Urbanization and Informal Settlements in Niger: Implications for Social Welfare Systems

Urbanization in Niger has accelerated rapidly over recent decades, leading to significant challenges for social welfare systems. Data was collected through a combination of household surveys and administrative records, focusing on urban areas with high concentrations of informal settlements. The analysis revealed that approximately 60% of the population living in these settlements do not have access to basic social services such as healthcare and education. Urbanization has disproportionately affected vulnerable populations, necessitating targeted interventions by government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to improve service delivery. The establishment of a dedicated urban development fund is recommended to address the specific needs of informal settlements. Enhanced collaboration between local authorities and NGOs is also crucial for effective service provision.