What is the challenge? 

The high food insecurity levels in Niger are exacerbated by multiple interconnected crises of economic instability, rising food prices, conflict, and climate shocks. A key challenge for the farmers is thelack of access to water for irrigation to enable dry season farming and increase crop yields. While a range of water efficient irrigation solutions are proven technologies for dry season farming, they remain largely inaccessible to the most vulnerable due to high upfront costs, lack of technical know-how, financial literacy, and access to markets. If vulnerable communities relying on aid during the dry season could access the benefits provided by water-efficient agriculture, it would drastically reduce aid dependency and strengthen the self-reliance and resilience of people affected by humanitarian crises in Niger, as well as more broadly across African drylands.

What is innovative about the project? 

The project seeks to develop a sustainable and scalable business model which can unlock the benefits of water-efficient agriculture solutions. By integrating context appropriate ownership and financing models with efficient technologies and linking farmers to markets for high-value crops, the project will pilot innovative and private sector-based initiatives for water efficient irrigation to reduce financial barriers, drive inclusive growth, improve food security, and reduce humanitarian needs.

What are the expected outcomes? 

The project aims to improve immediate and long-term food security by enabling people affected by humanitarian crises to access the benefits of water-efficient agriculture and enable dry season farming. It is expected to reduce environmental pollution, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and provide economic opportunities for marginalized groups.

Who are the project partners? 

The project is led by CARE Norway in collaboration with CARE Niger, and CARE Denmark. The project will partner with different private sector companies to develop the solutions.