Niger’s leather artisans struggle as insecurity hits sales

In Niger, tanning is more than a traditional craft. Thousands of families rely on the industry to earn a living, allowing the skill to be passed down through generations.

Artisans at the Gamkallé tannery in Niamey have maintained the use of traditional methods to transform animal hides into leather, which is then used to make shoes, bags, wallets, purses and other products.

The industry is, however, under threat from growing insecurity, which has disrupted supply chains and limited access to markets, ultimately reducing sales.

Ismael Ousmane, who has worked at the Gamkallé tannery for years, says tanning remains an important part of his life and helps support his family.

"Tanning is a tradition. It's a job that makes me proud," he said.

Traditional craft under pressure

The tannery is one of the oldest in Niamey and currently employs nearly 200 people across its various workshops.

Hides collected from slaughterhouses across the capital and surrounding areas are processed through several stages. They are soaked, rinsed, treated and dried before undergoing further finishing.

Abdoukadri Zoubeirou, a tannery worker, says the process remains largely traditional.

"After the other stages, the hide is soaked for a few hours before being rinsed, then sprinkled with salt and peanut cake. It is then laid out to dry and undergoes the remaining stages of finishing," he says.

But despite the continued demand for leather products, the cooperative says business has fallen sharply.

Yahaya Tonko, president of the Gamkallé Tannery Cooperative, says the tannery used to sell between 1,000 and 1,500 hides a day before the country's security situation deteriorated.

"Now we even sell less than 500," he says.

The artisans produce a wide range of goods, including leather shoes, bags, pouffes, wallets and purses.

They prefer locally produced leather to imports from neighbouring Nigeria, which they say is of lower quality.

But supplies are not always available.

“Sometimes we run out of stock. Neither Niger nor Nigeria has any available. This sometimes brings our activities to a halt for a few days,” Hamid says.

The artisans worry that continued shortages could bring production to a standstill.

Tourism decline adds to challenges

The country's security situation has also affected tourism, another important source of customers for artisans producing traditional handicrafts.

With fewer tourists visiting Niger, leather craftsmen have lost an important market for their handmade products.

For artisans, the challenges extend beyond declining sales. The slowdown threatens livelihoods in an industry that supports families and preserves traditional skills passed down through generations.

Niger's government has been working to address militant violence and improve security, but the impact of the crisis continues to be felt across the economy.

For the leather workers of Gamkallé, a return to greater stability could help restore access to markets, revive production and breathe new life into one of Niger's longstanding traditional industries.