Niger – Rapid Population Growth / Overpopulation

Location:

Niger, in West Africa, had a population of about 3.3 million in 1960, which grew to nearly 25 million by 2021, with a growth rate of 3.8%.

Causes (pick 2 main ones):

1. Niger has very high birth and fertility rates due to early marriage (average age 15.7 years), low female education, and cultural preference for large families.

2. The death rate has decreased thanks to better healthcare, improved food and water supply, urbanisation, and government farming policies.

Impacts (pick 2 main ones):

1. The country experiences pressure on services, including schools and healthcare, and many young people migrate to cities, creating informal settlements.

2. There is food insecurity and high youth dependency, with around 2.5 million people at risk of hunger and a large proportion of the population under 15.

Response / Solution:

The government has introduced a fertility reduction framework, including abolishing child marriage, improving education and access to contraception, and supporting family planning programs.