In this case, the attack took place onshore. The hijackers then forced the Miltzow's crew to take the ship out to sea with about 400 tonnes of cargo, including rice, maize and vegetable oil, still in the hold.

Overland option
Wednesday's capture of the Miltzow is the third time pirates have struck the Mombasa, Kenya-based Motaku Shipping Agency, which owns the two ships hired to carry WFP food aid and a third stormed by pirates over the weekend.

The third ship, the MV Torgelow, had been headed to the Somali port of El Maan carrying fuel and supplies to restock its sister ship the Semlow when it was taken.

The Semlow has yet to unload its cargo of 850 tonnes of rice destined for victims of the December. 26 tsunami. A dispute with El Maan port authorities has prevented the return of its exhausted 10-man crew to Mombasa, WFP said.

Motaku typically runs about two voyages a month to Somalia, but may abandon the route because of the risks.

WFP said it is considering sending food aid overland through Kenya and Djibouti since shipping firms now want armed escorts.

Somalia, with a population of 10 million people, is one of the most dangerous and difficult places in the world to deliver humanitarian aid, as the seizure of the WFP-chartered boats underscores.

Aid workers must deal with dilapidated infrastructure and a network of warlords and their militias that have run the country since the ouster of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

Slavery in modern Niger

timrayborn — Sat, 01 Oct 2005 00:37:47 GMT

This is a very important topic, discussed in an article in the September, 2005 issue of Smithsonian magazine. Slavery is still a way of life for some in several west African states, while their governments look the other way, or act as if it doesn't exist. The Nigerien government is especially bad about this.

It is often transgenerational, wiyth children of slaves also being slaves (and those children are commonly born as a result of rapes of female slaves by the owners).

The UN estimates that as many as 12.3 million people worldwide are slaves or indentured servants.

You can read the full article in PDF here (you'll need Adobe PDF reader):

http://www.smithsonianmag.si.edu/smithsonian/issues05/sep05/pdf/niger.pdf

There is an HTML version, but I can't get the link to work here properly (it's too long).

posted in Nomadic Culture - 4 replies

<-----How Do I Get These Products

srichardson — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 13:42:35 GMT

The shirts and items in the booth how do I order them?

posted in Nomadic Culture - 6 replies

DATA

3rifily — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 12:20:34 GMT

got this from the ONE campain newsletter

http://www.data.org/

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

check out this video

carleigh — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 22:51:30 GMT

http://www.rootsyrecords.com/VIDEO/DjembeFulaniTroupe.WMV

"Traditional Fulani Troupe Performing"

posted in Nomadic Culture - 11 replies

More help has arrived...

Tue, 27 Sep 2005 20:01:59 GMT

"Mercy Corps is responding to famine conditions in Niger with comprehensive feeding, nutrition and health programs to help families suffering from malnutrition and hunger-related illnesses.

Your generous donation can ensure the long-term recovery of Nigerien families in need.

Mercy Corps is distributing protein-rich UNIMIX food to malnourished children in Niger's Filingue region. UNIMIX, provided to humanitarian organizations by UNICEF, is a vitamin and mineral-rich food containing corn and soy protein. When mixed with clean water, it makes a porridge that has 400 calories per 100 grams of flour - a lifesaving food supplement for children suffering from hunger.

Mercy Corps will be feeding thousands of children at eight health centers around the region. The agency will also be providing transportation to and from the health centers for severely malnourished children.

In order to guarantee long-term health care for vulnerable Nigerien families, Mercy Corps will be conducting training for representatives from local health clinics. This training will ensure that health workers can identify malnourished children, prepare UNIMIX food for moderately malnourished children and refer severely malnourished children to the regional hospital in Filingue. Mercy Corps is also providing much-needed equipment to these local clinics.

The food shortages throughout Niger have forced families to scavenge for whatever food they can find to feed their families. People have been living off bitter ground leaves called dsedow, a cucumber-like vegetable called gouna and a peanut-sized seed called anza that has to be soaked for three days before it's edible. Drought and locust swarms have devastated farms, depriving families of the millet and livestock they depend on for nutrition.

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/LSGZ-6GMFFD?OpenDocument

"In the coming weeks, Mercy Corps will continue to work with partner organization Appui et Renforcement des Organizations Paysannes (APOR) to find and assist communities in need. Future programs will concentrate on helping Nigerien families strengthen agricultural systems, build reliable health care systems and avoid future food crises.

Thank you for your support of Mercy Corps programs in Niger. Your continuing commitment will make a difference for families struggling to emerge from one of Africa's worst famines in years."

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Something light-hearted

s-a-n-d-i — Mon, 26 Sep 2005 23:33:25 GMT

http://desmoinesregister.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050926/NEWS/50926003/1001

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

Niger's children continue dying

carleigh — Sat, 24 Sep 2005 01:22:27 GMT

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4274728.stm

The southern belt of Niger is lush and green with abundant crops almost ripe for the forthcoming harvest.

If you were just passing through as a traveller you could drive for hundreds of miles along the narrow strip that hugs the bottom of this giant country - the only arable land in Niger - in the happy belief that there wasn't a problem.

The only thing that might tweak your concern would be the regular sight of malnourished children standing naked outside their huts.

But were you to take a left or a right off the main road - the only tarred road in the region - and travel into the villages, you'd find one of the ugliest and saddest human plights on this continent.

Few can afford the little food there is, and although the next harvest looks promising people are still starving to death.

No better

I have just returned to Niger six weeks after filing the first reports on the huge hunger crisis in July, expecting things to be better. But if anything what we saw this time was worse.

Massive amounts of foreign aid have flowed into Niger since the world woke up to the crisis, but the food has not yet reached around a million people. It arrived too late and is still being distributed.

The terrible truth is that this is the world we in the West accept in this day and age

Aid agencies working on the ground feel ashamed at the world's slow reaction - every day they see children dying right before their eyes.

We went to village after village, and each time we were immediately surrounded by a crowd of women begging us for help, showing us their sick children, thinking we were foreign and so could do something.

Looking around almost every child was malnourished, some with pot bellies and the tell-tale orange hair of kwashiorkor, the type of malnutrition that leaves your body bloated with fluid, and with open wounds. Others were emaciated and frail, with protruding ribs - their bodies starving to death slowly by wasting away.

Fighting for breath

In a crowded feeding centre in Zinder in the east of Niger we met Mohammadu Nakilou, a boy of about two, one of 1,000 children admitted to feeding centres every week because they are in the severe stages of starvation. The doctors were overwhelmed and could accept only the very worst cases, like Mohammadu, into intensive care.

We found Mohammadu on a respirator because of his lung infection. Starvation slows the immune system down, and the children can't fight the bacteria who are quick to feed on their weakness.

His breathing was slow and desperate. He would take a long slow breath in with a painful rasping noise, and throw his head backwards to try to get more air in. Each time he took a successful breath - and each one looked as if it would be his last - his eyes would be wide with utter fear.

He moved close to his mother's chest, clinging. Then his struggle would begin for the next breath. It was so terrible to watch that I had to walk away.

Most of the children in the extreme stages of starvation are listless, and if they open their eyes show few reactions. Mohammadu was different. He looked entirely alive and aware, acutely terrified at what was happening to him, and madly confused.

Files of the dead

We went back to find him the next morning to see if he had progressed. His bed was empty. I could think of no reason why he would have been transferred to another part of the feeding centre. The doctors said two children had died overnight and he was not one of them.

There are so many dying they don't keep a record of names, but put the medical files of those who have died in a pile that gets picked up and dumped somewhere else after 12 hours or so.

In the intense frenzy of the centres where the first priority is saving lives, not counting the dead, it took some investigation to find out that Mohammadu had died shortly after we had left him the evening before. He had been buried that morning.

When you see such intense suffering of children day after day, the young, the most vulnerable people on this planet - children under five born into the poorest country on earth through no fault of their own - dying before your eyes, questions flood your mind.

Why is this happening? Who is to blame? What do we do? Will it happen again?

Niger's woes

The political answers at least are relatively easily. Niger is phenomenally poor. It has an ongoing crisis of development. More than 80% of the country is desert - it is barely viable economically.

The privatisation of medical care also plays a part in the crisis
It has a policy, encouraged by the Western world, of privatised health care so that it costs $14 (£8) for a mother to get a baby a medical consultation. That means almost no-one in the country can afford to see a nurse or a doctor.

Illiteracy is massive, so education about breast feeding, child bearing, and nutrition is virtually non-existent. About a quarter of children under five die even in normal years.

And so the next time a drought comes along this will all happen again. A massive injection of foreign development aid over the long term is probably the only answer.

The other issue is how the world responds to Africa and its crises. Why was the world late? It is in no-one's interest. It is costing the international community many times more than it should to feed Niger now than it would have had this crisis been nipped in the bud.

Not to mention the human cost.

On my last day in Zinder a young woman sat on a bed in a feeding centre weeping. Her child had died an hour before. The child was a boy called Safiana. His temperature had dropped by 2 degrees in the early hours of the morning and a slight chill in the air proved to much for him.

He was also badly dehydrated, had malaria and scabies. So did his mother. This is the second child she has lost.

Food shortages like this have happened in Africa time and time again over the decades, so often in fact that it is valid to ask why should we be surprised by this any more.

The terrible truth is that this is the world we in the West accept in this day and age, and we assuage our consciences by dipping into our pockets when it gets so bad we can no longer bear it.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

New Organization in Arizona - Niger Direct

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 17:35:45 GMT

http://www.dailystar.com/dailystar/metro/92511.php

By Eric Swedlund
ARIZONA DAILY STAR

After a three-week assessment mission to Niger, a UA anthropologist is returning to the famine-stricken African nation to start a Tucson-based relief effort aimed at saving lives one village at a time.

The effort is a demonstration that delivering aid on a small scale directly to villages and tracking its effects is a more effective method of disaster relief than governments and other large groups tend to use, said Mamadou Baro, an associate professor who holds a joint appointment with the Bureau of Applied Research in Anthropology.

Baro returned Tuesday after three weeks in Niger and is set to depart next week, along with anthropology doctoral student Tara Deubel. The University of Arizona project, dubbed Niger Direct, is part of a 15-year history the bureau has had working in poverty-stricken countries in Africa, linking research directly with relief and outreach efforts. In Niger, famine threatens 3.6 million people.

"Now we're getting into the practical phase," he said. "The first phase was assessing the needs."

Based on research from his trip, Baro estimates that $150 can help a household through the next two months, known as the soudure, the lean time before the harvest, when food supplies are depleted or fading rapidly and the people can do little but wait.

Baro visited the Tanout region, a 12-hour drive from the capital of Niamey and one of the areas hit worst by the famine. The area is isolated, and it's difficult even to get food to the region.

Baro talked to families and community leaders, returning with a list of the villages most in need, many of which were unable to produce any food during the past year. Most also had their livestock die or take ill.

"Basically, they were just starving - no food, no crops and no meat," said Baro, chairman of the Niger Direct initiative, a 15-member committee of professors, students and Africans living in Tucson.

A typical village in the region has 50 to 80 families, or 500 to 1,000 people.

The initiative has raised $12,000 for the effort. Baro and Deubel will bring money to buy food and livestock locally. The team will also photograph the people and take a census of the villages to monitor the impact of the aid for accountability.

"Our idea, our principle, is very simple: We want to make a difference, even if it's just one village," Baro said.

Deubel called the efforts a new system of aid distribution that removes the overhead and uses experts on the issues and the region to place small amounts of relief where they can do the most good.

"This is a really good initiative. It's local people here in Tucson who are trying to make a difference in the situation by going directly to the people and providing aid," she said. "It's going to hopefully provide a new model to finding solutions to help aid people."

For more information on the Niger Direct initiative, e-mail associate professor of anthropology Thomas Park at tpark@u.arizona.edu.

Make a tax-deductible donation payable to UA Foundation/Anthropology-Niger Direct and mail to Niger Direct, c/o Thomas Park, P.O. Box 210030, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

This is actually happening: Diary from Mali, 9-13 August

Sat, 03 Sep 2005 19:29:45 GMT

British Red Cross Society - UK
Website: http://www.redcross.org.uk
Tuesday, August 9

Timbuktu. In a lifetime of roaming the face of this planet, I never thought I’d make it here. The reality, of course, could never quite live up to the enticing mystique surrounding the name. It is a dusty, dreary town, pock-marked with construction sites and stalls selling Tuareg trinkets to moody backpackers. But after two bone-shuddering days in a Landcruiser, it is a blessed relief to get here.

I left the capital Bamako yesterday with a Red Cross team comprising specialists redeployed from the Niger operation along with a Malian logistician and nutritionist. The team is preparing the ground in three districts around Timbuktu for a distribution to some 2,800 families, mostly Bella and Tuareg nomads who together make up the Tamashek community.

The needs are likely to be far greater.

Mali has not reached Niger’s crisis levels, but every indicator suggests they could be heading in that direction. The price of grain has more than quadrupled in the last two years and the market value of livestock has collapsed, creating a disaster in the making for pastoralist communities.

Of greatest concern is that the rainy season has not arrived as it should have done – unlike Niger - further decimating the little pasture that survived last year’s drought and locust plague.

Precise nutritional evaluations are going to be challenging in the extreme. The Spanish Red Cross representative in Bamako is using maps of traditional wells and watering holes in order to establish where these populations are to be found. Other agencies such as Veterinaires Sans Frontieres (Vets without Borders) are also providing essential information.

At which point, as always, it comes back down to the slow graft of field work.

Wednesday, August 10

The details will require time and patience; the chronic desperation, however, is there for all to see. In Tindjambane village, 18km east of Timbuktu, we meet Amatullah, an 89-year-old trying to take care of grandchildren. Her daughter died three years ago, and her son-in-law has left with the remaining livestock to try and find decent pasture.

She sits in her tent with one of her grandsons, Mohamed. He is six years old but he looks three or four, the result of years of malnutrition. “When I think about how life used to be here and what it’s like now, I can’t even talk about it,” she says.

A few metres further on, Fatima -- another octeganarian -- shelters from the pitiless heat with her grandson Mustafa. He is 10 and severely disabled. Fatima’s children have also left to look for pasture, leaving her in charge of a household of children with no means whatsoever to support them. Mustafa cannot walk or even move on his own, she explains, so she can’t try and find any food herself. They live on handouts.

“Grain is too expensive and all the animals are gone. We are totally dependent on other people if we want to survive,” she says.

The head of the village, Hamid Mohamed Lamine, points to the small dunes and sandy scrub that surround the village. “At this time of year, that should all be green,” he says. “If we don’t get rain soon, it will destroy the animals, it will destroy the community, it will destroy everything.”

Hamid is not overly impressed by our visit. “A lot of NGOs visited last year to evaluate our situation and told us they would tell donors about us and come and do projects. They never came back.” We will be distributing here, but it feels like an insult to tell him that before it actually happens. They’ve been let down too many times.

Thursday, August 11

We set off for Gourma Rharous, some 160km east of Timbuktu, for a wider look at the region. In villages along the way, the story becomes depressingly predictable. Vast areas that should be green are not. If there is grass at all, it is yellowed and cracked. Aside from the immediate lack of fodder this year, grass that does not grow properly will not reseed itself and pastures and the animal fodder they provide will simply disappear next year.

Another two to three weeks of no rain, villagers say, and the damage will be irreparable.

Crops are not faring much better. “Even if there is a harvest, it will still not be enough,” says Mamadou Dialla, a local official in Aglal village. “We were promised a distribution from the government, but it hasn’t arrived yet.”

Aglal is deserted, and herein lies a primary obstacle to any distribution in these parts. Following a Tuareg rebellion over rights and autonomy in the 1990s, peace talks secured agreements from the nomads that they would settle for at least part of the year in established communities, allowing them access to education and health care.

That system is now fast disintegrating as the heads of households are forced ever further afield in search of animal fodder. Traditionally the whole family would move, but as resources dwindle, the old, the weak and the sick are left behind. They have no choice. Both the traditional way of life and the adapted model collapse.

We get to Gourma Rharous as night falls, passing the carcasses of dead cows and camels as we enter the town. The president of the local Red Cross branch provides a warm welcome and we bed down for the night on the roof of a house.

Friday August 12

We’re up at 4.30am and back on the road. From Gourma Rharous, we will sweep south through two communes – Haribomo and Bambara Maoude – before heading back to Timbuktu. At each location, we meet local officials to tell them about the planned distributions. Fred, our IT technician from the Ivory Coast Red Cross, takes a look at any radios that might need upgrading for the operation. Idrissa, the Mali Red Cross logistics coordinator, investigates local warehousing.

And the stories keep coming. “The rain has stopped and the grass isn’t growing,” says Houtafa Ag Houssa. We find the 64-year-old walking from Gourma to conduct some business, while family members look after the herd. They’ve moved 50km south of their village to try and find pasture.

Houtafa has lost more than 50 head of cattle in the last three months, mostly females, so there is no milk for the family and his herd will stop reproducing. A portion of any herd is normally traded for food, but a 100kg sack of millet now costs five goats. It used to be one or two.

“If there is no rain, the rest of my animals will die…and so will we,” says Houtafa.

A doctor in Haribomo explains that he cannot treat cases of malnutrition because people are too spread out. Food circulates in the town, although few will eat more than once a day, but it is those out in remoter areas whom he most fears for.

Saturday August 13

Back in Timbuktu, we meet up with Eric, our logistician from the British Red Cross unit, who has flown over from Niger. He’s been busy in Timbuktu, hiring trucks and organizing warehousing.

Our trip was instructive and useful, but a comprehensive understanding of this region’s needs remains frustratingly elusive. We know that the scale of the problem is not yet on a par with Niger’s. There is still time. We also know that there is no use in exaggerating the situation before we fully understand it.

There is no doubt whatsoever, though, that the population here is walking the sharpest of knife edges. Widespread severe malnutrition may not have arrived, as yet, but Mali sits where Niger was a few months ago. Any further delay in rainfall, any further rises in the price of food and any further deterioration in the health of livestock will tip a precarious situation into a critical one.

So we return to the same questions. Do we decide that we will not act here because people are yet to die in large numbers? Are we happy for people to suffer unspeakable hardship because we don’t have famine footage for the networks?

One of my Malian colleagues says he has not seen animals in this state since the country’s two previous hunger crises of 1985 and 1973. I don’t need a degree in veterinary science to understand what that means.

Red Cross distributions will begin over the next two weeks, coupled with assessments of the wider needs. There are other NGOs in the region and the cooperation so far has been excellent. But a comprehensive long-term strategy is called for.

Averting disaster here will not be as newsworthy as a media-saturated emergency response. I hope it is to be the former.

[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/216872/112420611755.htm

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

a test

carleigh — Tue, 20 Sep 2005 17:03:22 GMT

go to google

type in failure

click "I'm feeling lucky"

what site comes up?

posted in Nomadic Culture - 8 replies

Leslie Clark

carleigh — Wed, 21 Sep 2005 15:35:08 GMT

Rachel emailed me yesterday that Leslie Clark will be returning from Niger early November and will be able to come to the Benefit Show November 10th.

I can't stop thinking about how wonderful that is and what an impact that will make.

If you happened to have met me at one of my fundraising events - you know that I am telling everyone about Nomad Foundation and I'm trying to get everyone to donate to the Livestock Purchase program - so after (I dont even want to tell you) # of hours of talking about this woman and this program, I am just so excited to meet her and honored that she is coming to the show, ESPECIALLY since she will have just landed after months of working her tail off in Africa.

What a blessing she is to our world.

I hope you all can come and meet her.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Bumper Stickers?

s-a-n-d-i — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 18:42:31 GMT

I'm wondering if we can get bumper stickers made of the DLMPD design from cafepress. I'm feeling a tagging streak coming on. Plus, I'd like to stick one on my car/notebook/waterbottle/etc. A square shape would be the best, I think.

Just a thought. How/who do I ask about that?

posted in Nomadic Culture - 11 replies

Starving children still dying in Niger despite aid

carleigh — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 21:41:17 GMT

***same story, different day. what can we do? I feel so helpless.

DAKAR, Sept 16 (Reuters) - Children are still starving to death in Niger despite a flurry of aid efforts and media attention, a French medical charity said on Friday, as relief workers argued over where help was needed most.

Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) says thousands are still going hungry and criticises the United Nations food agency, the World Food Programme (WFP) for acting too late and failing to assist those requiring immediate help.

Emergency donations have risen sharply in recent months in response to harrowing images of emaciated children in the world media. Aid operations to help 3.6 million hungry people finally picked up after months of appeals by the government had fallen on deaf ears.

The WFP -- which has blamed the crisis on a tardy donor response -- began distributing emergency food rations in August and says it has reached more than 1.2 million people.

