Why is most of Niger’s population concentrated in the south?

The population of Niger is heavily concentrated in the southern part of the country primarily due to significant differences in climate, soil fertility, and agricultural viability compared to the arid north.12

While the northern two-thirds of Niger consist of desert characterized by extreme heat and unpredictable rainfall, the southern region receives more precipitation, which supports a distinct agricultural zone. This southern area features more fertile soils, particularly within the Niger River and Lake Chad basins, allowing for the cultivation of crops such as millet, rice, corn, peanuts, and cotton.1234

Historically, this southern region has also been the site of various established political states, fostering long-term settlement patterns. In contrast, the northern territory remains largely the domain of nomadic pastoralists who move with their livestock, as the harsh environmental conditions and infertile soils make sedentary agriculture difficult or impossible. Consequently, the vast majority of the population—both nomadic and settled—is concentrated in the more hospitable southern zone.312