by Dionne Roberts Collection ethnographique de José de Guimarães. Source: Wikimedia Commons As an undergraduate student at a small liberal arts college in the early 1990’s, I had the good fortune to sign up for an introductory prerequisite course in Art History. I have to admit, I was an excellent student, and it was obvious… Read more »
Women as Keepers of Culture
by Manvitha Prasad Kathula When people think about West African history, they often picture powerful rulers, large empires, and busy trade routes. But another important part of the story is the role women have played in keeping communities and traditions alive. For centuries, women have passed down knowledge, taught important skills, and helped families adapt… Read more »
How Climate Change Is Reshaping Water Access in Rural Areas of Niger and Mali
Source: WBH Every morning, before the sun fully rises, millions of women and girls pick up a jerrycan and walk. Some walk two miles. Some walk five. Some walk farther still. Not for exercise. Not by choice. But because the nearest water source: a stream, a borehole, a communal tap is the only option they… Read more »
Supporting Mali’s Strides in Sustainable Development
By Kris Wallace February 27, 2026 saw Malian authorities announce the signing of another sustainable development agreement, the nation’s second since 2014. This inspiring action is designed to address Mali’s ongoing safe water access, hygiene, and sanitation challenges which are among the most pressing in the world. Some key details: The agreement will be a… Read more »
The 2025 Cultural Biennale in Mali
By Manvitha Kathula A Historic Return to Timbuktu In the final weeks of 2025, the historic “City of 333 Saints” reaffirmed its role as the soul of Malian identity. From December 18th to the 28th, Timbuktu hosted the Mali National Cultural and Artistic Biennial for the first time in its history. This landmark festival transformed… Read more »
When the Rains Come: Flooding, Fragility, and Resilience in the Sahel
by Tina Kusal Photo Credit: Fula Boy Every year from June to September, the rainy season comes to Niger and parts of Mali, bringing both hope and danger. Rural communities depend on this rain to grow crops, refill water sources, and support daily life. However, because of climate change, the rain has become heavier and… Read more »
The West African Camels: Heroes of the Desert
The West African Camels: Heroes of the Desert By: Dionne Roberts Camels live in the desert regions of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and are common in rural areas of Niger and Mali. The global camel population sits at around 41 million, with 1.9 million in Niger and 1.3 million in Mali. There are… Read more »
Winning the Water Wars
By Kris Wallace If you’re unfamiliar with the term “hydropolitics,” you’ll soon be hearing more about it. It’s essentially the discourse that decides where water stays, where it goes, and ultimately who has access to it. This discussion is becoming crucial as water sources across the globe—particularly those in developing nations—become increasingly vulnerable to exploitation… Read more »
WASH-Up Program Turns Children into Change Makers
Diarrhea kills more than 1,000 children across the globe every day. 60% of those deaths are tied to unsafe water and poor sanitation and hygiene. The good news is that when children have access to safe water, adequate sanitation facilities like latrines, and good hygiene education, their risk of water-borne disease and diarrhea drops dramatically…. Read more »
Discover Niger: 5 Incredible Facts About West Africa’s Hidden Gem
By Dionne Roberts Exploring the Heart of West Africa The Republic of Niger is the sixth-largest country on the continent of Africa and the second-largest in West Africa. It is a landlocked country sharing borders with several neighbors. Although it has the sad distinction of being one of the poorest countries in the world, Niger… Read more »
