Fostering transformation and growth in Niger’s agricultural sector

Abstract

The current publication intends to add to the understanding of the potential role that smallholders and the institutional and market environment play in a sustainable transformation of the agriculture sector in Niger. The first six chapters look at various innovations, factors promoting their adoption and related impacts on smallholders. Chapter 1 describes the farmermanaged natural regeneration (FMNR) in Niger as one of the most extensive agro-environmental transformations in Africa. Chapter 2 assesses the determinants and productivity outcomes of the adoption of zaï pits (a soil and water conservation measure) by smallholders. Chapter 3 explores the extent and severity of land degradation and the impact of rehabilitation on food and nutrition security. Chapter 4 analyses the relationship between gender parity, which exists in households where women are as empowered as men, and fertiliser use. Chapter 5 assesses the potential impacts of the development of small irrigation infrastructure on irrigated land allocation, agricultural production and agricultural income for farm households. Chapter 6 reviews the evidence of links between information and communication technologies (ICTs) and outcomes of farm households in Niger. Chapters 7 to 10 analyse price formation and the integration of cereal markets, trade and the agreements governing trade. Chapter 7 uses spatial econometrics to study market integration of cereals in Niger with a special focus on the millet market. Chapter 8 assesses the structure, past trends and prospects of agricultural trade between Niger and the rest of the region and projects changes in traded quantities, both imports and exports, assuming a continuation of current trends in production, population and non-agricultural income. Chapter 9 gives an overview of the trade patterns in terms of commodities, geographical orientation and nature and provides a description of the institutional framework governing Niger’s trade policy. Finally, Chapter 10 delves into one arrangement governing regional trade, the ECOWAS CET and assesses the benefits and costs of a successful implementation of the ECOWAS CET by its fifteen Member States, with a focus on Niger.