The number of heat-related deaths in Niger is rising, and the country faces the threat of becoming nearly uninhabitable. Traditional earth buildings provide a naturally cooling room climate but have an image problem, as they are associated with poverty and low durability. CO2-intensive concrete is preferred in cities for its modern image. However, concrete buildings trap heat and are uninhabitable without air conditioning.

 

Earth is affordable, locally abundant, and currently the most suitable material for Niger's climate. Our goal is to improve the perception of earth as a building material and construct affordable, climate-adapted, and disaster-resilient homes, schools, hospitals, and offices, thereby empowering underserved communities in Niger and the Sahel region.

 

Project partners include the Nigerien Association for Woodless Construction, the University of Liechtenstein, Lehm-Ton-Erde Baukunst GmbH, and ERDEN Impact.