Niger
To help address poverty, climate change and instability in Niger, the country’s government is focusing efforts on water access, agricultural production and resilience.
Overview
Recurring shocks from poverty and climate change are exacerbated by conflict. Deteriorating security has caused a sharp escalation in humanitarian needs, putting more families at risk of food insecurity and acute malnutrition.
Risk Environment
Insecurity and attacks by armed groups are leading to internal displacement across Niger, complicating service delivery and humanitarian relief efforts. As crops and infrastructure are destroyed, rural populations that are dependent on subsistence agriculture become increasingly at risk for acute malnutrition and food insecurity. Other vulnerabilities, including disease outbreaks, flooding and droughts, further contribute to the country’s risk environment.
Resilience Approaches
USAID invests in improvements in land and water management, agriculture and economic growth, health, and governance to strengthen resilience. Strengthening resilience also requires investments in peacebuilding, and conflict resolution also supports efforts to counter violent extremism by responding to common grievances — such as a lack of government services and poor economic opportunities — and addressing common drivers of instability — such as local conflicts and shock-related population displacements.
Opportunities for Strengthening Resilience
There are many opportunities to strengthen resilience from the local to national levels, including:
- Improving access to and management of water and other natural resources.
- Promoting business development and opportunities to engage in growing markets.
- Improving health outcomes.
- Strengthening community and national health systems.
- Strengthening effective governance at all levels.
- Empowering women and youth to be a force for positive change.
An additional new and important focus will be on maintaining and improving security and accountability.
Sahel Collaboration and Communication Activity
Related Resources
Migration as a Source of Resilience
15 Feb 2024, GMT -4 - ResilienceLinks , USAID , Mercy Corps
Join ResilienceLinks as we hear from experts in the field about the opportunities to strengthen resilience development through migration.
Planning for Productive Migration in Niger: A Pilot Program
15 Feb 2024 - USAID , Mercy Corps , Stanford University Immigration Policy Lab
This pilot program in Niger aims to facilitate safe, productive cross-border migration as a livelihoods resilience strategy.
Evaluation of RISE II Integrated Social and Behavior Change Activities in Niger
27 Jul 2023 - Population Council: Breakthrough RESEARCH
Gender-specific messaging may be the key to empowering communities to improve their health in the Sahel.
Final Report of the Nomadic and Sedentary Study in Maradi, Tahoua, Zinder and Tillabery (French)
27 Jul 2023 - Niger Stability Support Initiative (NSSI)
Tensions between nomadic and sedentary can escalate into conflict. Read how one activity is exploring conflict management options.