The Niger Delta

 

The rural Niger Delta is an area beset by essentially man-made problems. Oil politics, human greed, and lack of accountability has seen the area's ecology decimated, amidst a real difficulty establishing reliable infrastructure. 
 
Government response has seen a flourishing of large engineering works, road and school building over the past ten years. Maintenance and lack of trained personnel made the implementation of these programs difficult, but some infrastructure, especially mobile phone coverage, has proved a very real success.

The isolation and difficult terrain of the riverine communities means development is slow and subcontractors can be unreliable and sometimes unmonitored.
In the creeks local people have little education and the majority remain at a subsistence level, with little political voice, or opportunity.

Despite this the people are vibrant, innovative and possess an indomitable spirit in adversity, and dwell in a land that is beautiful and should be bountiful.  Family and community ties create a raft of support that compensates for the sometimes lack of central provision.  The people of the Niger Delta are resilient, full of humour, and generous. It is a privilege to work together in partnership.

Why the Niger Delta?