Ngaoubourandi is a local organisation founded in 2010 by a group of people determined to tackle development issues in Chad. In particular it works to consider and develop research on conflict prevention, peacebuilding and minority rights issues.
Ngaoubourandi and ASNGA mean "rainbow of hope" and "enough conflict" in local languages. The choice of these two terms speaks to the will of its founding members to work for peace and create a constructive space for young people and the poor, who have faced multiple and complex challenges, some related to the development of oil infrastructure in Chad. These include:
- Land appropriation and monopolisation in Moundou Commune and surrounding villages.
- Conflicts over resources and access to land between pastoralists, herders and administrative, military and commercial authorities.
- A lack of access to basic infrastructure, in particular fresh water in "koro" zones, where the water is more than 100 metres underground.
- A lack of employment for young people because of corruption and clientelism.
The ASNGA works to defend the right to land for farmers and small holders, and to be able to participate meaningfully in their social, economic and political life.
The organisation's main activities are:
- Research on land verification issues, comparative politics, policies and the legal framework.
- Communications including awareness-raising using local and national radio and television, information bulletins, the internet, and lobbying local authorities and other political partners.
Specific projects have included work on :
- Land use
Studies and research on land use in the Moundou region. This includes the development of a detailed report on the town's development since its founding in 1925, documenting land use conflicts and uncovering corrupt practices which include the illegal sale of land for personal gain. Governors in the region have taken measures to prevent security forces from harassing local farmers, and with the support of the Ngaoubourandi council, local farmers and villagers have been able to protect their land, including launching legal action to recover appropriated land.
The legal and regulatory frameworks regarding land use have been distributed by Ngaoubourandi and local radio stations, allowing groups to mobilise and address the issue, including setting up partnerships with other groups working on the same issue in other areas of the region such as Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Mali.
- Farmer-herder conflicts
Significant research has been carried out on the causes of consequences of conflict between farmers and nomads, including organising workshops and field visits to work with local authorities and young people.
- Basic infrastructure
With the support of two partner organisations in Germany, this work has launched ten pilot projects drilling wells and refurbishing a community health centre. The work has opened up debates on how best to provide for and ensure the good management of community services. The first projects, launched four years ago, continue to work well, and are well-managed by committees composed primarily of women, who manage small funds. Their burden of carrying water has been lessened and the incidence of waterborne diseases in children has been reduced.