Located in the heart of the Sahel region, Niger is a vast landlocked country with a population of 24.2 million and the highest demographic growth rate in Africa, at nearly 4%. Although the country has made significant strides over the last decade to reduce poverty, it holds the lowest ranking on the 2019 Human Development Index. In 2019, more than 40% of the population was living in extreme poverty. In recent years, Niger has grappled with a significant influx of refugees fleeing conflicts in the region and internally displaced persons, which present additional socioeconomic challenges for the country. These factors are compounded by environmental degradation resulting in persistent and widespread food and nutrition insecurity, especially in rural areas.
