The rural commune of Gouna, located in Niger's Mirriah department, covers an area of 501 km² and comprises 36 administrative villages. With a population of approximately 91,186 inhabitants, mostly young people, the commune has significant agricultural and pastoral potential. According to Amadou Maman Gangara, the administrator delegate, the local economy relies heavily on agriculture and livestock, with crops including millet, sorghum, and peanut.
Gouna's agricultural sector is a crucial component of the local economy, providing the primary source of income for households and contributing to food security. The commune has 75,000 hectares of arable land, including 8,800 hectares of irrigable land, which presents an opportunity to increase production and diversify crops. The Korama River, which runs through the commune, is a vital resource for irrigation, and the commune has introduced rice cultivation as part of the Great Irrigation Program.
The commune has made significant strides in various sectors, including education, health, and hydraulics. In education, a FCFA 17 million fund was established to support 58 schools, and 70 tables and benches were acquired for the primary school inspection and CES de Gouna. In the health sector, the commune has secured state funding for the electricity bill of the CSI de Gouna and is working to acquire an ambulance for the two CSI de Gouna and Guirari.
Amadou Maman Gangara emphasized the commune's ambitions to contribute to the implementation of the Refundation of the Republic Program, particularly in developing production bases for economic sovereignty. The commune aims to continue valorizing land along the Korama River, diversify crops, and encourage youth participation in plant production through small-scale irrigation. However, significant investments and technical and financial partner support are required to develop the commune's 8,800 hectares of irrigable land.
The commune has also made progress in environmental and infrastructure development. The rehabilitation of the Jigayin Daba grazing area was undertaken, with 100 hectares of forage grasses seeded with the support of the RECOPA project. Additionally, 6,000 forest and fruit trees were produced, and 45 solar-powered streetlights were installed in the village of Gouna to improve public lighting and security.
Gouna's administrator delegate highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving the commune's development goals. The commune is working with partners such as PISEN to support producers and finance projects like the Guiyéya spillway. The commune also plans to rehabilitate the road linking Gouna to the national highways and prioritize the acquisition of an ambulance for the commune's health centers.
The commune's development plans focus on sustainable and inclusive growth, with a strong emphasis on youth engagement and environmental conservation. By leveraging its natural resources and partnerships, Gouna aims to improve living standards and contribute to Niger's economic development. The commune's efforts to diversify crops, promote small-scale irrigation, and support youth participation in agriculture are expected to have a positive impact on the local economy and food security.
Key points
- The commune of Gouna aims to develop its 75,000 hectares of arable land and 8,800 hectares of irrigable land to increase agricultural production and promote youth engagement.
