How TAAT is Scaling Resilient Sorghum and Millet Innovations to achieve Sustainable Production in Niger

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August 3, 2025

How TAAT is Scaling Resilient Sorghum and Millet Innovations to achieve Sustainable Production in Niger

Millet demonstration plot at head emergency stage in Giratawa

As part of its implementation and the drive to scale up the dissemination of proven agricultural technologies for the sustainable improvement of productivity and livelihoods of farmers in the Sahel, the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme carried out a supervision mission from 27 July to 2 August 2025 across several intervention areas in Niger.

Sponsored by the African Development Bank under its Feed Africa strategy, the TAAT programme works to address the major constraints limiting the performance of agricultural systems in Africa. A case in point is its Sorghum and Millet Compact interventions in the Republic of Niger.

In Niger, the compact places particular emphasis on sustainable crop intensification, the promotion of improved and resilient varieties, and enhanced access to agricultural technologies.

Within this context, demonstration fields were established in several communes, notably Dantchandou, Kiéché, Sabon Guida and Djirataoua, in order to facilitate the uptake of innovations by producers.

The supervision mission, the first in a series of three planned during the agricultural cycle, had as its main objective the assessment of the progress of field activities.

More specifically, it involved analysing the technical and organisational implementation of activities, assessing the operational management of the project, monitoring the development of demonstration plots, and strengthening team capacities (particularly in the use of data monitoring tools).

Discussions with local stakeholders, combined with field visits, made it possible to gather valuable information on farming practices and adoption dynamics.

The mission was marked by strong engagement of various stakeholders (agricultural technical services, innovation platforms and beneficiary producers).

In the various localities visited, administrative authorities reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the programme, while stressing the need for beneficiaries to share the knowledge acquired within their communities.

Field observations revealed the effective establishment of demonstration plots incorporating improved varieties (Chakti millet and SSD 35 sorghum) and improved agronomic practices (row planting, thinning and weeding).

These arrangements enable direct comparison with local varieties, thereby facilitating the gradual adoption of innovations by producers.

Despite the progress recorded, delays in sowing operations, insufficient rainfall, replanting due to low planting density, incomplete plot maintenance, and limited transfer of knowledge by some beneficiaries remain challenges that underscore the importance of close, continuous support.

According to Dr. Dougbedji Fatondji, TAAT Sorghum and Millet Compact Coordinator, “The mission enabled us to draw several key lessons, including the need to strengthen farmer involvement in plot management, the importance of close technical monitoring, and the decisive role of local authorities in the success of the programme.”

In a sorghum demo plot in Guileini (Dantchandou) – Copie

The compact coordinator with the focal team. – Copie

With the DG of INRAN (Third from left) – Copie

“It also confirmed farmers’ interest in the proposed technologies, particularly improved varieties,” he added.

To optimise programme outcomes, it is necessary to intensify crop maintenance operations (weeding, thinning, replanting), strengthen awareness-raising and knowledge-sharing activities, increase the frequency of technical monitoring missions, and reinforce supervision of national teams.

Through this mission, the TAAT programme reaffirms its commitment to supporting the transformation of agricultural systems in Africa.

By promoting access to innovations, capacity building and the involvement of local stakeholders, TAAT continues to contribute to building a more productive, resilient and inclusive agriculture, in support of food security in the Sahel.

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Sorghum/Millet