Arewa

Many activities of Tarbiyya Tatali take place in this region. This area where 400,000 inhabitants live is part of the Dosso region and is located in the South of Niger, close to the Nigerian border in the dry wash bed of Dallol Maouri. It comprises 10 rural districts (Dankassari, Dogon Doutchi, Dogon Keria, Doumega, Guéchémé, Kiéché, Matankari, Kore Mairoua, Soucoucoutan, Tibiri). In 2004 for the first time mayors and local councilors were elected. Dogon Doutchi, a town of 30,000 inhabitants is the capital of Arewa, and the administrative center of the Dogon Doutchi department. Dogon Doutchi, meaning large stone in the Haoussa language, is the name of a mountain shaped like a giant termite mound which overhangs the countryside. Rain is scarce and arable lands are lacking for a growing population; the intensive farming drains the soils. The large utilization of wood for cooking increases desertification. A century and half ago, the German explorer Bart described the Arewa region as a dense forest with scattered fields. The elder inhabitants remember this dense forest with wild animals. Now the Arewa region is a dry bush with a few big trees. As a consequence many young men migrate temporarily or permanently to cities or to the coast to make their living Several associations are active in the area, for example associations taking care of the collection of rubbish, the cleaning-up of Dogon Doutchi and different projects such as reforestation or water recycling. as well as the numerous initiatives of Tarbiyya Tatali. The dominant features in the Arewa are the resistance to oppression, tolerance, and some balance of power between men and women. Lougou, Saraouniya’s residence is the historic center of the Arewa region.