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written in Published in policy.
The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Niger, Mr. Ousmane El Hadj Mahamane, detailed on Tuesday, July 23, the mission entrusted to him by the Head of State, Abdelhamane Tiyani, President of the National Committee for the Protection of the Fatherland. Surrounded by his colleagues, he also presented the highlights of the annual report.
The Minister stressed that his main task is to develop a priority plan for the transformation of agro-pastoral potential in line with the objectives of food sovereignty and development. This plan will take into account regional specificities, past experience and the evolution of the economic and socio-political context.
One of the minister’s priorities must be the promotion of cash crops and livestock products in line with the dynamics of domestic and international markets. It also involves restoring the value of land, mobilizing water resources and building the infrastructure needed to boost agro-pastoral production. In addition, it must diversify crops with high commercial and nutritional value and develop innovative tools to finance the sector.
The Minister also insisted on the need to raise awareness of food sovereignty issues among local communities and measure the results of actions taken to ensure the performance of the Ministry.
annual audit
Mr. Ousmane Haji Mahaman gave a detailed assessment of his actions since taking office, especially after the removal of former civilian President Mohamed Bazoum by the CNSP on July 26, 2023, which led to sanctions that affected the country’s food supply.
In response to this situation, the government has developed and implemented the 2024-2026 Defence and Recovery Plan (PRSP), which is structured around four axes: strengthening governance, peace and security; inclusive development of human capital; improving economic growth and employment; and enhancing citizen participation and social inclusion.
Achievements in water conservancy and agriculture
The Ministry’s goal is to develop 317,868 hectares of irrigated land. As of June 30, 2024, 317,649 hectares have been equipped, which is 99.9% of the target. The “Big Irrigation” program provides 40 billion CFA francs of financing for the development of new areas and the rehabilitation of existing areas. To date, 800 hectares of new land have been developed and 1,023 hectares have been rehabilitated at a cost of 17.78 billion CFA francs.
Small irrigation initiative
Small-scale irrigation schemes created 1,171 hectares of land. Technical studies were carried out in nearly 260 locations across the country, totaling 1,295 hectares. Projects are ongoing for another 5,074 hectares in the Diffa, Tahoua and Tillabéri regions.
Water transfer and rural facilities
In the water diversion sector, 46 structures were built or renovated. These include 43 new weirs, 2 renovated weirs and 1 development pond. Studies of other works are ongoing as part of various projects.
53.99 km of rural agricultural machinery were repaired. In addition, 70 small-scale processing units were created for women across the country, thereby enhancing the capacity to add value to local agricultural products.
Despite the economic and socio-political challenges, the actions taken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock demonstrate a strong commitment to achieving food sovereignty and rural development goals.
Aïssa Altiné (Nigerian expatriate)
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