Author: Hannane Ferdjani

Niamey, Niger Blog – Aissata, a 60-year-old mother of four and former teacher, returned to Niger with her family after spending most of her adult life in the United States. Since the recent coup in 2023, she has welcomed the military government and new President Abdourahamane Tchiani. The new government has prioritized the nation’s needs amidst economic hardships and severed ties with France. The coup has left Niger politically divided, with tensions running high between supporters and critics of the new regime. The military government’s promises of putting Niger first have been met with skepticism and accusations of propaganda by…

Discovering the Bittersweet Reality of Cacao Farming in Ivory Coast In the lush village of Aboude, Ivory Coast, Magne Akoua, a dedicated cacao farmer, toils under the scorching sun to tend to his cacao trees. With over 40 years of farming experience, Akoua shares the challenges of cultivating cacao, a delicate crop vulnerable to environmental changes. Recently, Ivory Coast and Ghana, the world’s top cacao producers, have been grappling with the impact of the El Nino weather pattern, affecting harvests. Despite the increased global demand for chocolate, local farmers struggle to make ends meet due to fluctuating prices and production…