The Environment and Agriculture

by Kim Arth, Balleyara, Niger

One major change in the community has been the addition of the new concrete well on the other side of the village. I haven't witnessed any changes in the environment that would affect the well water. There are no pesticides, oil drilling, massive industry, roadways, or pollution.

by David McNally, Takoro, Niger

The way of life of rural Nigerians has changed little for centuries. Water quality has not been affected by environmental changes in our area. No industrialization has occurred in our village.

Increased soil erosion has affected the quality of some of the well water, however, and the growing population rate has resulted in deforestation of some lands. During the rainy season, intense storms erode the topsoil from the land, sometimes washing the dirt into wells. The result is cloudy water, but the overall quality is unchanged.

by Paul Booth, Dosso, Niger

The quality of water has improved since the installation of gas-powered pumps in the village. The pumps run for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening.

by Kimberly Mace, Dani Yari, Niger

I do not think that the lifestyle of the community has changed very much. The major advancement for this community has been the construction of a concrete-lined well, and that was done several years ago. Besides this well, however, the community is dependent on rain for their crops.