MSF, however, says the situation is getting worse in some areas. A crisis unit set up to deal with the emergency said on Friday conditions in 58 out of 67 areas remained alarming and said 34 of them were critical or extremely critical.

"There is an increase in the number of new malnutrition cases every week. The situation is not under control," Johanne Sekkenes, the head of MSF operations in Niger.

She said more than 2,000 severely malnourished children had been taken into MSF centres last week alone in the worst-hit areas of Maradi, Zinder and Tahoua.

In the eastern region of Zinder, mortality rates for children under the age of five have risen to 5.3 deaths per 10,000 children per day -- more than double the internationally recognised emergency threshold of 2 deaths per 10,000 a day.

"AID MISDIRECTED"

MSF aid workers in Niger said this week the U.N. food distribution had not reached the most vulnerable and remote areas of the mainly desert country, where drought and locust invasions last year wiped out crops in thousands of villages.

They also criticised the WFP's plans to stop widespread food distribution when the food harvest starts next month.

WFP says it will begin a second round of food distribution this weekend to reach a further 1.7 million people with a ration of cereals and pulses.

The head of WFP in Niger, Gian Carlo Cirri, said halting large-scale food distribution when the harvest started was necessary to avoid distorting local market prices.

The cost of millet and other basic food items has risen sharply because of the shortages but the start of the crop season, expected to be good this year, should push prices down.

"We have to avoid cereal prices collapsing otherwise the small, vulnerable farmers will suffer," Cirri told Reuters by phone. "We do not want to destroy their way of life, of earning money."

MSF, however, says the WFP halt in distribution will come too soon, while thousands are still starving.

"There is an urgent need to target efforts to those who have not had access to the distribution," Sekkenes said.

"They need immediate attention," she added.

WFP says it has received less than 60 percent of its $58 million international appeal for cash.

Rains on Niger's dust-blown fields have kindled hopes for better crops, with production in the Sahel estimated at 12-14 million tonnes -- compared with 11.5 million last year, according to the Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel. (Additional reporting by Abdoulaye Massalatchi in Niamey, Tiemoko Diallo in Bamako)

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1697148.htm

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

Oxfam Benefit show in San Diego

kami — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 16:51:20 GMT

Date & Time: Saturday, September 24, 2005
8:00 PM

Location: The Kava Lounge
2812 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
www.kavalounge.com

Performances by Samantha Riggs of Boom Boom Bollywood, Kami Liddle, Urban Tribal, Subee Djinn, Devadasi, Atash Maya, Ishala, Olaiya of Omo Ache, Laura & Cassie and Sarasvati~ Modern Tribal. There is a suggested donation of $5 for Oxfam's West African faminie relief effort. www.oxfam.org

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

buy livestock online - this is great! Turtle Will!

carleigh — Sat, 17 Sep 2005 04:32:45 GMT

this organization is amazing. They are doing amazing things.
watch this movie: http://www.turtlewill.org/Movies/1_Who_is_Helped.mov

You can buy livestock through them with your credit card here:
http://www.turtlewill.org/donate.html

Watch a movie about their livestock program:
http://www.turtlewill.org/Movies/6_Animal_Loans.mov

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

informative sites

carleigh — Sun, 04 Sep 2005 19:18:45 GMT

some of the sites I've enjoyed in my research about these beautiful people:

http://www.planeteafrique.com/web/aidna/Index.asp?affiche=showArticle.asp&rub=Nos%20projets#
Org. doing great things in Niger (site in French). http://www.planeteafrique.com has lots of great info all over.

http://berclo.net/page99/99en-africa.html
A travel diary of a man who traveled thru Niger and Mali - his photos and insites are so real and charming. He met real people and kept a great diary...take some time to browse thru it.

http://www.tribalphoto.com/pages/home.html
Amazing photography of Tuareg and Wodaabe - org. promoting nomadic life.

http://www.nomadgal.com/foundation/index.html
Rachel has shared this one many times - love what they are doing.

http://www.palinstravels.co.uk/static-128
Michael Palin wrote a book and did a film Sahara - this is his site full of great photos and commentary. The book is wonderful! I am loving it. If anyone knows how to find the film please let me know?

http://www.photographersdirect.com
this site has amazing photos - use the search tools with words like niger, tuareg, wodaabe...

http://www.rosemarysheel.com/
again, amazing photos and commentary.

http://us-africa.tripod.com/niger.html
very informative - maybe out of date, but cool

http://www.wildernesstravel.com/nav/adventure-travel-niger.html
You can take a guided tour to a Wodaabe Gerewol festival, how cool would that be?

http://www.uiowa.edu/~africart/toc/people/Wodaabe.html
universitys are always good for summarys

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Africa
nice photos

http://www.africanceremonies.com/
great resource and photos - they have a Wodaabe Jewlery Project and well project, good things to support

www.oxfam.org
www.africare.org
doing wonderful things to save and enrich the lives of these beautiful people

ok - now your turn to share...

posted in Nomadic Culture - 12 replies

Hunger In Niger 'set to worsen'

carleigh — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 21:29:00 GMT

Hunger In Niger 'set to worsen'
Sep 15 2005 07:15:22:323PM
http://www.finance24.com/articles/economy/display_article.asp?Nav=ns&lvl2=econ&ArticleID=1518-25_1771459

Dakar - Aid organizations in Niger are urging the international community to remain committed to ending this impoverished West African nation's food crisis, even as attention shifts south.
"The world must not turn away from Niger in search of the next disaster," Gian Carlo Cirri, World Food Programme country director for Niger, said on Thursday.

The international medical aid organisation Doctors without Borders, said swift action is needed as the country is moving into the extremely lean season.

An estimated 3.6 million people are hungry in Niger, which was hit by drought and locusts last year.

UN agencies have in recent weeks been raising the alarm about hunger in southern Africa.

The United Nations and aid groups have said donors must act now on southern Africa while there is still time to avoid a crisis like the one that hit Niger.

Niger's government and the United Nations started in November to issue aid appeals that were largely ignored.

Money began trickling in after media attention focused on the crisis.

Food is reaching the hungry. The World Food Programme has almost completed a first round of general food distribution, reaching out to 1.2 million out of the targeted 1.8. million.

International support surged following the international broadcast of television images of skeletal children in Niger.

But aid workers say the response has been sluggish over the past few weeks.

The World Food Programme said its operation in Niger remains only 58% funded, with $23m of the $57.6m appeal still urgently required.

The food agency's Cirri said commitment must be sustained or "we will find ourselves back in the same position all too soon."

Doctors Without Borders said it will take several weeks for crops to mature and for farmers to become self-sufficient.

"The situation is not stable yet," Cloe Gelin, a Doctors Without Borders nurse, said on Thursday from Zinder, one of the hardest hits towns in Niger.

"Every day the number of babies admitted in our centres is increasing," Gelin said.

