Why are millet and sorghum major food crops in Niger?

Millet and sorghum are major food crops in Niger primarily because they are hardy, drought-resistant plants capable of thriving in the country's challenging Sahelian climate.123

Niger is located in one of the hottest regions of the world, characterized by a short, irregular rainy season and a long, dry period. Because these crops are well-adapted to hot, arid, and semiarid environments, they provide a reliable source of food where other, less resilient crops might fail. Their ability to withstand heat and limited water is essential for food security in a region where agricultural success is closely tied to unpredictable rainfall and the constant threat of drought.45231