École Instrument de Paix (EIP-Niger, Instrument of Peace School)

The village of Saga, located south of Niamey on the banks of the Niger River, was the initial setting for an innovative experiment in converting a troublesome invasive species in the river basin into an economic opportunity for the local community. Water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) has clogged local irrigation systems, limited navigability of the river, restricted access to local markets, and decreased the viability of the local economy, as well as severely impacting ecosystem health and water quality.

École Instrument de Paix (EIP-Niger, Instrument of Peace School) has mobilized community members to collect water hyacinth from the river, before drying the plant material for use in a number of income-generating activities. The organization has been particularly successful at promoting local production of fuel briquettes, which are made of both dried water hyacinth and agricultural waste. These briquettes help to generate income through their sale and improve energy access for marginalized riverbank communities.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2004

Founded: 1999

Location: 7 km south of Niamey on Niger River

Beneficiaries: 9 women’s groups, 24 local schools

Biodiversity: Mango, moringa, sahelian apple

 

Case Study

Download English

Download French

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find other Winners' Case Studies in our E-Library

 Equator Prize 2004

Sub-Saharan Africa

 Biodiversity Conservation

 Ecoagriculture and Food Security

 Community-Based Adaptation to Climate Change

 Sustainable Energy

 Drylands Management


 

Contact Information

Salifou Assane Seiny (Coordinator/Chair)
École Instrument de Paix-Niger
BP 11876, Niamey
Niger
Tel: + 227 73-45-18
Fax: + 227 73-64-37
Email: salif_eipniger@yahoo.fr ; eipniger@intnet.ne

 

Share this page: