The FOVAC project pilot site operates at the Université Hummay Salmana in Diffa to increase local forage production. This specific location, also referred to as the University of Hummay Salmana (UHS), serves as the primary hub for the initiative’s agricultural efforts. A PETRADEP monitoring and evaluation mission visited this site from 12 October to 16 October 2026 to assess project progress and distribution efforts. The visit, which spanned from October 12 to October 16, 2026, allowed the team to evaluate the operational status of the facility and the effectiveness of the current forage cultivation techniques.
M. Assane Ayouba Mahamadou, conseiller technique chargé de la chaîne de valeur du PETRADEP, noted the initial success of the program during the mission. "À la première récolte, 25 000 boutures ont été distribuées à plus de 100 bénéficiaires," M. Assane Ayouba Mahamadou stated. The mission concluded its assessment of the facility on 16 October 2026.
Expansion of Pilot Site
Project managers increased the pilot site area at the Université Hummay Salmana in Diffa from an initially planned one hectare to two hectares to accommodate larger cultivation requirements. This land expansion, which grew the total footprint from one hectare to two hectares, aims to support the scaling of forage activities conducted under the FOVAC project in Niger. By doubling the available space, the project aims to optimize the yield potential of the site and increase the overall capacity for forage production.
Distribution efforts currently focus on Maralfalfa, a high-yield grass variety selected for its suitability in the local climate. To date, the project has distributed 25,000 Maralfalfa cuttings to more than 100 beneficiaries. These cuttings are intended to help recipients establish their own forage plots, directly contributing to the regional supply chain. The selection of Maralfalfa is central to the project's strategy, as the grass is known for its ability to thrive under the specific environmental conditions found in the Diffa region.
Projections for the pilot site indicate a significant increase in output following the land expansion. The expected forage production on the pilot site is between 200 and 300 tonnes of fresh matter. This volume is intended to stabilize feed availability for livestock owners in the Diffa area throughout the year. As the FOVAC project continues to monitor the site at the University of Hummay Salmana (UHS), the focus remains on ensuring that the increased land usage translates into a reliable and consistent supply of forage. The collaboration between the project managers and the university has been instrumental in facilitating the expansion and ensuring that the distribution of Maralfalfa reaches the intended beneficiaries effectively. The ongoing monitoring by PETRADEP ensures that these agricultural developments remain aligned with the broader goals of regional food security and livestock support.