M. Hamadou Siddo, Secrétaire Général Adjoint du Gouvernorat de Tahoua, presided over the opening ceremony of a training workshop on September 17, 2026. The workshop, scheduled to run from September 17 to September 19, brought together key officials in Tahoua. Participants included Secrétaires Généraux Adjoints des Gouvernorats and Directeurs Départementaux de la Population, de l’Action Sociale et de la Solidarité. This key training initiative is specifically designed for members of the governance bodies of the Agence de Promotion du Conseil Agricole (APCA), focusing on principles of participatory and shared governance. The training aims to enhance governance for agricultural transformation, supporting regional development initiatives and strengthening the overall agricultural sector.
Addressing Governance Deficiencies
Difficulties have been observed over many years in the functioning of the Agence de Promotion du Conseil Agricole (APCA)'s governance bodies, which has hindered the effective implementation of Agricultural Advisory activities. These challenges reportedly stem from a poor understanding and weak internalization of SNCA mechanisms, principles of shared governance, and parity management of APCA. The persistent nature of these issues has showed the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve the operational efficiency and effectiveness of APCA's governance structures. In response to these identified shortcomings, the 8th APCA Board of Directors meeting, convened on February 17, 2020, in Niamey, passed a resolution. That resolution specifically mandated the training and strengthening of the capacities of governance body members, recognizing this as a critical step towards overcoming the existing obstacles.
Context of Agricultural Policy
The Agence de Promotion du Conseil Agricole (APCA) was established as part of the government's priorities for agricultural transformation and food sovereignty. Its creation is a direct response to the national imperative to bolster agricultural productivity and ensure food security for the population. A core strategic orientation for APCA involves the operationalization of both the National Agricultural Advisory System (SNCA) and APCA itself, noting the interconnectedness of these entities in achieving national agricultural goals. Agriculture is considered a foundational pillar in the country's refoundation efforts aimed at achieving food sovereignty, emphasizing its central role in the nation's development agenda. This current training workshop is taking place shortly after the commencement of the process to formulate Niger's Agricultural Policy, further linking the capacity-building initiative to broader policy objectives and ensuring alignment with the evolving national agricultural strategy.
Official Statements and Objectives
The current workshop specifically targets members of the Agence de Promotion du Conseil Agricole (APCA)'s governance bodies, focusing on the principles of participatory and shared governance. This initiative aims to enhance the understanding and application of these governance models within the agency, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute effectively to its mission.
The training program is designed to strengthen the capacities of several key stakeholders. These include members of the APCA Board, presidents of the Regional Technical Committees of Agricultural Advisory Services (CTR-CA), and the Secrétaires Généraux Adjoints from various regions. By targeting these diverse groups, the workshop seeks to create a unified and well-informed leadership base. The objective is to equip these officials with the necessary skills to effectively oversee agricultural advisory activities, promote effective collaboration, and ensure the efficient delivery of services to farmers.
A primary goal of the session is to enable participants to thoroughly grasp the core concepts, operational mechanisms, and practical tools associated with the National Agricultural Advisory System (SNCA) and APCA itself. This full understanding is expected to improve the functioning and coordination of agricultural development efforts, ultimately contributing to the successful implementation of agricultural transformation initiatives across the country.