Poor soils, low rainfall and limited access to agricultural inputs have long made farming very difficult, inefficient and less attractive in Falwel, which lies 197 kilometers from Niger’s capital city Niamey and is heavily dependent on agriculture. Crop production here has been severely tested by several decades of climate change and severe drought. Access to improved seeds was a major problem and farmers grew a single and poorly-adapted local variety, which they called ’mil tardif’ or ’late maturing millet’, given its long cycle unsuitable for their region’s diminishing rainfall

1. Made Bane Farmers’ Union of Falwel: moving beyond subsistence farming
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2. 
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
The yield was very low, only 350 kg of grain per
hectare
So, the
initial objective of the union was to drive the region
much food as needed to feed the population.
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3. “I’ve learnt the techniques of quality seed production
and marketing,” “I also learned to operate a
farming account, which I could not do before. I can
plan my seasonal activities properly, take stock of
the situation and calculate in advance the return on
investment per hectare.”
“When I count my yearly revenues, I
am paying myself a salary of about 200 US dollars per
and I expect to expand my farm to 20 hectares,” says
Mr Tanda, who has simple advice for youths. “With a seed
business, one can become rich!”
“We have now become
specialists and experts in seed production, managers
of inputs shops and owners of businesses producing
quality seed of improved varieties. Our production has
increased and we can sell larger quantities,”
“This
has helped us reach a crucial food security goal”
“I used to live
in a hut, but thanks to the seed business I built
a new house roofed with metal in which I live
children; one of them became a nurse while another
is now serving in the National Guard. I also bought a
horse and a motorcycle for transport, and some decent
clothes.”
 am not obliged to consume millet
every day. Part of my production is sold and with the
return I buy other foods to diversify my family’s food
consumption to maintain a balanced diet.
“Previously, I was heavily indebted. Now, I lend
to others. I will continue seed production because it is a
standards, packaging and controls, and the effective
Bright perspectives: a seed business can make you rich!
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