THE REVOLUTION OF POTATO CONSERVATION IN NIGER: A MAJOR ADVANCEMENT IN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
On the occasion of the “Knowledge Management in the context of FO4ACP” event taking place in Kigali from May 16 to 18, 2023, the Peasant Horticultural Cooperative Confederation of Niger (C.C.P.H.N) from the Peasant Platform of Niger (PFPN), a member of the Network of Peasant Organizations and Agricultural Producers of West Africa (ROPPA), presents an innovative initiative that is transforming the way Niger stores, conserves, and markets potatoes.
In a country where potatoes are traditionally produced between November and February, this initiative aims to extend the availability of local potatoes from 3-4 months to 8-9 months per year, a revolution that is stimulating economic and social development while enhancing food security. The initiative is based on a production contract established upstream with local farmers. The harvested potatoes are purchased and stored in refrigerated warehouses, ready to be marketed after 4 to 5 months of storage.
This strategy reverses the current trend that limits the availability of local potatoes, thus avoiding dependence on imports from Morocco and the Netherlands. In four years, this strategy has generated a turnover of 1.265 billion FCFA through the sale of 2530 tonnes of potatoes. Moreover, the importation of 1225 tonnes of potato seeds has generated another 1.235 billion FCFA. The integrated approach, known as “service package”, including seeds, fertilizers, and advisory support, has helped to improve yield from 20 to 25 tons per hectare, and also to enhance the quality of the consumption potato. By highlighting this practice at the FO4ACP event, the PFPN hopes to inspire other agricultural organizations and contribute to the diffusion of this innovative strategy.
“This revolutionary initiative has the potential to transform our agricultural communities for years to come,” says a spokesperson for the C.C.P.H.N. “We are convinced that it will help strengthen our country’s food security while stimulating our economy.” The success of this initiative is evidence of the viability of this approach. Despite the challenges posed by climate and access to resources, the initiative has already proven its worth, and the prospects for the future of the potato sector in Niger are promising. By focusing on conservation, quality, and year-round availability, the C.C.P.H.N is paving the way for a new era in Nigerien agriculture.
Fatimata KONE
Communication and knowledge management officer
ROPPA