Niger and WFP Commit to Sustainable Agriculture and Hunger Resilience in Niamey
Niamey, May 14, 2025 — A landmark meeting between Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Mahaman Zeine and the World Food Programme (WFP) delegation led by Stanlake Samkange has set a new course for sustainable development in the West African nation. The discussions marked a strategic shift from emergency humanitarian aid to long-term agricultural solutions and community resilience.
Beyond Emergency Aid: WFP’s New Vision for Niger
WFP’s director of multilateral partnerships unveiled an ambitious roadmap focusing on two key pillars:
- Boosting agricultural production through modern techniques
- Strengthening community resilience against recurring crises
This strategy aligns with Niger’s National Development Plan (PRSP), expected to be adopted in 2025 to stimulate economic growth. With 80% of Niger’s population dependent on agriculture, the country faces significant challenges including recurrent droughts, soil degradation, and chronic food insecurity.
Concrete Projects for Sustainable Agriculture
The partnership will implement several transformative initiatives:
Land Restoration
Using techniques like half-moons and zai pits, the program has already restored 91,000 hectares through collaboration with the Millennium Challenge Corporation.
Climate-Smart Infrastructure
Solar-powered irrigation systems tested in Dosso region have increased yields by 30%, reducing dependence on rainfall.
Local Value Chains
The program will strengthen resilient agricultural sectors including cowpeas, small ruminants, and poultry through partnerships with local initiatives like 3N (“Nigeriens Feed Nigeriens”).
Challenges and National Priorities
The announcement comes during Niger’s transitional period following the 2023 coup. Despite projected 7.4% GDP growth in 2025, security challenges in Tillabéri and Diffa regions complicate development efforts. WFP continues humanitarian operations in these areas while transitioning to sustainable solutions.
Prime Minister Zeine emphasized the government’s commitment to food self-sufficiency, marking a shift from emergency assistance to lasting agricultural transformation.
A Sustainable Future Through Partnership
This strengthened alliance between Niger and WFP represents more than diplomatic protocol—it’s a concrete commitment to agricultural transformation. As discussions continue in Niamey, the partnership aims to create a future where Niger’s fields flourish, communities thrive, and hunger significantly declines.