Dr. Issoufou Bawa, Director General of the Centrale d’Approvisionnement en Intrants et Matériels Agricoles et Zootechniques (CAIMA), recently visited stores in Maradi to assess the stock status of agricultural and zootechnical inputs. The purpose was to verify the availability of these essential supplies for local producers. Dr. Bawa stated that the visit confirmed "that agricultural producers in the Maradi region were able to obtain the majority of the inputs put in place for the region." He further indicated that CAIMA intends to expand its activities, saying, "it goes without saying that henceforth, CAIMA will extend its activities in the field of livestock, particularly for everything concerning animal feed and other zootechnical inputs in the coming years to implement in our country." This strategic expansion aligns with the organization's broader mandate to support agricultural development across the nation.
Stock Levels and Availability
The Maradi region currently holds a total stock of 5,445.5 tonnes of various agricultural and zootechnical inputs. This inventory comprises fertilizers such as PRSA, DAP, NPK, and Urea, alongside CAIMA's own branded fertilizers and donations received from Russia. The stock in the Maradi region constitutes 14% of the national input reserves. Nationally, the total stock of these essential supplies stands at 38,880.8 tonnes. Within Maradi, 511.65 tonnes of inputs are currently remaining, indicating a high rate of distribution to local producers. These figures highlight the significant role Maradi plays in the national agricultural supply chain.
Expanded Mandate and Operations
CAIMA recently expanded its product offerings to include animal feed and zootechnics. This expansion follows Ordinance 20-25, issued on February 3, 2025, which formally extended CAIMA's mandate. The ordinance now includes agricultural and zootechnical inputs, as well as agricultural equipment, within the organization's purview. This legislative change has broadened CAIMA's scope, enabling it to better serve the diverse needs of the agricultural sector. To enhance operational transparency and accessibility, CAIMA has developed a digitized digital platform. This platform is designed to display the availability of products at each of its points of sale, providing real-time information to producers and stakeholders regarding stock levels across the distribution network. This digital initiative aims to streamline access to critical supplies and improve efficiency for farmers.
Director's Satisfaction and Distribution
The Director General's visit to Maradi occurred on August 2, 2026. During the assessment, Dr. Bawa noted a sales rate of 90.6% for inputs in the Maradi region. This figure indicates the proportion of available agricultural and zootechnical supplies that have been successfully distributed to producers. The visit on August 2, 2026, marked the second time this year that the Director General had visited the Maradi region, showing the importance of the region to CAIMA's operations and its commitment to direct oversight. CAIMA continues to monitor the distribution and availability of essential inputs across its network to support agricultural and zootechnical activities, ensuring that producers have timely access to the resources they need.
Future Outlook and Strategy
The expansion of CAIMA's activities, particularly into animal feed and zootechnics, is reportedly motivated by the political orientation of General Abdourahamane Tiani. This strategic direction reflects a broader national commitment to strengthening both crop production and livestock farming. To bolster local management and ensure effective coordination, CAIMA has established a regional committee for agricultural and zootechnical inputs in Maradi. This committee is presided over by the Deputy Secretary General of the Maradi region, signifying a collaborative approach between national and regional authorities. The committee's role is key in overseeing the distribution and utilization of inputs at the local level, thereby ensuring that CAIMA's objectives are met efficiently and effectively within the Maradi region.