Dried out or washed away: seeds have a hard time in Niger’s nutrient-poor soils. With climate change, it is therefore becoming increasingly important that seeds are resistant to extreme weather conditions. Local farmers have also recognised this. Their knowledge of the use of traditional seeds is a key element on the road to long-term food security.
Facts
Aims
The project increases the yields of small farming families. Thus, the livelihood of the population of the community of Kiéché is sustainably improved. Through agroecology, better adaptation to the effects of climate change is achieved. Particular focus is placed on rain-fed agriculture and vegetable growing. Studies on site have shown that these forms of agriculture are the most suitable for the region.
This project is co-financed by the SDC program contribution.
The project is over. Read about its success.
Local seeds are of vital importance for people and the environment: small farmers use climate-adapted seed mixtures to produce a rich harvest. Families benefit from a balanced diet and a strengthened immune system. The soil becomes more resistant and richer in nutrients.
“Local” is the solution
The population of the community of Kiéché in Niger lives mainly from agriculture. Like many others in the region, they are defencelss against the increasingly destructive capers of the weather: torrential rainfall, droughts and pests are frequent. This results in crop failures and food insecurity for thousands of small farming families.
Thanks to traditional seeds, a plant of hope is now germinating in Kiéché. Clearly superior to industrial seeds, local seeds need less water and are more resistant. And solve several urgent problems at once.
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The goal is independence
Together with the rural population, SWISSAID is working to improve the value of farm seeds in Niger. The aim is to provide the population with a sustainable supply of basic foodstuffs. To this end, seeds and agricultural material are distributed in four vegetable-growing areas. During the first two years, local producers receive non-hybrid seeds. In the long term, the small farmers should be able to multiply the seeds and store them to sow in future. At the same time, they are trained in agro-ecological practices and learn how to meet the challenges of climate change.
From seed to harvest sale: the production chain of the entire project is autonomous. The local families benefit from increased yields and harvest surpluses are invested. In addition to their cultivated fields, the smallholder families can plant their own vegetable gardens, start a goat or chicken farm and invest in education.
In this way, hope and a future for an entire community grows from a small seed.
The project is over!
The latter has improved the food security of 2800 peasant families by adopting climate-adapted agroecological methods, developing their production and building resilience to the effects of climate change. In detail:
Food security
– Production increased by 15% thanks to the adoption of agroecological methods by about 140 farmers.
– The project introduced income-generating activities such as goat and poultry farming. 90 beneficiaries received “goat kits”, while 300 others received subsidies for poultry farming.
– Four awareness-raising sessions on the impacts of climate change were held in 22 villages. These sessions reached more than 1000 people.
Seed
– A cereal bank has been established with 7.7 tonnes of maize, providing an essential food reserve for lean seasons. Trainings have been organized to improve seed saving and storage.
– Community gardens have been created or rehabilitated in several villages, allowing for continuous vegetable production. 60 beneficiaries from six villages cultivate a 4-hectare field, where millet, cowpeas beans and voandzou are planted.
Women's empowerment
– Five literacy centres were opened, with 150 participants, including 140 women. These centres have contributed to strengthening women’s participation in local decision-making processes.
– Women have also benefited from leadership training, enabling them to take on more active roles on local committees.
– Men’s groups have been trained on gender issues to support women in their daily tasks. Concrete actions have been taken to lighten the workload of women, including through joint agricultural projects.
