Micro‐irrigation in Niger: The state of the art and the country's need

Abstract

Abstract After its independence in 1960, following the droughts that occurred in particular that of 1973, 1984, and 2005, Niger promoted irrigation to feed its population through state‐led large‐scale projects. Over the years, structural problems, including the fast growing population and the effects of climate change and variability, have rendered the approach less efficient. The 2000s were marked by a change in approach that put producers at the heart. Thus, projects and programs have been initiated with the I3N initiative Nigeriens Feeding Nigeriens as a guiding strategy since 2011 to ensure sustainable agriculture and food security. Most of the projects aimed at the development of small‐scale irrigation through increased financing and new technologies to take advantage of the significant irrigable potential. Despite these efforts, the irrigation sector is yet to meet food security. This article assesses the situation of micro‐irrigation and identifies current needs. The methodology adopted consists of a review of official documentation on irrigation in Niger, data collected during agricultural fairs, such as the Sahel Niger 2020, and the 4th Edition of the Fair of Irrigation and Drainage (SAFID), combined with related literature. Results revealed the existence of an estimated irrigable land potential of 270,000 ha and 10,942,568 ha, depending on the groundwater depth. Drip technology is proving to be in full expansion, with growing interest from start‐ups and the private sector. Technological innovation is dominated by locally made and imported technologies, the emergence of digitalization, and remote irrigation. Currently, micro‐irrigation is a top priority among climate‐smart technologies, in addition to strengthening technologies for access to water resources, technical capacities of producers, particularly advisories, the strengthening of research, the popularization of micro‐irrigation technologies, access to financing and securing land tenure. Other needs persist in terms of strengthening science‐society‐policy interfaces and effective climate services for risk management.