Synopsis

Challenging climatic conditions, limited arable land, intense population pressures and a history of political upheaval have undermined Niger’s development prospects – 60% of its people live on less than $1 per day. Over the past twenty years, however, Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), in combination with other improved soil and water conservation practices, has helped improve the plight of Nigerien farmers. Local communities are moving from vulnerability towards greater resilience as FMNR brings increased crop production, income and food security to impoverished rural communities.

Executive Summary

  • Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration brings increased crop yields, income and food security to impoverished rural communities in Niger. It also holds climate change mitigation potential.

  • Honouring local wisdom is key to the success of Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration – farmers can play a central role in experimenting, innovating, communicating potential benefits, and advocating behaviour change.

  • Winning the support of opinion leaders and authorities is important in tackling farmers’ initial resistance