A dramatic change has occurred in the Delta. Many of the northern lakes no longer receive the flood waters and have become dry depressions. This phenomenon has resulted in a loss of wetland habitat for fish, waterfowl, and the surrounding vegetation. The primary cause is the low rainfall experienced since the late 1960's, which has significantly reduced river flood levels. These images show the rapid expansion of urban areas into the surrounding plains and hills.
Urban areas appear light blue-gray on the color image.
The population of this metropolitan area grew from about 180,000 in 1968 to approximately 500,000 in 1991. In particular, notice the rapid extension of the neighborhoods on the south side of the Niger River. August 1992 Niamey, Niger Niamey, like most other West African capitals, has grown rapidly from a small town into a major urban center. The 1965 satellite photo shows Niamey with a population of about 50,000 inhabitants. By 1992 the city had grown to an estimated 400,000.