ABSTRACT
If one flew over central Niger in one of the Niger army’s old Fokker aircraft in the winter of 2002, the sight was striking: arid, degraded lands stretched to the horizon in every direction. From the air, one could expect to find on the ground desperate, impoverished communities. But as the plane landed in Agadez, a vibrant, colourful and hospitable community revealed itself to the visitor. The contrast between the hostile living conditions and the vivid community was striking.
