Colonel Mahaman Elhadj Ousmane, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, commenced a two-day working mission in Niger's Maradi region to assess the progress of the current agricultural and pastoral campaign. The visit began in the Commune of Zurare, located in the Department of Bermo. The campaign had faced initial concerns due to a delay in the pastoral season in early June. This delay in the pastoral campaign had raised initial concerns among stakeholders regarding its potential impact on livestock and agricultural output.
Minister Ousmane noted that the situation had improved, stating, "It is promising, it is all green, all the herders are moving north because of this cover and the return of the rains, and we also hope that the rains will be continuous." He expressed optimism for the agricultural season, adding, "It is going well and it is promising, and we hope that between September 15 and 30, if the rains are continuous, we expect a good agricultural campaign, from good to excellent, we hope. And we pray to God that it will be so." The Minister's observations highlight a positive turn of events following earlier anxieties.
Minister's Itinerary and Stops
On Sunday, August 9, 2026, Colonel Mahaman Elhadj Ousmane, the Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, conducted visits in the Department of Bermo. The Minister was accompanied by the Governor of the Maradi region, Contrôleur Général de Police Issoufou Mamane. Their delegation visited the animal vaccination corridor park located in the rural commune of Gadabédji. This visit to the vaccination corridor park shows the government's commitment to animal health and the well-being of livestock, which is key for the pastoral campaign.
Later, the Minister and Governor made a stop in Efret, where the chief, traditional chiefs, and marabouts recited the Quran for peace and stability. This traditional ceremony reflects the community's reliance on spiritual guidance for favorable conditions. Colonel Ousmane stated, "What must be said in the Maradi region overall, once again, we must pray. Maradi will give us the exceptional this year. In Niger, if the four regions are well supplied—Maradi, Zinder, Dosso, Tahoua—we think the campaign is good. And at the pace at which we have seen Dosso plus Maradi, and tomorrow we will be in Zinder, certainly we will have an agricultural campaign at least average to good." He added, "Once again, I would like to thank the authorities for their support, their availability, and also thank the Nigerien population, these producers, herders as well as farmers, who mobilized to act, to support the authorities by going to the land to produce and raise livestock." The Minister's remarks emphasized the collective effort required for a successful agricultural season and acknowledged the hard work of the local population.
Addressing Fodder and Water Deficits
The Prefect of Bermo, Capitaine major Atto Marankan, and the departmental Director of Livestock, Larwana Saley Kango, presented concerns regarding potable water and pasture availability to the Minister. These issues are critical for both human populations and livestock, especially during dry periods. To address the fodder deficit in the Department, CAIMA will deliver 640 tonnes of animal feed. This significant delivery aims to provide essential sustenance for animals and mitigate potential losses due to insufficient grazing. The PACIPA Project plans to construct a borehole to alleviate water issues for the community. The construction of a new borehole is a direct response to the community's need for improved access to potable water, which is a fundamental requirement for both agricultural and pastoral activities. During the visit, a key problem related to fencing was also brought forward at the Ranch de Fako. The Ranch de Fako currently houses 586 bovines, comprising Bororo and Azawak cows, along with 153 ovines and 31 azins. The issue of fencing at the ranch is vital for managing livestock, preventing straying, and protecting the animals from external threats.
Campaign Outlook and Regional Impact
The agricultural campaign is broadly progressing well and shows promising signs for the region. A return of rains has been recorded since the last ten days of July, contributing to improved conditions. This recent rainfall has been a significant factor in the positive outlook for the campaign. Officials anticipate a good to excellent agricultural campaign if continuous rains persist from September 15 to September 30. The continuity of rainfall during this critical period is essential for crop development and overall agricultural productivity.
In the commune of Gadabédji, the campaign is also establishing itself positively. This localized success contributes to the broader regional optimism. The overall success of the agricultural season in Niger is often linked to the performance of four key regions. If Maradi, Zinder, Dosso, and Tahoua are well supplied, the campaign is generally considered good for the country. The strong performance in Maradi, as observed by the Minister, is therefore a positive indicator for the national agricultural landscape.
Minister's Remarks and Gratitude
The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, Colonel Mahaman Elhadj Ousmane, stated that the current agricultural campaign is "promising" and "all green." He expressed optimism, noting, "It is going well and it is promising, and we hope that between September 15 and 30, if the rains are continuous, we expect a good agricultural campaign, from good to excellent, we hope." He added that if key regions are well supplied, the campaign will be "at least average to good." The Minister also visited the EGGO pastoral pumping station, an ouvrage of the Ministry realized by the PRAPS 2 project. This visit noted the infrastructural investments made to support pastoral communities. In Bermo, the PRAPS 2 project has realized or rehabilitated 20 water points, including boreholes and cemented wells, with the EGGO station area alone having about twenty such points. These numerous water points are key for providing reliable water sources for both livestock and human consumption in the region, significantly enhancing resilience. The campaign is reportedly satisfactory overall, with food and animals present in markets in the department of Aguié, further indicating a positive trajectory for the agricultural and pastoral sectors.