Purchase from small farmers associations in Niger

January 2013 – P4P annual consultation

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Administrative map of Niger

General Information

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Population: 16.2 Millions 20% of national budget allocated to agriculture The 15% of Niger's land that is arable is found

mainly along its southern border with Nigeria Farming land per farmer: 4,12 ha (Average) Household size: 7 children per woman The literacy rate of Niger is among the lowest in

the world; in 2005 it was estimated to be only 28.7% (42.9% male and 15.1% female)

Niger’s economy based on subsistence agriculture that accounts for 40 % of GDP and employs 85% of the population

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Agriculture cycles in Niger

Conducive Environnement for Local Purchases in Niger

• WFP LP Niger in line with activities 1, 2 and 3 of PAA + 3N priorities

• National school feeding programme

• PTF strong commitment towards agriculture development

• Involvement of Ministry of agriculture (MoA) at central and local level through inputs subsidies, diversification of agriculture, irrigation programme

• Food security – national Strategic stocks-cereals banks

What is Happening now ?

Through direct negotiations and contracting of small farmers associations, WFP is purchasing 678 mt. of millet and 391 mt. of beans

List of farmers associations

How Did We Do It?Short listing of Small Farmers’ Associations was done using following criteria's:

• Through FAO supported federations • At Unions Levels• At FO levels• Gender• Compliance to WFP Financial exigencies, such as

having bank accounts• Production and Storage Capacity

Advantages:

• Working closely with farmers will help measure direct impact, as well as progress over time

• Ensures sustainability over long-term and creates ownership at the local level

• Provides an alternative market for farmer’s surplus [and strengthens local economy]

• Empowering women [small farmers]

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Challenges

Janv Févr Mars Avr Mai Juin Juil Août Sept Oct Nov Dec100

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National Level: Monthly Variation in the Price of Millet

Moy 2007-2011 2011 2012

Fcfa / Kg

• Poor access to market information by the small farmers• Price fluctuation at the local markets, given the need for cash by

small farmers immediately after harvest• Marketing strategies are largely not existent ( market information

not available at farmers level)• Retention of stocks due to a dynamic environment/market

competition• Methodologies for fixing prices with small farmers associations• Government plan to purchase large quantity from Farmers

Associations

P4P – What did we learn from this first pilot ?

In working with small farmers :

• A better understanding /momentum within WFP ( VAM, M&E, logistics, program)

• Better understanding on how local markets functions• Immediate availability of commodities for the school meal

programme• A better understanding of the supply chain• Connect with other strategic partners intervening in agriculture and

market support programmes• It will allow development of better tools /strategy to be applied

when purchasing from small holders to fit with local context for this year harvest

• Great visibility of WFP

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The Way Forward

For the 2013 Harvest:

- Increase tonnage to be purchased from small farmers (up to 3,000 mt.)- Conduct a light baseline that will allow to measure the impact on the livelihoods- Training of WFP staff - Capacity building of farmers associations

- Reinforce strategic partnerships with:

Government counterparts:- High Commission of 3N- Ministry of Education (MoE)- Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)

UN Agencies:- FAO- UN Women- NGOs: National or international NGOs with a strong presence and experience in agriculture production or commercialization such as CRS, WVI, Afrique Verte

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Thank you.

Questions?