In recent years, Niger has suffered a series of extreme weather events. Following a long period of drought, which made the front pages in 2005, the country was hit by heavy rain in July and August. On the fringes of the General Assembly of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which is currently taking place in Geneva, we asked the president of the Red Cross Society of Niger, Ali Bandiaré, to describe the challenges facing his National Society.

How would you assess the current situation in Niger following the heavy summer rain?

The situation on the food front is worrying. In July and August, we had a period of torrential rain, which flooded many fields, destroying some of the harvest. Then, in September, the rains stopped suddenly, which prevented the millet crop from ripening. As a result, there are pockets of food shortages across the country, which is a cause of great concern. Seeds for non-seasonal crops need to be distributed as soon as possible, whilst timely food aid should be provided to those communities that will soon find themselves in need. They should also be helped to develop new income-generating activities.

Water is a precious resource in Niger. What are you doing to improve access to water?

We have launched a series of water and sanitation programmes in the Niamey urban area, notably in about 20 primary schools where we have installed latrines. We have also restored water points and our volunteers have launched a hygiene awareness campaign aimed not only at the 10,000 children that attend the schools, but also at the teachers and parents.

In partnership with the International Federation and the Qatar Red Crescent Society, we have also launched a three-million-dollar programme in the Tillaberi, Tahoua and Zinder regions. The programme includes the sinking of around 120 wells, while another 60 or so have been reconditioned. In addition, latrines have been built in a number of schools and villages.

What are your main priorities for the coming months and for the future?

Apart from the food situation, which we will need to follow closely in the coming months, we want to further build our local and regional capacities, and to continue the fight against malaria by distributing mosquito nets and using our volunteers to ensure that they are being used properly. We also want to scale up the fight against HIV and AIDS. In addition, we want to effectively adopt the International Federation's new regional operating model. Finally, we are continuing to look at ways of better developing volunteer loyalty.