The Nigerien government has officially launched the AgrEcoNUS+ project, a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance the country's agricultural sector. The project was launched on November 4, 2026, in Niamey, by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Technological Innovation, Pr Moussa Hamidou Talibi. The ceremony was attended by various stakeholders, including the Rector of the Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, traditional leaders, and representatives of farmers' organizations, cooperatives, and women's and youth groups.
The AgrEcoNUS+ project is being implemented in nine African countries and has a budget of 18 million euros, with 16 million euros provided by the European Union. The project's primary objective is to strengthen the value chains and markets of neglected and underutilized crops, contributing to the agroecological transition in Africa. The project will run for 48 months, providing support to local farmers, cooperatives, and women's groups.
According to Pr Moussa Hamidou Talibi, the launch of AgrEcoNUS+ is particularly timely, given the challenges facing Niger's agricultural systems and the country's efforts to define its national development orientations. The project will focus on three complementary axes: promoting agroecological production, strengthening peasant seed systems, and developing markets, consumption, and entrepreneurship. The project aims to improve regulatory frameworks related to peasant seeds and enhance dialogue and advocacy efforts.
The Chargé d'Affaires of the European Union delegation in Niger, M. Olai Voionmaa, emphasized that the AgrEcoNUS+ project builds on previous initiatives funded by the EU and other partners. The project is designed to strengthen local capacities, improve access to seeds, and support the initiatives of cooperatives, farmers' organizations, women's groups, and young entrepreneurs. The EU is committed to integrating neglected and underutilized species, agrobiodiversity, and farmer-managed seed systems into agricultural, nutritional, seed, and climate policies.
The Italian Ambassador to Niger, S.E.M. Roberto Orlando, highlighted the importance of valorizing local agricultural resources to enhance food security, support rural economies, and create new perspectives for local communities. The Italian government is committed to supporting sustainable agriculture that is rooted in local territories and attentive to local resources. The project will also receive support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
The Rector of the Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Pr Moussa Baragé, noted that the AgrEcoNUS+ project presents an opportunity for the university and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector to consolidate previous achievements and strengthen links between scientific research, local knowledge, and practices. The project will support the development of applied research, training, and student supervision, as well as the valorization of scientific results.
Key stakeholders, including government officials, farmers' organizations, and cooperatives, have expressed their commitment to the project's success. The project's impact is expected to be significant, with potential benefits for local farmers, women's groups, and young entrepreneurs.
Key points
- The project has a budget of 18 million euros, with 16 million euros provided by the European Union.
- The project will run for 48 months, providing support to local farmers, cooperatives, and women's groups.
- The project's primary objective is to strengthen the value chains and markets of neglected and underutilized crops, contributing to the agroecological transition in Africa.
