Understanding Niger’s Very High INFORM Risk: The Role of Vulnerability and Coping Capacity Beyond Hazards
Niger is ranked among the very high-risk countries in the INFORM 2022 Index, with an overall risk score above 7. This high ranking results from a combination of frequent hazards, high vulnerability, and a severe lack of coping capacity.
While Hazard & Exposure is high—driven by drought, epidemics, flooding, and conflict—it is not the main driver of risk. The most critical factors are Vulnerability and Lack of Coping Capacity, both rated very high. Widespread poverty, food insecurity, and poor health and education outcomes increase vulnerability, while weak institutions, limited infrastructure, and low emergency response capacity severely constrain the country’s ability to manage shocks.
Overall, Niger’s risk profile shows that structural vulnerability and limited capacity, rather than hazards alone, are the key reasons for its very high INFORM risk ranking.