Niger's major cereal prices decreased during the week of August 5 to August 11, 2026, reflecting increased supply and market interventions. This welcome reduction in prices was observed across several key staples. Millet and sorghum each experienced a 1% price decrease across the country, providing some relief to consumers. The average price of maize recorded a more significant 3% decrease within the same period, indicating a notable shift in the market. Meanwhile, the price of imported rice remained stable, showing no change during the weekly assessment. This downward trend in key staple grains offers relief to consumers amid ongoing efforts to stabilize food markets in Niger and ensure greater food security for the population.
Year-on-Year Price Trends
A look at year-on-year data reveals even more substantial changes in cereal prices. A 100 kg bag of millet, which ranged from 25,000 F to 29,000 F in 2025, saw its price fall significantly to between 16,000 F and 20,000 F in 2026. Similarly, the cost of a 100 kg bag of sorghum decreased from 25,000 F to 31,000 F in 2025 to a range of 16,000 F to 20,000 F in 2026. These figures highlight a positive development for household budgets.
These individual commodity price changes contribute to the overall year-on-year national average price trends, which indicate significant reductions across several key cereals. Millet prices experienced a 6% decrease, while sorghum saw a more substantial 15% drop. Maize prices recorded the steepest decline, falling by 21%, making it considerably more affordable than the previous year. Imported rice also became 10% cheaper compared to the previous year, further easing the financial burden on consumers. These year-on-year comparisons highlight a broader trend of price stabilization and reduction in Niger's cereal markets, reflecting improved supply conditions over a longer period.
Regional Market Snapshots
Regional market data reveals specific pricing variations across Niger, illustrating the diverse market dynamics in different areas. In Ouallam, located in the Tillabéri region, a bag of imported rice is priced at 11,500 FCFA. This specific pricing offers insight into local market conditions. Imported millet in Ouallam costs 25,000 FCFA per bag, while imported sorghum is 22,000 FCFA, and imported maize is 17,000 FCFA. These figures provide a detailed picture of staple grain costs in this western region.
Further east, in Kourni within the Zinder region, a bag of millet is sold for 19,200 FCFA. Local rice in Kourni is 11,000 FCFA per bag, with imported rice slightly higher at 12,000 FCFA, indicating a preference or specific supply chain for local varieties. Imported sorghum and imported maize in Kourni are both priced at 17,000 FCFA per bag, showing consistency in the pricing of these specific imported commodities.
These regional figures contribute to the national average monthly prices for July 2026, offering a full overview of the market. Millet was priced at 279 FCFA per kilogram, sorghum at 243 FCFA per kilogram, and maize at 230 FCFA per kilogram. Imported rice averaged 514 FCFA per kilogram, and cowpea, another important staple, was 425 FCFA per kilogram across the country. These averages help to contextualize the weekly price fluctuations.
Economic Context and Significance
Agriculture stands as a vital sector in Niger's economy, providing essential income and subsistence for a substantial portion of the population. The sector is critical for the livelihoods of many Nigeriens. Cereal production, which includes millet, sorghum, maize, and rice, plays a central role in both household food security and market supply across the country, making price stability in these commodities critical.
Factors Driving Supply
The decline in cereal prices is primarily attributed to a progressive strengthening of supply across several markets. This increased availability has been a key factor in the observed price reductions. Operations involving sales at moderate prices, implemented by the Office des Produits Vivriers du Niger (OPVN), have contributed significantly to increasing available volumes, making staples more accessible. Additionally, some traders are destocking their reserves in anticipation of upcoming harvests, further boosting the volumes of cereals available in the market. These combined factors have helped stabilize and reduce prices for key staple grains, benefiting consumers nationwide.