Niger

Niger sits in one of the hottest and most water-stressed regions in the world, with the Sahara Desert comprising over two thirds of the country’s land mass. Variable rainfall and heavy reliance on the Niger River and limited aquifers present challenges for a rapidly growing population and an economy based on subsistence agriculture. Lack of clean water access, open defecation and resultant waterborne diseases are particularly potent issues amongst rural communities. As climate change drives further desertification and strains groundwater supply, competition over scarce resources will increase. Efforts to improve resilience, including better groundwater monitoring, small-scale irrigation systems and watershed restoration, are essential for protecting both Niger’s environment and the well-being of its people.

IWMI in Niger

IWMI facilitated a project on transboundary water resource management measures for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the Niger River Basin. Efforts involved strengthening regional, national and local decision-making capacities and promoting climate-smart agriculture, biodiversity protection, and management of floods and droughts.

Contact

Olufunke Cofie

Olufunke Cofie

Africa Director for Research Impact

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Projects in Niger

Latest Niger news

ECOWAS, IWMI call for efficient water resources management

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and IWMI seek to work together to address the challenges of water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable irrigational agriculture practices in the …

Latest Niger publications

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Pathways for scaling solar-based irrigation technology ownership in Nigeria: suitability and key stakeholder mapping in Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states

International Water Management Institute; CGIAR Scaling for Impact Program | November 24th, 2025
Ojeleye, O. A.; Oke, Adebayo; Tilahun, Seifu A.; Minh, Thai Thi
Open Access
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Creating an enabling environment for solar irrigation ownership in Nigeria

International Water Management Institute | November 4th, 2025
Ojeleye, O. A.; Oke, Adebayo; Minh, Thai Thi; Tilahun, Seifu A.
Open Access
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Summary report of the Stability-and-Peace Accelerator Program in Nigeria, Kenya and Jordan

International Water Management Institute (IWMI). CGIAR Initiative on Fragility, Conflict, and Migration | December 30th, 2024
Ahmed, D.; Karunakaran, K.; Qiu, Z.; Al-Zu’bi, Maha; Michalscheck, Mirja; Kamanda, Josey; Quadri, S.; Nkosi, Mahlatse; Craparo, A.
Open Access