In Zinder alone last week, the organisation's medical teams admitted nearly 1 000 severely malnourished children for treatment.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Benefit show November 10th, San Francisco

carleigh — Sat, 03 Sep 2005 18:30:41 GMT

American Tribal Dancers Support African Tribal Families -

November 10th, 2005. 8pm
Brava Theater, San Francisco
Tickets on sale very soon - stay posted

Performances by:
Rachel Brice
Bal Anat
Frederique
Tim Rayborn
and more...

Vendors of Tribal and African goods.

Rafffle and Auction items.

All proceeds go to organizations supporting the survival of Nomadic people and culture in West Africa.
www.oxfam.org
www.africare.org
www.nomadgal.com

posted in Nomadic Culture - 11 replies

The Butterfly

carleigh — Tue, 13 Sep 2005 22:41:36 GMT

http://www.dontletmypeopledie.org/frantiactivist.mp3

Michael Franti told this story at the Social Justice Forum on Sunday after Power to the Peaceful. It is a great story he tells activists who need encouragement to keep trying to make a change in this hard and corrupt world.

This sound file is hard to hear – but if you can make it out, this is a really cool segment of the forum.

I like his story that goes like this (starts at 2:45 in the clip)…

“there’s a story I like to tell about a butterfly sitting in a tree, and a bird flies up to the butterfly, who lives his whole life in 5 days, and the bird says – “Mr. Butterfly, you’ve been living up here your whole life, there’s one question I’d like to ask you, IS THIS TREE ALIVE??” And the butterfly looks at him and says “You know Bird, I’ve been sitting on this tree my whole life, all five days, and I have yet to see this tree move one time, and from that I scientifically conclude without a doubt that this tree is dead.” …

But the bird flies back to the tree in five years and sees that the tree has taken in the water and the roots have dug in deep to the soil and the tree has bared beautiful fruit and the animals of the forest have shared that fruit, and the seeds of the fruit have planted new seedlings and those seedlings have grown roots that have grabbed onto the roots of a bigger tree creating a whole family in the forest. And in fact the tree was ALIVE.”

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

calling bay area nomad supporters

carleigh — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 20:37:41 GMT

bay area dancers and nomad supporters -

Sept 10 at Power to the Peaceful (www.powertothepeaceful.org) we need you to come wear your DONT LET MY PEOPLE DIE shirt (or buy one from me there) and help us hand out flyers, gather donations, and help raise awareness.

Look for the JUDITH'S HEAD booth where we will have tribal goods, TUAREG jewlery and DONT LET MY PEOPLE DIE t-shirts. (bring money- the jewlery is amazing!)

thanks,
carleigh

posted in Nomadic Culture - 10 replies

Niger food aid is 'misdirected'

kathrynwhittington — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 17:35:37 GMT

I was just reading this on the BBC news website:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4239888.stm

Which is similar to a post below but I thought it was good that it is still being reported about in the News.

But in the related articles next to it I also saw this:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4179938.stm

Which is certainly interesting and hard to get your head around really.

Related articles for interests sake are the following:

Food crisis or famine:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4179938.stm

Aid worker's diary:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/4180952.stm

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

list this tribe so that it's connected to the Yoga, Bellydance and the Indigo tribe

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 23:05:36 GMT

I hope this isn't out of line, but there are so many new browsers and members to the Indigo tribe every day ... but not everyone will take the time to go through the 250+ original messages on the Tuareg and Fulani to learn about this crisis and what can be done to help. If this tribe (Nomadic Culture) were listed at the top of the left hand side of the screen where connected tribes are listed, I bet a whole lott more of those browsers/potential helpers would check this one out, out of curiosity.

just an idea.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

Famine Worsens in East of Niger

carleigh — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 02:02:21 GMT

By Joe Bavier
Abidjan
13 September 2005
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-09-13-voa17.cfm

A medical aid organization is sounding an alarm about the situation in an eastern region of famine-ravaged Niger. Despite a massive aid intervention by the international community, the group says dozens of children are dying in remote areas each day.

Medical relief group Doctors Without Borders (MSF) says food shortages have become critical in Niger's Zinder province, where most people have yet to receive any aid at all. It's also an area where new harvests will not reach the neediest.

MSF's Dr. Abiy Tamrat says the group only recently fully realized the scale of the crisis there.

"We just completed a survey in the areas [where] we are working,” said Dr. Tamrat. “More than 90 percent of people have not really received any kind of food aid. And they have barely enough to eat for the coming weeks."

The United Nations' World Food Program (WFP) says around 2.5 million people are currently at risk of starvation. A drought and attacks by locusts devastated last year's grain harvest.

Though the food crisis was predicted almost a year ago, the international community was slow to react. In the last month and a half, emergency food has flooded into Niger. But UN officials, blaming logistical problems, say that aid has yet to be distributed to at least one million starving people.

Dr. Tamrat says Niger's early warning system failed to take into account social and economic factors that have created famine in the east. And, while other, less affected, areas have already been targeted for food distribution, he says, the situation is getting worse in Zinder.

"We are seeing a high death rate, way above the threshold for a crisis situation. And there is an increase in this mortality rate. We [haven't] seen yet any improvement in the situation," added Dr. Tamrat.

The onset of Niger's rainy season has complicated medical relief, with cases of malaria and respiratory infections rising. MSF estimates more than 40 children die every day in just one area surveyed in the east of the country.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

NIGER: Food crisis drives young women to sell their bodies

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 10:23:45 GMT

12 Sep 2005 15:56:22 GMT

NIAMEY, 12 September (IRIN) - Ide can have sex with Mariam, a novice on the Niamey night scene, several times for only two or three dollars. "The most important thing for her is having something to put in the cooking pot the next day," he said.

Mariam is among a wave of young women recently taking to the streets of the Niger capital to sell their bodies to buy food for their families.

"I have to do it in order to eat," said Hajara, 16, as she walked along Rue de la Joie or "Pleasure Drive", in skin-tight jeans and t-shirt, constantly popping chewing gum as she spoke.

All the young women insist that their real names not be used.

Sometimes Hajara has to be with four or more clients a night, which bothers her. "But we have to put up with it. It is with the money we earn here that we support our families – well, at least we can help them. And it allows us to clothe and feed ourselves."

Finding enough to eat is a problem every lean season in landlocked Niger, ranked last of 177 countries in the UN's human development index for 2005. But this year – in the aftermath of 2004's locusts and drought that wreaked havoc across the arid Sahel – regions of the country have been gripped with widespread severe malnutrition.

Millions of families have lost their livestock, their livelihoods, their every survival mechanism. For these young women, survival can be found in the city streets at night.

Nigeriens have seen this "seasonal" prostitution during lean periods in the past.

"During the famines of 1974 and 1984, the same phenomenon was seen in Niger's cities," says Hamadou Hassa, a man in his 70s living on the outskirts of Niamey. "As soon as the famine is over, this type of prostitution will diminish for sure."

He adds that he understands the girls' position. "Don't blame these girls out of hand. In the face of famine, it is extremely difficult to have dignity."

Aicha Idrissa, a seller in a Niamey market, also empathises with the women.

"I'm shocked to see these young women give themselves over to prostitution to survive," she said. "But on the other hand, I understand them. They have been forced by their situation."

But other compatriots are less forgiving.

