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Empowering Small Farmers in Niger: A Path to Sustainable Development

This report provides insights into the ongoing efforts in Niger to support small farmers through direct purchasing initiatives that enhance local economies and food security. With agriculture constituting 40% of Niger's GDP and employing a majority of the population, the emphasis on collaboration with farmers' associations is vital. Key strategies include enhancing access to market information, capacity building for both farmers and WFP staff, and strengthening partnerships with governmental and non-governmental organizations. These actions aim to increase food availability and promote sustainability in the agricultural sector.

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Empowering Small Farmers in Niger: A Path to Sustainable Development

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  1. Purchase from small farmers associations in Niger January 2013 – P4P annual consultation

  2. Administrative map of Niger

  3. General Information • Population: 16.2 Millions • 20% of national budget allocated to agriculture  • The 15% of Niger's land that is arable is found mainly along its southern border with Nigeria • Farming land per farmer:4,12 ha (Average) • Household size: 7 children per woman • The literacy rate of Niger is among the lowest in the world; in 2005 it was estimated to be only 28.7% (42.9% male and 15.1% female) • Niger’s economy based on subsistence agriculture that accounts for 40 % of GDP and employs 85% of the population

  4. Agriculture cycles in Niger

  5. Conducive Environnement for Local Purchasesin Niger • WFP LP Niger in line with activities 1, 2 and 3 of PAA + 3N priorities • National school feeding programme • PTF strong commitment towards agriculture development • Involvement of Ministry of agriculture (MoA) at central and local level through inputs subsidies, diversification of agriculture, irrigation programme • Food security – national Strategic stocks-cereals banks • What is Happening now ? • Through direct negotiations and contracting of small farmers associations, WFP is purchasing 678 mt.of millet and 391 mt. of beans

  6. List of farmers associations

  7. How DidWe Do It? • Short listingof Small Farmers’ Associations was done using following criteria's: • Through FAO supported federations • At Unions Levels • At FO levels • Gender • Compliance to WFP Financial exigencies, such as having bank accounts • Production and Storage Capacity • Advantages: • Working closely with farmers will help measure direct impact, as well as progress over time • Ensures sustainability over long-term and creates ownership at the local level • Provides an alternative market for farmer’s surplus [and strengthens local economy] • Empowering women [small farmers]

  8. Poor access to market information by the small farmers • Price fluctuation at the local markets, given the need for cash by small farmers immediately after harvest • Marketing strategies are largely not existent ( market information not available at farmers level) • Retention of stocks due to a dynamic environment/market competition • Methodologies for fixing prices with small farmers associations • Government plan to purchase large quantity from Farmers Associations Challenges

  9. P4P – What did we learn from this first pilot ? • In working with small farmers : • A better understanding /momentum within WFP ( VAM, M&E, logistics, program) • Better understanding on how local markets functions • Immediate availability of commodities for the school meal programme • A better understanding of the supply chain • Connect with other strategic partners intervening in agriculture and market support programmes • It will allow development of better tools /strategy to be applied when purchasing from small holders to fit with local context for this year harvest • Great visibility of WFP

  10. The WayForwardFor the 2013 Harvest: - Increase tonnage to be purchased from small farmers (up to 3,000 mt.)- Conduct a light baseline that will allow to measure the impact on the livelihoods- Training of WFP staff - Capacity building of farmers associations- Reinforce strategic partnerships with:Government counterparts:- High Commission of 3N- Ministry of Education (MoE)- Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)UN Agencies:- FAO- UN Women- NGOs: National or international NGOs with a strong presence and experience in agriculture production or commercialization such as CRS, WVI, AfriqueVerte

  11. Thank you. Questions?

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