Navigating Unpredictability in Agriculture
In the ethnically diverse and agriculturally driven nation of Niger, climatic unpredictability has long been a formidable adversary. A significant part of the nation’s economy hinges on agriculture, yet it remains vulnerable to the vicissitudes of weather patterns. With rainfall increasingly erratic, the government is steering towards irrigation as a cornerstone for its agricultural strategy, aiming to safeguard both food security and economic stability.
A Strategic Initiative Against Climatic Odds
Faced with these daunting challenges, Niger’s government has embarked on an ambitious mission to expand irrigation infrastructure. As highlighted in a World Bank report from April 2025, merely two percent of the total agricultural area is currently under irrigation. Despite this modest percentage, it contributes an impressive one-third of the agricultural GDP. This reveals the crucial role irrigation plays in insulating the nation from agricultural instability.
Expert Perspectives on Niger’s Irrigation Strategy
Esteemed Senegalese economist Boubakar BA encapsulates the paradox, emphasizing Niger’s reliance on agriculture amidst unpredictable climatic conditions yet lacking comprehensive irrigation solutions. He notes that enhancing irrigation systems is not just critical for food production but also vital for sustaining livelihoods both directly and indirectly.
Cultivating Change: Farmers Take the Lead
Approximately two million individuals in Niger are engaged in irrigation-based agriculture, often on small plots focused on onion production for export and rice for domestic use. The World Bank advocates for increased investment in small to medium-scale irrigation systems, which are financially accessible and markedly beneficial for local farmers. By empowering these producers, Niger can not only boost its agricultural output but also combat desertification.
Government Initiative: The PGI 2024-2027 Project
In response to these pressing needs, the Nigerien government has introduced the Large-Scale Irrigation Program (PGI 2024-2027). This initiative seeks to rehabilitate 10,000 hectares of irrigated land and develop an additional 21,200 hectares. Over three years, this transformative strategy aims to bolster the resilience of the country’s agricultural sector against the escalating challenges posed by climate change.