The impact of urban growth and long-term climatic variations on the sustainable development of the City of Niamey, Niger

This paper examines the combined effect of population growth and climate change in the area surrounding Niamey, Niger. Using GIS technology, the study is able to look at a number factors and compare them through a time series dataset. The study finds that population growth is occurring at a period of agricultural decline due to the sensitivity of the surrounding Sahelian plain. It is realized that more sensitive systems for agricultural production are necessary to prevent soil erosion, drinking water contamination, and a sustained food supply so that the city does not exceed carrying capacity.