Niger

Overview

Recurring shocks from poverty and climate change have been exacerbated by conflict. Deteriorating security has caused a sharp escalation in humanitarian needs, putting more families at risk of food insecurity and acute malnutrition. In recent years, the Government of Niger has taken a proactive leadership approach to building resilience.

Risk Environment

Insecurity and attacks by armed groups are leading to internal displacement across the Lake Chad Basin and other parts of Niger, complicating service delivery and humanitarian relief efforts. As crops and infrastructure are destroyed, rural populations dependent on subsistence agriculture become increasingly at risk for acute malnutrition and food insecurity. Other vulnerabilities, including disease outbreaks, flooding, and drought are unlikely to abate.

Resilience Approach

In 2012, the Government of Niger established a High Commission called Nigeriens Feeding Nigeriens (3N), to coordinate all development programming in food security and nutrition. 3N prioritizes improvements in water access, agricultural production, and resilience. International donors contribute to building resilience through improvements to agriculture, health, and governance. Investing in resilience also supports efforts to counter violent extremism. Resilience investments respond to common grievances, such as lack of government services and poor economic opportunities, and address 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; and empowering women and youth to be a force for positive change. An additional new and important focus will be on maintaining improving security and accountability.