Niger

Niger is among the countries most at risk from drought worldwide. Drought conditions and water scarcity during crucial stages of the growing season, as well as the repeated occurrence of shocks, are a major cause of low agricultural productivity and yields, crop damage and low livestock productivity. All of these result in food insecurity. During past droughts, several million people have been left in need of food assistance. Niger also experiences widespread desertification, which further hampers agriculture-dependent livelihoods. Other hazards include floods, which most occur along the Niger River and its tributaries. Heat waves, locust infestations, severe storms and wildfires also affect different parts of the country. 

Several organizations have established frameworks to anticipate some of these hazards, meaning Niger has considerable experience in implementing this approach. There are also initiatives under way to institutionalize this approach within the country’s plans and policies for disaster risk management.

Working groups 

Anticipatory Action Task Force – West and Central Afric

Photo: Thanks to the implementation of cash-for-work activities, participants rehabilitated and built dykes to protect cultivated areas from floods. This picture shows a critical section of the dyke reinforced with gabions in 2023 at Tarna, Niger. © FAO