Concerns regarding the longer-term impact of the 2004-2005 food crises remained, given that the livelihoods of many, most especially in Niger, were eroded by the crisis. In response to this crisis, the Irish Red Cross, with funding from Irish Aid and the Irish public, focused in the Agadez Region (Northern part of Niger) on post-emergency programmes on three key areas:
- The Small Grants Programme focused on the promotion of improved livelihood opportunities for food insecure communities in the region of Agadez by reinforcing communities abilities to share information through a needs based approach, increasing Niger Red Cross's capacity to respond with effective tools, technical expertise and leadership. 8,933 beneficiaries (1,319 families) benefited from targeted small grants. Depending on individual family needs, beneficiaries received camels, donkeys, goats, cereals, palm leaves or small cash grants. These activities were funded by a grant from Irish Aid.
- The Capacity Building Programmes reinforced the capacity of the Agadez branch of Niger Red Cross and its sub branches in Bilma and Tabelot through the provision of funding for local technical staff, customized training for both volunteers and management and procurement of essential office support equipment. These activities were funded by a grant from Irish Aid.
- Emergency Response with a major response in August 2006 when several remote villages were affected by floods. In total, over 7,000 flood affected people received assistance from the Irish Red Cross to include food packs of sugar, millet, beans, salt and oil.
These programmes were implemented up to 30th June 2008. The deterioration of the security situation in Agadez since May 2007 and the state of war has prevented the Irish RC from accessing the areas outside the narrow limits of Agadez city. Due to this lack of access and no medium term prospects for an improvement, Irish RC ended its activities in Agadez in June 2008. Prior to its departure from Agadez the Irish RC was working in close cooperation with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The ICRC takes the lead on behalf of the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement in countries and regions affected by conflict and as such coordinates the activities of national societies such as the Irish RC.