Each year, the Tabaski celebration involves the large-scale grilling of sheep, which in Niamey, the capital city, typically requires nearly 50,000 tons of wood—equivalent to the cutting down of about 25,000 trees. This year's event falls just after World Environment Day on June 5, and the preparations are exacerbating Niger's ongoing issues with deforestation and desertification, with the country losing over 100,000 hectares of arable land annually. Additionally, the mass grilling contributes significantly to air pollution.
In response, a group of teenagers and young adults in Niger has launched a national campaign to reduce the number of trees cut down and burned during the Tabaski celebration, also known as Eid al-Adha. They have enlisted influencers and comedians to help spread their message online.
Each year, the Tabaski celebration involves the mass grilling of sheep, which in Niamey, the capital city, typically requires nearly 50,000 tons of wood—equivalent to the felling of about 25,000 trees. This year's event falls just after World Environment Day on June 5, and the preparations have exacerbated Niger's ongoing deforestation and desertification, with the country losing over 100,000 hectares of arable land annually. Additionally, the grilling contributes significantly to air pollution.
In response to this environmental crisis, a group of young activists, with support from Save the Children, has initiated the "Tabaski Ecolo" (or "Eco Eid") campaign. This initiative aims to promote alternative energy sources for grilling the festive food, such as mineral charcoal, and encourages tree planting during the holiday season.
The campaign also features activities aimed at raising awareness about the effects of deforestation and the advantages of green energy sources, along with a competition for the best ecological photograph.
Jafar, a 17-year-old climate change activist involved in the Tabaski Ecolo campaign, expressed his thoughts:
“Sometimes, people tell me that climate change isn't a priority for them or that it's an issue only for wealthy countries. This surprises me because we are already experiencing its impacts here—extreme heat, flooding, and food insecurity. Climate change affects us all.
“It’s possible to honor our traditions while also protecting our planet, minimizing waste, and caring for our city. I appreciate the idea of contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable world, even during important occasions like Tabaski.”
The "Tabaski Ecolo" campaign was initiated in 2017 by a national association of young environmental volunteers, later receiving support from Save the Children to broaden its reach. By 2024, the campaign had directly engaged nearly 3,700 individuals with messages about the effects of climate change and pollution and distributed around 1,000 seedlings of mango, moringa, and lemon trees to local communities to help combat desertification.
This year, the campaign is expanding its online presence, enlisting local influencers, comedians, journalists, and musicians to amplify its sustainability messages. Additionally, a "caravan" led by child activists, with support from Save the Children, is going door-to-door in Niamey to educate residents on how to celebrate an eco-friendly Tabaski and encourage them to plant a tree for every sheep sacrificed.
Rahinatou, 18, an active participant in the "Tabaski Ecolo" campaign, shared her observations:
“During my conversations with people throughout the campaign and during its evaluation, some expressed that climate change doesn't impact them, so they don't feel concerned about it. Others mentioned that it’s simply ‘God's will.’
“However, I’ve noticed a shift in people's attitudes, and I believe the campaign has played a role in that. Many individuals are now taking steps to protect the environment. In my neighborhood, for instance, most people are using organic charcoal for grilling.”
Niger is among the countries most severely affected by climate change. As the largest nation in West Africa, two-thirds of this landlocked country is covered by desert, resulting in a significant loss of arable land each year. Agriculture supports 80% of the Nigerien population and accounts for 40% of the country's GDP.
Oumarou Anda, the country director for Save the Children in Niger, stated,
"Youth play a vital role in raising awareness about climate change and environmental issues while advocating for sustainable practices. Although they are not responsible for these challenges, they are often the most affected by problems they may not fully understand. Through the 'Tabaski Ecolo' campaign, we aim to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders and foster a more sustainable future for Niger."
Since 2005, Save the Children has been active in Niger, working across five regions: Maradi, Zinder, Diffa, Tillaberi, and urban Niamey. Our efforts focus on child protection, health, nutrition, food security, livelihoods, education, water, and sanitation. We remain committed to providing quality services tailored to the needs of vulnerable individuals and children.
