A CARE-Package for the Tuaregs' caravan of salt

The caravan of salt at the margin of the Sahara in the north of the states Niger and Mali is the last caravan of camels of the nomadic Tuareg. They transport goods between the oases of the Sahara and the Sahel.
The incentive of the caravans is the animals' need of salt in the big savannas of Sahel. The nomadic people exchange millet and animalic products from the Air Mountains for salt and dates of Bilma. With the received goods they travel 600 km south to the markets of the Haussa people where they receive millet and money for the before exchanged dates and salt. After 4-5 months of travelling in the South the Tuareg return to the Air Mountains.

The caravan of camels is part of the unique culture of the Tuareg. But this culture is threatened nowadays; due to the climate change this part of the earth dries out and the nomades can't find sufficient grazing land for their animals. Furthermore trucks impede the Tuaregs' daily business. The trucks can transport salt and dates faster and cheaper to the south.

CARE supports the caravans with a "Survival-Package" and a revolving fund. The Survival-Package includes a cover for cold nights in the desert, glasses which protect against sandstorm/dust and bright sun, a pair of shoes, a bag and vitamines. With the money out of the fund the Tuareg can buy the vital millet for cheap prices and afterwards they have enough time to wait until the prices for dates and salt rise.

Please help to sustain the unique caravan of salt!! Read more