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Abstract
Niger is one of the poorest countries in the world. The most recent UNDP1 report classifies
Niger as the last country in terms of human development index. Although more than 80
percent of the economically active population is involved in farming, the agriculture sector
generates only around 40 percent of the gross domestic product. Since farm production is
heavily dependent on rainfall, frequent extreme weather events may have a severe impact on
agricultural output and household income. In this light, this study examines the potential
impact of extreme weather events such as prolonged drought and flooding and other selected
climate variables on yield of the three major crops in this country: millet, sorghum, and dry
bean. Using data from a nationally representative survey conducted in 2014, the estimation
results show that drought has a significant negative effect on sorghum and dry bean yield.
However, flood have no impact on any of the three crop yields. An increase in temperature
affects negatively all three crops yield threatening therefore farm income, and household food
security. These results are likely to be further amplified by rising global warming and climate
change.