Halilou Bakwaye, a union leader in Niamey, would like to see the authorities to clean up the streets. "The government must put in place a vice squad to round up these young prostitutes and their clients," he said. "These practices, even if they are temporary, must change and immediately."

Some lament the practice as an affront to Islam, in a country that is about 90 percent Muslim.

Hajara said she is forced to sell herself, despite that it is humiliating and against her religion.

"It's not with pleasure that I do this work," she said. "Tradition, Islam and even just plain common sense forbid a woman to sell her body. Today, I feel shamed to my very core," she said. "But we left our village; we are without any resources. We lost two cows, three sheep and five goats to the famine."

Hajara said her fiancé awaits her in her village; she plans to marry as soon as she can return there.

Many of the young women work as domestic servants by day, changing into their snug, revealing clothes to walk the streets by night.

"I'm employed as a maid at the home of an expatriate couple who pay me 20,000 francs CFA (US $37)," tall, light-skinned Sitta says, in between greetings to passing men she hopes to lure.

"They feed me, true – but my salary is too little to meet my family's needs. That's why you see me here," she says.

But Sitta insists her health is not for sale.

"Above all I preserve my health," she says. "I refuse to have sex without a condom. I've seen cases of AIDS here in Niamey and for all the gold in the world I would not contract that disease."

Just recently, she says, she turned down an offer of 10,000 francs CFA ( US $18) to sleep with a man without protection.

Hajara walks up and down the street, complaining that clients are scarce this particular evening.

"Since I arrived tonight, not one man has approached me. Yet, I've put on my makeup, I'm well-dressed….Yesterday, I did a good job. I was able to bring 5,000 CFA francs (US $9) home."

Meanwhile Ide does another pass around the block on his motorbike looking for Mariam, his current favourite. He says he has not found another that satisfies him like her, so he will wait her out.

After sex and an exchange of a few dollars, he'll be on his way, and Mariam and her family will be assured of at least something to put in the cooking pot.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 8 replies

Tuareg Music

tatibrovko — Sun, 04 Sep 2005 17:01:07 GMT

Hello everyone!

I was going through my music the other day and came across a CD I bought in the fall. I happen to love African music, particularly music that comes out of Mali.

With all of this awareness about the Tuareg on tribe sf, I remembered that I owned a CD of a group of Tuareg musicians. ....so I found the CD once again and decided to share with all of you.

The album title is called Amassakoul, by Tinariwen.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0006213NU/qid=1125852532/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/002-2596274-0305666?v=glance&s=music&n=507846

I suppose you can listen to parts of the songs on amazon. Tell me what you think.

p.s. has anyone ever gone to the Festival in the Desert, which is held in Mali?

posted in Nomadic Culture - 5 replies

Apply Niger aid lessons to southern Africa-Oxfam

carleigh — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 23:01:13 GMT

Apply Niger aid lessons to southern Africa-Oxfam
08 Sep 2005 00:01:48 GMT

Source: Reuters
By Peter Apps

JOHANNESBURG, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Rich countries must act now to head off a looming food crisis threatening 10 million people in Southern Africa, aid agency Oxfam said on Thursday.

Oxfam and other agencies say the world risks repeating the mistakes made in the West African country of Niger where aid groups are scrambling to address a food crisis for some 2.5 million people that had been forecasted months in advance.

"Rich countries are failing to learn the lessons of the Niger food crisis as up to 10 million people in southern Africa face food shortages," Oxfam said in a statement. "Money is desperately needed now so that charities, governments and the U.N. can prevent the crisis from worsening."

Despite reports of drought, crop failure and dwindling food stocks, significant donor funding only arrived in Niger after television crews began filming and children and vulnerable adults began dying.

Aid workers say the cost of responding in Niger was increased because donations arrived so late food had to be flown in instead of trucked overland and many children were so starved they needed expensive therapeutic feeding to recover.

Now, the United Nations warns more than 10 million people in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique will face serious shortages after harvests failed, hitting communities already battling the world's highest HIV rates.

AIDS has killed many subsistence farmers and deepening poverty makes buying food almost impossible for families who sold much of what they owned during a similar crisis in 2002.

HANDOUTS CUT BACK

Widespread starvation is seen as unlikely, with most families able to get by through harvesting raw fruits, selling property and pulling children from school to save cash -- "coping strategies" that will push them deeper into poverty.

"We're not talking about the same sort of crisis as Niger," Oxfam co-ordinator Neil Townsend said. "But the numbers are very alarming. It's not acceptable for us to ignore the suffering of that amount of people and if we did we would be complicit in it."

Both the U.N. World Food Programme and other agencies say they are finding it hard to get the funding to expand distribution, forcing many needy families to do without aid. In parts of the region, handouts have been cut back.

The crisis will likely be at its worst between December and March as limited remaining stocks are exhausted before the 2006 harvest is ready to eat. In parts of the region, village granaries are already empty and some Malawians must brave crocodile-infested waters to retrieve water lilies for food.

Oxfam said it had started distributing food aid in Malawi and would provide support in planting next year's crop in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique as well as food or vouchers for hungry families.

It also wants U.N. member states to commit an additional $1 billion to a permanent emergency fund on top of their current aid contributions, allowing the United Nations to call on money immediately even if donors were slow to respond.

"Rich countries spend $1 billion every day on supporting their farmers," Townsend said. "If they pledged the same amount every year to a permanent emergency fund ... preventable crises like Niger and southern Africa would not happen because money would be available as soon as a country needed it."

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L07551640.htm

posted in Nomadic Culture - 8 replies

Finding the Nomads - Vulnerable and remote

carleigh — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 21:05:41 GMT

Mali Emergency Response: Finding the Nomads
Source: NGO latest
Mark Snelling, British Red Cross ERU in Niger
Background GRAPHIC: Niger food crisis hits critical level

BAMAKO, Aug 8 (British Red Cross) – The massive humanitarian response to the Niger food crisis is both welcome and urgently needed, but for the Tuareg nomads of northern Mali, it is both distant and meaningless.

“There is such a focus on Niger now, we have to be careful that other countries in the region are not ignored,” says Peter Pearce, team leader of the British Red Cross Emergency Response Unit (ERU) in Niger, who flew to Mali last week to help assess the wider regional needs.

In partnership with the Spanish Red Cross, the Mali Red Cross has been conducting assessments over the last month of Tuareg families around Timbuktu, some 700km north of the capital, Bamako.

Given their nomadic lifestyle, it is logistically demanding even to find their locations. The emerging picture, however, is of drastic vulnerability.

“There is a real emergency up there,” says Idrissa Traore, Operations Coordinator of the Mali Red Cross. “We have to act now.”

Warning signs

As an initial response, the Red Cross is planning food distributions to some 2,800 Tuareg families around Timbuktu, where pastures have all but disappeared since last year’s drought and locust plague. They have also been left in a critically vulnerable position by the consequent rise in grain prices and the falling cost of livestock. According to Maria Concepcion Villanueva, the Spanish Red Cross representative in Mali, the situation is deteriorating fast.

