How has irrigation been used to reduce cereal shortages in Niger?

In Niger, agricultural production is highly sensitive to rainfall, and recurring drought has historically led to cereal shortfalls that necessitate food aid and imports. To mitigate these shortages and improve food self-sufficiency, the government has prioritized the expansion of irrigation infrastructure.1

Key strategies include:

• Government Investment: The state has actively invested in various irrigation projects to boost crop yields beyond what is possible through rain-fed agriculture alone.1
• Off-Season Growing: A specific program has been implemented to encourage small-scale production and irrigation operations during the off-season, allowing for continuous agricultural output.1
• River Valley Cultivation: The Niger River valley serves as a critical agricultural corridor where irrigation supports the cultivation of rice, a staple crop.1

While large-scale irrigation schemes exist along the Niger River and its tributaries in other regions, Niger’s domestic efforts focus on these targeted programs to stabilize the food supply and reduce the country's vulnerability to climate-driven agricultural failure.21