Introduction to Niger

Niger, the largest country in West Africa located in the heart of the Sahel, has a population of 25.25 million,1 of which 83% is rural.2 Ranked 189 out of 190 countries in UN’s Human Development Index,3 Niger exhibits a significantly low GDP per capita of $590.6, along with a low life expectancy of 62 years4 and a high infant mortality rate of 60 per 1000 live births.5 Moreover, an alarming 48.6% of the population resides below the international poverty line, defined as living on less than $2.15 per day.6 The vast majority of Niger has a hot desert climate with some hot semi-arid climatic regions in the south of the country, and in recent decades, the country has been experiencing a rise in the occurrence and severity of drought, epidemics, and floods.7 Agriculture serves as the cornerstone of Niger's economy, engaging more than 60% of the working population8 and making a substantial contribution of approximately 36.5% to the country's GDP,9 nearly equivalent to the service sector which makes up 37.1%.10  Niger is the world’s fifth largest uranium producer, with two of its mines contributing approximately 5% of the global mining output for this mineral.11 Despite gaining independence from France in 1960, Niger’s climate vulnerability is exacerbated by the former colonial power’s continued and unchecked exploitation of the country’s natural resources with French multinational companies having significant ownership stakes in the prominent uranium mines, which in turn marginalizes Nigeriens and exposes them to dangerous levels of radioactive waste.12  

Mapping Major Climate Events and Climate-Induced Displacement

Niger is extremely vulnerable to climate events, ranking 9 out of 180 countries in the Global Climate Risk Index 2021. The major climate hazards experienced by the West African nation are flood, drought, and epidemic, which account for over 96% of the average annual hazard occurrence for 1980-2020.13 In addition to grappling with high infant mortality, low life expectancy, and widespread poverty, Niger has witnessed an escalating frequency of natural disasters over the last four decades.  Between 1980 and 2000, there were 5 separate years of floods, but this number shot up to 17 between 2000 and 2020.14 The occurrence of these floods, often resulting from heavy rainfall or overflow of rivers, poses a direct threat to the stability and livelihoods of many Nigeriens. Between 2008 and 2021, 20 disaster events were reported with an astonishing 2.1 million people internally displaced due to flooding.15 Beyond climate related disasters, violence and conflict has displaced 708,000 in Niger,16 and climate impacts in the form of drought, water scarcity, and higher temperatures threaten to exacerbate existing conflicts and instigate new ones. 

Mapping the Costs of the Climate Crisis

Niger is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its geographical location in the predominantly-arid Sahel region, high dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and limited resources for adaptation. The rate of temperature increase is 1.5 times faster in the Sahel region than the global average, resulting in a destructive cycle of droughts which is degrading the country's arable land through soil erosion.17  Climate change-induced weather uncertainty and variability pose growing challenges for smallholder farmers in Niger. In 2022, food insecurity took a devastating toll on Niger, affecting over four million households18 and exacerbating the already challenging conditions and pervasive poverty faced by the country’s most vulnerable populations. These dire circumstances arose from the combination of consecutive failed rainy seasons and the escalating desertification of the Sahel region.The majority of rainfed crops in Niger are projected to experience a decline in yields of around 10 to 20% in 2050 compared to 2020 levels due to the escalating effects of climate change.19

Mapping Resilience and Migration Pathways

While Niger makes up 0.32% of the global population and is responsible for less than 0.01% of the global cumulative greenhouse gas emissions,20 the nation is having to shoulder the burden of the devastating impacts of climate change, exhibited in the form of severe droughts, intense floods, and recurring epidemics. In 2021, the country emitted less than 0.008% of the global greenhouse gas emissions for the year.21 Despite very low emissions, Niger has committed to take action to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change by signing the Paris Agreement, with the aim of reducing 12.57% of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 under the Business As Usual (BAU) scenario or 22.75% with substantial international support estimated at USD $2,473 billion. Niger prioritizes adaptation measures with substantial co-benefits in favor of mitigation as part of the country’s engagement in the international community's efforts to mitigate climate change. With the energy sector, and agriculture, forestry and land uses contributing 97.6% of the country’s total emissions, the identified adaptation measures include promotion of climate-smart agriculture, development of sustainable water management, and implementation of a 10-year reforestation plan.21 In a notable development in 2021, the Nigerien government made use of satellite-based early warning data to identify regions affected by drought, and take timely action through the provision of unconditional cash transfers.22  

Necessary Changes

As a country that has an insignificant contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions, Niger's vulnerability to climate change is a glaring example of the disproportionate burden faced by developing nations. While Niger’s uranium is ensuring the energy security of France,23 over 80% of Niger’s population24 does not have access to electricity. This highlights the persistence of colonial-era decision-making structures and power imbalances which continue to marginalize and harm the vast majority of Niger’s population. It is crucial for the international community to acknowledge the legacies of colonization, which continue in the form of economic exploitation and political influence in former colonies. Efforts should be made to address these historical injustices and power imbalances that persist in Niger. In addition, the West African nation needs to be supported so that it can divest away from extractive resources, and prioritize responsible resource management, economic diversification, and climate-resilient agriculture practices.