Niger

Bilateral cooperation between Niger and Germany began in the 1960s. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH opened its office in the capital Niamey in 1968.

Rural and urban areas under pressure

Niger has a population of around 27 million people and is one of the poorest countries in the world. It is facing severe challenges due to its geographical location. The southern region along the Niger River is fertile and green while arid desert can be found beyond its northern bank. As a result, only 15 per cent of the country’s soil is arable. At the same time, climate-induced disasters including flooding, droughts and desertification are threatening agriculture, making Niger one of the world’s most food-insecure countries. 

More than 83 per cent of the population lives in rural areas where access to natural resources and basic services is limited. Niger’s cities, however, are growing at a fast pace, which is increasing pressure on local authorities to provide adequate services. 

Despite the country’s wealth of mineral resources such as uranium and oil, the economic situation remains difficult. The private sector offers few job opportunities, education is difficult to access, and infrastructure remains largely underdeveloped. 

In addition, the country is facing an increased wave of terror attacks, forcing people to leave their homes and flee to larger cities to seek greater security.

Improving food security and sustainable infrastructure

GIZ supports the Government of Niger in achieving its sustainable development objectives in the following areas:

•    Peace and security
•    Agriculture and nutrition
•    Sustainable infrastructure 

GIZ strengthens social cohesion within its areas of intervention, while fostering the integration of vulnerable population groups. 

It works to strengthen agricultural value chains, thereby improving the livelihoods of rural populations. At the same time, it is implementing climate-smart agricultural technology designed to make communities more resilient and combat desertification.

GIZ also supports local authorities and expands infrastructure in regional urban centres so that people have access to electricity and waste management.