The flow monitoring component of DTM has been operational in Niger since February 2016 to gather, analyze and disseminate critical, multi-layered information on the mobility, vulnerabilities and needs of migrants that enables decision-makers and responding partners to provide targeted, context-specific assistance. In 2019, there are seven active Flow Monitoring Points (FMPs)  in Niger: 3 in the Agadez region (Arlit, Madama and Séguédine), three at the border with Nigeria (Dan Barto, Dan Issa and Magaria) and one in Tahoua, situated at the center of the country. The FMPs in Tahoua, Madama and those along the border with Nigeria have been active since August 2018 to provide a more holistic understanding of mobility across Niger as well as on cross-border mobility between Niger and Nigeria.  

The quantitative data collected through the FMPs is complemented by qualitative information gathered through information points (IPs) strategically set up across various locations along the migration corridor. Since September 2017, these information points have been set up in 10 locations to gather more information on new migration routes given the increased usage of bypass routes in 2017, as well as community perceptions on irregular migration. The IPs are located in: Abalak, Agadez, Assamaka, Bilma, Ingall, Lateye, Tahoua, Tanout, Tchinta and Zinder.

In addition to flow monitoring, other ad hoc data collection activities such as return intention and climate change surveys have been conducted in Niger, namely in the Diffa region. In order to facilitate humanitarian interventions, DTM works closely with IOM Niger’s other programmes by referring identified populations in need of assistance at flow monitoring points to IOM’s transit centres or community mobilizers where migrants are sensitized on IOM Niger’s Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programme and other services offered through the IOM Migrant Resource and Response Mechanism (MRRM). Furthermore, DTM Niger is in the process of expanding its activities in coordination with humanitarian partners to other regions of Niger to provide more information on mobility, particularly of displaced populations.