Niger National Human Development Report 2024

The 2024 Niger National Human Development Report examines the critical relationship between human development and security in a context marked by insecurity, climate pressures, poverty, and demographic growth. The report finds that Niger made measurable progress in human development between 2018 and 2021, with its Human Development Index (HDI) increasing from 0.391 to 0.410, driven by improvements in income, education, and health outcomes.

At the same time, multidimensional poverty remains widespread, affecting more than 70 percent of the population in 2021, despite significant reductions over the past decade. Regional and gender inequalities persist, while climate change and environmental pressures continue to challenge development gains.

The report highlights the profound impact of insecurity on people’s lives and opportunities. Security challenges have contributed to population displacement, school closures, disruptions to education and health services, food insecurity, and increased vulnerability in affected regions, particularly Diffa and Tillabéri. In 2023, nearly 400,000 internally displaced persons were recorded, and hundreds of schools remained closed due to insecurity.

Analysis shows a strong link between security and human development: populations that perceive themselves as secure have higher human development outcomes, better educational attainment, higher incomes, and lower levels of multidimensional poverty. The report concludes that strengthening security, good governance, social cohesion, climate resilience, and investment in education, health, and livelihoods is essential to achieving inclusive and sustainable development in Niger.