About the Niger Country Platform

Prolinnova in Niger has a different history and takes a different shape as compared to Prolinnova in other countries. The past decade a number of organisations in Niger have worked together to bring about deep changes in agricultural research, extension and education in the country. In this they worked according to the same principles that lie at the heart of Prolinnova. IFAD in Rome funded these efforts through a series of projects.

The activities have focused on the Aguié Region (in the central part of the country). From 2001 onwards, major activities were undertaken by farmers and researchers together to analyse, co-validate and document farmers’ innovations. Researchers from the University of Niamey have been involved for 2 reasons:

• to help improve farmers’ practices through practical theses on local innovations; and
• to strengthen teaching approaches within the University based on farmers' innovations.

Recently, the Niger government and IFAD agreed to work together in a new project (PPILDA) that builds on the experiences in Aguié. It has four main components :

• Identification and validation of local innovations,
• Support to rural institutions and organisations,
• Support local innovation and initiatives (through a Fund),
• Support and strengthen the supply of local services (through a Fund).

In view of the great similarities in vision and strategies pursued in Niger with those developed within Prolinnova, the Niger partners have joined the Prolinnova network in order to share experience and learn, undertake joint activities such as training of trainers and curricula change, support each other in policy dialogue and lobbying and join hands in fund raising.

Prolinnova programme is implemented in 2 poles in Niger. That is pole East (Maradi Region) and pole West (Gaya Region).

In 2008, Prolinnova – Niger members and partners in Niger are: CRESA, Faculty of Agronomy, National Institute for Agriculture Research (INRAN), Ministry Of Agricultural Development through PPILDA and Regional Directions for Agricultural Development, NGOs Democratie 2000 and Tattali, CBOs.