“We have analysed all the indicators in Mali, and they all point to the country heading in exactly the same direction as Niger,” she says.

“People don’t have the money to buy seeds, so they are forced to look for credit. The cost of cereals is rising, and the price of livestock has collapsed. We have been looking at the numbers of people who only eat once a day, if that, and many are also resorting to wild food (plants and berries),” she adds.

The government of Mali has provided general distributions of free grain in recent months in response to the region’s food crisis, but many nomads either did not receive a ration because of their itinerant lifestyle, or did not receive nearly enough to sustain their families.

Reports from local Red Cross staff around Timbuktu indicate that as many as 67 percent of the population is at risk. Health Ministry figures indicate that 90 percent of pregnant women are suffering from anemia.

“But these are nomadic populations and difficult to track, so the figures could be even higher,” says Maria. “We also know that a lot of the men have taken their herds to try and find any grazing, so the women are left alone and become even more vulnerable.”

Maria has used maps from the Mali water authority showing traditional watering holes and wells to locate where nomadic populations are likely to be. She is also in close contact with a Tuareg Red Cross official in Timbuktu, as well as with other humanitarian agencies such as Veterinaires Sans Frontieres (Vets Without Borders).

“This is a very well researched intervention, we know what we want to do,” she says, insisting that a rigorous and realistic assessment is crucial if Mali is to avoid some of the more sensationalist media coverage seen in Niger.

Vulnerable and remote

Red Cross staff and Mali Health Ministry officials already in the area have been traveling around the commune of Salam north of Timbuktu for a week now, and will turn their attentions this week to areas to the south around Gourma-Rharous.

Aside from assessing malnutrition rates, registering beneficiaries and locating warehousing and local volunteers, they have also been conducting vaccinations.

A team of senior Mali Red Cross operational and medical staff, as well as a relief specialist, an an IT technician and an information officer flown in from the Niger operation, set off for Timbuktu on Monday morning to join them.

“This mission is aimed at collecting exact information on the emergency,” says Idrissa. “We will be focusing on finding the most efficient ways of reaching the most vulnerable.” The current assessment will also investigate wider needs in the area which the Mali Red Cross does not, as yet, have the capacity to respond to.

An initial distribution of locally sourced food, seeds and eventually animal fodder is planned for later in August to tide over the targeted families until rains restore grazing land. Bamako suppliers have been found for about 252 tonnes of imported rice, as well as 12,000 litres of oil and nine tonnes of sugar.

But the overall needs are likely to be far, far greater.

“We have to feed these people,” says Idrissa. “They can’t eat because their herds are dying and the market has collapsed. And when they don’t eat, they get too weak to look for any remaining pastures, which in any case are already overgrazed, so their problems just get worse,” he says.

[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/fromthefield/216872/112366693243.htm

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Cholera outbreak? when does the suffering end?

carleigh — Wed, 07 Sep 2005 20:59:26 GMT

Cholera kills 22 in northeast Niger
07 Sep 2005 17:56:47 GMT

Source: Reuters

NIAMEY, Sept 7 (Reuters) - An outbreak of cholera has killed at least 22 people in Niger's northeast region of Tahoua, the national health service said on Wednesday, after rains brought further misery to the famished central African state.

Officials had identified 251 cases of the disease between July 13 and September 5 in Tahoua, 650 km (400 miles) north-east of the capital Niamey.

Millions of people in land-locked Niger, one of the world's poorest countries, are still facing severe food shortages after a drought last year. Long-awaited rains have helped crops but brought an epidemic of the deadly bacterial disease.

Cholera can kill within 24 hours by inducing vomiting and diarrhoea that cause severe dehydration and shock. It is treatable with a mixture of water and rehydration salts but many poor people cannot afford such basic health care.

The bacteria spreads through contact with faeces and is associated with heavy rains that flood latrines and contaminate sources of drinking water.

A cholera epidemic this year has killed around 500 people and infected more than 31,000 in Burkina Faso, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal, according to United Nations officials.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

100 million children denied school - mostly girls

carleigh — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 05:10:42 GMT

our little sisters need to go to school. this breaks my heart.

"High costs, discrimination, poverty and perennial conflicts have led to 100 million children - 60 million of them girls - being denied schooling.

Successive studies have shown, apart from the moral and ethical dimensions, educating girls contributes greatly to the overall well-being of a community. There are reductions in the rates of malnutrition, infant mortality and HIV/Aids, and greater economic growth.

Education leads not only to female empowerment but also, the evidence shows, it introduces the family's children into a culture of reading which does not appear to happen when it is only the fathers who receive lessons."

...

'"UN member states have failed to meet the target. In more than 70 countries girls are still less likely than boys to go to school ... in Ethiopia, for example, nearly three quarters of girls do not go to schools. In the UK, it is less than 1 per cent.

"Failure to reach the target on girls' education results in a million unnecessary child and maternal deaths a year. Babies born to mothers who have been to primary school are twice as likely to live beyond five years of age."

The next part of the UN's Millennium Goal is that by 2015 every child would be able to complete primary school. But the feeling among many involved in Third World education projects is that this looks a very distant, fading dream unless drastic steps are taken by the rich world. The 10 worst-affected countries are in sub-Saharan Africa, where 20 million girls are failing to get an education. In Somalia, a state in anarchy, 89 per cent of girls do not go to school. In Niger, facing mass starvation, it is 72 per cent."

and to really tear your heart out...

"About 500 families live in squalor there, among them Khadra Mohammed and her nine children. "We do not even have enough money for clean water, we do not have enough food, we have no medicine. Where am I going to get money to send them to school? We are just struggling to stay alive."

take a few minutes to read the whole article - it's very good.
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/article310345.ece

The key to preventing future crises like they suffer now is in education. We need to support organizations who focus on providing education.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Tinariwen live in Germany!

patriciazarnovican — Mon, 05 Sep 2005 16:35:54 GMT

The tuareg rock band will play live at the "Niedersächsische Musiktage"!

http://www.sparkasse-hannover.de/ihre_sparkasse/aktionen/musiktage.php?IFLBSERVERID=IF@@011@@IF

patricia

posted in Nomadic Culture - 1 reply

Opening two doors with one key

sharoncita2000 — Sun, 04 Sep 2005 02:59:43 GMT

Okay, so I had a wacky idea. Maybe we can open two doors with one key. (This saying being a peaceful alternative to the violent language of "killing to birds with one stone", you understand.)

Anyway, what if we help out the folks in Nigeria by buying Tuareg jewelry, and then help out the belly dancers in New Orleans and those parts who lost everything in the floods by sending them either the new Tuareg jewelry or our old stuff that we will replace with it?

Just a thought. And sorry for the cross posts, but I think this is such a good idea that I'm gonna post it in a few places.

posted in Nomadic Culture - 3 replies

Famine threat to 12 centuries of traditional nomadic life, warns charity

Sat, 03 Sep 2005 19:21:24 GMT

The Scotsman
Tue 16 Aug 2005
MARGARET NEIGHBOUR

"A NOMADIC way of life in western Africa that has lasted for 12 centuries is under threat because of drought and famine, Oxfam warned today.

