Colonel Mahaman Elhadj Ousman, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, assessed the 2026-2027 agropastoral campaign in the regions of Dosso, Maradi, Zinder, and Diffa, with the assessment concluding on Thursday, August 13, 2026, in Diffa. The mission, which was conducted on the instructions of the President of the Republic, General of the Army Abdourahamane Tiani, aimed to evaluate the progress and challenges faced by agricultural and pastoral communities across these key regions. The minister stated the campaign is proceeding generally satisfactorily across the four visited regions, though some areas are experiencing delays. This overall positive outlook comes despite localized difficulties. If conditions remain favorable until September 30, average to good agricultural production is hoped for, a critical factor for food security in the country. However, specific areas within the Diffa and Zinder regions are showing significant delays in crop growth, necessitating targeted interventions and close monitoring.
Campaign Conditions and Support
The start of the agricultural season saw early rains recorded in the second decade of May across Dosso, Maradi, and Zinder regions, providing an encouraging beginning for farmers. Diffa, located further east, experienced its initial rainfall slightly later, in the first decade of June. This early precipitation allowed for initial sowing and crop establishment in many areas. The resumption of rainfall from the third decade of July has since favored the development of herbaceous cover across the areas, which is key for both crop growth and pasture regeneration.
However, the campaign has not been without its challenges. Dry spells were observed during the critical early stages, affecting crop establishment and resulting in seed losses in several localities. These periods of insufficient rainfall posed a significant hurdle for farmers, particularly those who had sown early. The situation remains particularly concerning in some zones of Diffa and Zinder, where villages experienced significant delays in sowing, leading to worries about the final yields in these areas. These delays are directly linked to the erratic rainfall patterns observed.
In response to these varying and sometimes challenging conditions, the State and its partners deployed substantial support to mitigate the impact on agricultural and pastoral communities. This full assistance package included the provision of 1,792 tons of improved seeds, designed to offer better yields and resilience to local conditions. Farmers also received 5,199 tons of fertilizer to enhance soil fertility and crop productivity. To combat pests and diseases, 11,906 liters of pesticides were distributed to aid agricultural efforts. Recognizing the needs of pastoralists, 4,000 tons of livestock feed were provided to support communities whose animals rely on natural pastures. Regional directors received explicit instructions to deliver available livestock feed stocks to support herders in areas facing pasture scarcity, ensuring that this vital resource reached those most in need.
The Directorate General of Plant Protection (DGPV) has been tasked with implementing strong measures to safeguard crops against potential pest attacks. Specific attention is being given to the threat posed by the ear caterpillar, a pest known for its potential to cause significant damage to staple crops. The DGPV's proactive approach is key for protecting the anticipated yields. Despite localized challenges and the varying conditions, food and livestock products are currently available at affordable prices across the visited regions. These prices are generally lower than those recorded in the previous year and are notably below the average for the last five years, indicating a relatively stable market environment for consumers.
Crop and Livestock Status
Detailed observations were made regarding crop development during the assessment. Millet phenological stages observed during the assessment ranged from germination, the very beginning of growth, to flowering-graining, indicating that crops were at various stages of maturity. Growth and heading were noted as predominant in most of the visited villages, suggesting a healthy progression for the majority of the millet crop. Similarly, cowpea phenological stages also varied, extending from germination to fruiting, with growth identified as the dominant stage for this crop. These observations provide a detailed snapshot of the campaign's progress. The phytosanitary situation for crops was reported as generally calm, with only minor infestations being managed effectively by the competent technical services. This indicates that pest and disease pressures have been largely contained, preventing widespread damage. Officials indicated that if favorable conditions persist until the end of September, agricultural production could reach average to good levels, with the exception of certain areas within the Diffa and Zinder regions where the earlier delays might impact final yields.
Regarding livestock, the assessment also covered the state of pastures and animal health. Pasture phenological stages showed variation, ranging from advanced germination to tillering for grasses and branching for legumes. This diversity in growth stages reflects the different types of forage available and the varying impacts of rainfall. The forage balance is projected to be normal to surplus if favorable rainfall continues through mid-September, which would be a significant relief for pastoral communities. However, disparities were observed in the Diffa, Zinder, and Maradi regions, suggesting that some areas might still face localized pasture deficits. Livestock watering activities are proceeding normally, utilizing available surface water points and pastoral infrastructure, which are essential for animal well-being. The zoosanitary situation for animals was judged to be relatively calm, despite the presence of some suspected cases that are being managed promptly by technical services. This proactive management helps to prevent outbreaks and maintain the health of the livestock population.
Field Observations and Recommendations
The mission undertook extensive visits to various sites to gain a full understanding of the situation on the ground. These included agricultural fields, pastoral areas, processing units, markets, and farms. The direct engagement with producers and local communities allowed the delegation to observe firsthand the conditions and challenges. In Diffa, the delegation specifically visited the FOVAC-Niger research project at the University of Diffa, noting the importance of agricultural research and innovation. They also inspected a local farm to understand its operations and visited a rice processing unit operated by a women's cooperative, showing the role of women in the agricultural value chain.
The delegation's itinerary in Dosso included an enriched peanut oil production unit managed by women from Falwel, showcasing successful local initiatives and value addition. In Maradi, the mission inspected a milk processing unit run by women from Bermo, another example of women's empowerment and economic activity in the agropastoral sector. The Zinder leg of the assessment involved visits to the SAWKI AGRO company in Dungass, a significant agricultural enterprise, and the ASHOURA women's group in Gouré, further illustrating community-led efforts. Additionally, two integrated farms were visited in Zinder, demonstrating diversified agricultural practices. Several commercial infrastructures, including wholesale markets, were also part of the itinerary during the assessment, providing insights into market dynamics and supply chains.
Following these observations, specific recommendations were issued. Producers who had not yet completed sowing were advised to prioritize cowpeas, a resilient and relatively quick-growing crop, and, under specific conditions, early sorghum varieties, to make the most of the remaining rainy season. Technical service agents and local communities received clear instructions to regularly monitor crop development in villages experiencing late or at-risk sowings. This continuous oversight is vital for identifying problems early and implementing corrective measures. Regional technical services were directed to develop a full plan for the Guidimouni pond, a designated Ramsar site, to fully utilize its potential for irrigation and other agricultural activities, ensuring sustainable resource management.
Broader Context and Cohesion
Beyond the technical aspects of the campaign, the mission showed the critical importance of preserving peaceful cohesion among rural actors. Colonel Mahaman Elhadj Ousman, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, emphasized that the success of the agropastoral campaign is inextricably linked to social harmony and cooperation. He commended the diligent efforts of administrative and traditional authorities, technical services, the FDS (Defense and Security Forces), and local communities. He specifically acknowledged their key role in maintaining social cohesion throughout the agropastoral campaign, particularly in regions that may face resource competition or other social pressures. These collective efforts are considered vital for the overall success and stability of the agricultural and pastoral sectors in the regions visited, ensuring that communities can work together towards shared prosperity and food security. The Minister's commendation notes the multi-faceted approach required to support the agropastoral sector, encompassing not just technical and material aid, but also the fostering of a stable and cooperative social environment.