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Niger River Basin Grantmaking rationaleThe countries of Burkina, Faso, Mali and Niger are at the heart of the Sahel region, bordering the Sahara Desert. They are historically known for their cultural distinctiveness, agricultural productivity on dry lands, and trading along the Niger River. Despite the region’s rich heritage as an economic and cultural crossroads, rural women in all three countries face tremendous social, economic and environmental disadvantage. Long years of drought, the impact of strictly conditioned loans from world lenders , and the importation of subsidized food products have all undermined the livelihoods and way of life of rural women and their families. At the same time, democratic and peasant movements are calling for change, with increasing recognition of rural women’s contribution and leadership. New Field is inspired by organizations that are working to address this marginalization by supporting the establishment of community-led associations using democratic and collaborative processes that place women at their center. Current
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