The aid agency said a recent survey of 3,500 people in part of southern Niger showed nomads had lost on average 70 per cent of their animals.

"Food aid alone will not solve this crisis," Natasha Kofoworola Quist, Oxfam's regional director for West Africa, said in a statement released today.

"The emergency response must go hand in hand with sustained assistance for Niger's nomads."

Oxfam's survey and conclusions echoed reports from the area of herdsman, from the traditionally nomadic Tuareg and Fulani tribes committing suicide after losing the cattle they regard as their most precious possessions.

Some have lost their entire herds. Others from the tribes known for taking great pride in being self-sufficient have spoken of the humiliation of being forced to depend on international relief agencies.

"To these people, losing your animals is like losing your life savings," Ms Kofoworola Quist said.

"Without their animals, they have no means of survival," she said. "Twelve centuries of nomadic culture are threatened with extinction if these people do not get long-term help to rebuild their livelihoods."

Food is usually scarce in Niger and neighbouring countries. A locust invasion last year followed by drought have made the problem even worse, particularly in Niger but also in Mali, Burkina Faso and Mauritania.

The Tuareg and Fulani live throughout the region, roaming in search of pasture for their cows."

http://news.scotsman.com/international.cfm?id=1788782005

To help purchase livestock, go to:
http://www.nomadgal.com/foundation/index.html

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Kofi, rain and hope.

Fri, 02 Sep 2005 21:30:16 GMT

"United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan has promised Niger all the aid it needs to cope with the food crisis.

He was speaking after meeting President Mamadou Tandja at the end of his two-day trip to Niger.

The talks follow criticism of the UN's response to the shortages, which are affecting more than 2.5m people, with 32,000 children facing death.

Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said this week the UN's response was inadequate.

Mr Tandja has also criticised the UN effort, saying the problems have been exaggerated.

"We discussed the food crisis in Niger and in the region, and measures that ought to be taken to ensure what has happened this year, does not happen in the future," Mr Annan said. "But quite a lot of it requires regional cooperation."

He was also meeting local officials from UN and other aid agencies.

'Hunger, hunger'

The UN has run an appeal but has been accused of not acting quickly enough and of not ensuring that the aid gets to those who need it most.

Less than half the $81m (£45m) called for by the UN has been pledged by international donors, the organisation says.

We expect Kofi Annan to put some order in United Nations agencies that are major actors in this crisis, the World Food Programme and Unicef
Jean-Herve Bradol, MSF

High prices 'caused hunger':

The BBC's Dan Isaacs in West Africa says Mr Annan's trip is a clear indication that he is intent on addressing the issue of the UN response head-on.

A crowd of about 1,000 people greeted Mr Annan at the airport in one of the worst-hit areas, Zinder, some shouting "hunger, hunger" at the visiting dignitaries.

Mr Tandja has denied that Niger is in the grip of a famine, and has criticised the opposition and the UN for the way they have handled the crisis.

Harvest hopes:

In a statement released on the eve of Mr Annan's visit, MSF said children under five, who were at most risk from malnutrition, were not always getting the aid they needed.

"Neither in quantity or quality, was it [the UN] responding to the gravity of this epidemic of desperate malnutrition," the statement said.

A woman waits outside a Save The Children centre with her son
Children have been worst hit by Niger's food crisis

"We expect Kofi Annan to put some order in United Nations agencies that are major actors in this crisis: the World Food Programme and Unicef," said the head of MSF France, Jean-Herve Bradol.

In Madara, on the outskirts of Zinder, Mr Annan did not respond to the MSF criticisms but praised MSF's work in Niger.

The food emergency follows last year's poor rains and invasions of locusts, which ravaged crops across West Africa.

Our correspondent says this is a critical moment for the international relief operation.

The next harvest in Niger is due in October and hundreds of thousands of people are in need of emergency assistance to bridge that gap.

Aid agencies say that this year's rains have been good, raising hopes that the 2005 harvest will be plentiful.

But in the longer term, Niger faces profound economic problems and its people live at the very margins of sustainable life.

With many of the livestock herds decimated by the food shortages, and large numbers of people displaced from their homes, the repercussions of further poor harvests could be even worse."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4179798.stm

posted in Nomadic Culture - 0 replies

Nomadic Culture's topics - tribe.net

New moderator

henna artist???

Touaregs massacred in Niger

holiday cards that support peace in Niger

Touareg Festival in the Desert

Obesity celebrated among Mauritanian women...

Captivating Music of Mauritania

Drought Forces Desert Nomads to Settle Down

New foundation supporting nomad culture

Fundraising project for Darfur.

the season of giving

Desert Voices Project

Building a school in Niger

New York Times article on the Nomad Foundation's tours

Entrancing music by Touareg and Wodaabe nomads from Niger

Sebastião Salgado in the Namib Desert

Article on Tinariwen from Reuters.

Crisis in Kidal

new fundraising effort with new tee's, tanks, and fleece

Indigenous cultures and progress / internet.....

Tinarawin at Yoshis April 19th (Oakland, Ca)

Niger blocks BBC from filming malnutrition, food supplies: report

Three Day Fast

Festival to sell Tuareg culture / Tinariwen

Niger Benefit money distribution

Bird Flu Hit's Africa

Niger situation is precarious: Window of opportunity to act now to prevent crisis

Has anyone received their DVD yet?

Moon Oracle let the phases of the moon guide your life

How do you feel about the new tribe layout/design

paintings in Photo Album

World AIDS Day; Christmas Gift ideas

Inuit Natives Suing US in Landmark Human Rights Complaint

New video

Niger denies hunger crisis

Hunger is Africa's Natural Disaster

Second food crisis

Aloha nomads

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November 17- Skip a meal for Oxfam

fasting

rachel, your benefit concert can still raise more $$

I can't fast but....

Movie at Pier 23

Niger Benefit is next week

Charities

NPR- Tackling Poverty, Health Threats in Niger

World Hunger Relief Project

Tuareg nomads visit Seacoast

Oxfam decries uneven response to world disasters

I'm going to Niger

Aid from small organizations saving the day!

Journal of sorts?

Anyone into a 3 day fast for Africa?

Brain Food

U.N.: Somali pirates seize second aid ship

Slavery in modern Niger

&lt;-----How Do I Get These Products

DATA

check out this video

More help has arrived...

Something light-hearted

Niger's children continue dying

New Organization in Arizona - Niger Direct

This is actually happening: Diary from Mali, 9-13 August

a test

Leslie Clark

Bumper Stickers?

Starving children still dying in Niger despite aid

Oxfam Benefit show in San Diego

buy livestock online - this is great! Turtle Will!

informative sites

Hunger In Niger 'set to worsen'

Benefit show November 10th, San Francisco

The Butterfly

calling bay area nomad supporters

Niger food aid is 'misdirected'

list this tribe so that it's connected to the Yoga, Bellydance and the Indigo tribe

Famine Worsens in East of Niger

<-----How Do I Get These Products