A trade that has been passed down from generation to generation in the vast expanse of the Sahara Desert is now on the verge of extinction. The salt pans of Kalala, near Bilma in northeastern Niger, which were once a bustling hub for traders and their camel caravans, now face a bleak future due to ongoing conflict and unstable incomes.
The art of salt digging has flourished in this region for centuries. The precious commodity extracted from the local rock was highly sought after and traded across the Sahara and beyond. Hand-digging hundreds of pits, which were then filled with water to extract the salt, was part of the process. However, in today’s isolated desert landscape riddled with armed gangs and smugglers, survival has become a difficult task for the diggers.
In the midst of the scorching desert, Ibrahim Tagaji and his colleague toiled in the black and ochre pits, employing the same extraction method as their forefathers. On this scorching day, with temperatures in the shade reaching 45°C (113°F), the two men immersed themselves in brine teeming with crystals. They painstakingly dug out salty chunks and crushed them into grains, which were then collected with a gourd. The salt was poured into date palm moulds to form slabs that could be sold.
The rewards for this arduous work are uncertain, as the income fluctuates based on the sporadic visits of potential buyers passing through the area. When someone with money comes,” Tagaji said, “you earn a lot.” Otherwise, it is a lot of work with little pay.” Unfortunately, the local economy provides few alternatives, with local officials estimating that roughly half of Bilma’s population is still employed in salt mining. A veteran of the industry Omar Kosso lamented, “As soon as you drop out of school, you have to work here.” Every household has its own salt pan. You are with your wife and children; you come to work.” Regrettably, the salt trade in Bilma is dwindling rapidly. Caravans containing ethnic groups such as the Daza, Hausa, and Tuareg that used to frequent the area have become scarce, exacerbating the dire situation.
The decline of the salt trade has severely harmed the livelihoods of the local population. The diggers face an uncertain future due to a lack of buyers and prevailing insecurity. The once-thriving tradition passed down through generations, is now on the verge of extinction. Bilma’s distinctive salt industry, which shaped the region’s history and culture, is gradually dwindling.
Efforts are being made to address the problems that salt diggers face. Local communities, organisations, and government entities are looking into ways to revitalise the trade and provide alternative income sources. Creating a safe environment and attracting more traders to the area are important steps towards revitalising the industry. Diversifying the local economy by promoting tourism and supporting other sectors can also help to alleviate the financial burden on salt miners.
The struggle of the Sahara salt diggers highlights the complex issues confronting communities reliant on traditional trades in conflict-torn areas. While the future remains uncertain, there is hope that concerted efforts and support can breathe new life into this centuries-old trade. It is critical to preserve these communities’ cultural heritage and economic sustainability not only for their own well-being but also for the rich tapestry of human history.
Main Image: The East African
