Niger has a population of approximately 16 million inhabitants and was ranked 186 out of 187 countries by UNDP’s Human Development Index in 2011.Some 59.5 percent of the population is living below the poverty line. Agriculture is the engine of Niger’s weak economy, with 82 percent of the population relying on farming. The malnutrition rates in Niger are elevated; ten percent of children under five suffer from acute malnutrition and 44 percent of children suffer from chronic malnutrition.
Due to the on-going food insecurity situation, public health problems, challenges related to the socio-economic reintegration of migrants, coupled with the on-going influx of refugees from neighbouring Mali indicates that a large portion of the population in Niger will require humanitarian assistance in 2013. Vast distances, undeveloped road infrastructure, and security concerns make air travel crucial for the humanitarian actors to access those in need in the country.
WFP/UNHAS is the only reliable air service provider for the humanitarian community in Niger, transporting passengers from over 90 humanitarian organisations.
For more information, please contact:
Mr.Pierre Lucas, Chief Air Transport Officer, WFP/UNHAS Niger
Tel: +227 90 2812 51