In Africa, “getting a share of development aid” is at the heart of a large number of strategies, and humanitarian aid is included in that. However, none are able to offer a durable solution to the chronic problems that the continent is facing. This case study, conducted in Niger following the 2005 “famine,” which resulted in a large international response, shows a very different reality from the one usually presented by the media. Local coping strategies have been most important. External assistance has provoked misunderstanding and friction.