Subject
Population growth and resource scarcity.
Significance
One of the poorest nations in the world, Niger also has the highest fertility rate, which exacerbates chronic food insecurity and childhood malnutrition. Efforts to reduce birth rates have failed to produce results; if anything, Niger’s fertility rates have increased over the past decade.
Impacts
With low economic growth and youth employment, migration to urban areas and North Africa will increase.
Political unrest is also likely to occur with swelling population needs and resource scarcity.
A profound shift in cultures of fertility will be necessary to ensure the stability of the nation.