Tue. Apr 30th, 2024

Many of the most colourful and eye-catching pavilions at COP 27 belong to African nations, and none more so than the home of the delegation from Niger.

It’s a riot of colour and culture, and sitting right in the middle of it is Alkhussani Agchekou, from the remote desert town of Tchintabaraden.

It’s in a dry desert basin in the west of the country.

But what’s most noticeable is the traditional tea set in front of him.

Mr Agchekou says he has served more than 19,000 cups of tea since the conference began.

I accept a cup of delicious sweet tea from him as he tells me he wants to highlight the way that climate change is affecting his traditional Tuareg way of life.

He says that by offering tea to delegates it gives him a chance to chat to change-makers and the tea is a sign of love and respect.

“Traditional Tuareg customs are changing because many young people are forced to leave his area to seek work as the encroaching desert takes away agricultural opportunities,” he tells me.

He wants global leaders to understand some of the knock-on effects climate change can have, such as the erosion of traditional cultures.

According to the World Bank, at least 100,000 hectares of land are lost each year in Niger to climate change and desertification.

This has a serious impact on the 80% of the country’s population who rely on small-scale farming.

By Joy

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