2005 Niger food crisis

A severe but localized food security crisis occurred in the regions of northern Maradi, Tahoua, Tillabéri, and Zinder of Niger from 2005 to 2006. It was caused by an early end to the 2004 rains, desert locust damage to some pasture lands, high food prices, and chronic poverty. In the affected area, 2.4 million of 3.6 million people are considered highly vulnerable to food insecurity. An international assessment stated that, of these, over 800,000 face extreme food insecurity and another 800,000 in moderately insecure food situations are in need of aid.

The crisis had long been predicted after swarms of locusts consumed nearly all crops in parts of Niger during the 2004 agricultural season. In other areas, insufficient rainfall resulted in exceptionally poor harvests and dry pastures affecting both farmers and livestock breeders. An assessment carried out by the government of Niger, the United Nations and international Non Governmental Organizations reached a general consensus that the crisis, while locally severe, had not reached the level of famine according to famine scales.

Demographic causes

The population of Niger increased more than fivefold from 1950 to this food crisis. In 1950 there were 2,5 million in Niger and in 2005 there were 13,5 million. So this means that 80% of the victims of the starvation were due to the rapid population growth since 1950.

The fertility rate in Niger is the highest in the world at 7,6 children per woman. The consequence of this is that population of Niger is projected to increase tenfold in the 21th century to more than 200 million people in 2100. So there might come more rapid population growth induced famines in the 21th century, because the agricultural production can't keep up with the population growth.

According to current estimates, the Sahel region as a whole registered a grain surplus of 85,000 tons. However, Niger and Chad suffered grain deficits of around 224,000 and 217,000 tons, respectively. An increase in food prices is fuelling the food crisis, especially in Niger, where millions of people are facing risk of food shortages and outright starvation.

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