Niger

Niger is located in the heart of the Sahel region of Africa, an area directly south of the Sahara that is racked by droughts. Since the government does not have the ability to develop the country’s resources, Niger’s economy remains agrarian and subsistence-based — thus prone to widespread famines following even moderate climate changes.

In 2005, IRD conducted an assessment of the relief and development needs in Niger and found immediate needs for further development of the potable water supply and famine relief. In the long-term, the goal is to improve the economic resources of the country to lessen their dependence on the difficult farming conditions in the region.

More recently, USAID's Peace through Development II (PDev II) program works directly with vulnerable young men and women to empower youth, promote moderate voices, and strengthen civil society and local government, directly benefiting 500,000 people in targeted communities in Niger, Chad, and Burkina Faso.

Programs

Peace through Development

The Sahel region of West Africa is increasingly threatened by violent extremist gro... more

Strengthening the Onion Value Chain in Niger

IRD and its partner organization SNV are implementing the $3 million onion value ch... more

Success Stories

Addressing Violent Extremism in Agadez

Youth and young adults in Niger are increasingly susceptible to the appeals... more

Giving Youth a Voice in Their Future in West Africa and the Sahel

In most African countries, young people are given little voice in the decis... more

IRD Builds Community Agriculture in Niger

In northern Niger, a series of natural disasters such as locust invasions,... more

IRD Distributes Clothing, Health and School Supplies to Needy Families in Niger

Drought over the past several seasons has brought hardship and misery to the semi-n... more

Religious Leaders Building Peace in West Africa

To counter the appeals of radical religious groups in West Africa, the USAI... more

Using Radio to Effect Change in Chad and Niger

The USAID Peace through Development II (PDev II) program promotes open dial... more