Niger: Thematic Group revises activities

A meeting of the national Thematic Group on Food Security in Niger held in late November decided to transfer the presidency of the Thematic Group back to FAO after a period of WFP presidency following the departure of the FAO Representative in October 2002. During this meeting, the group also reviewed the status of the "Plan National Global de Sécurité Alimentaire"(PNGSA - National Plan for Food Security) in which the Thematic Group has been deeply involved. Two regional workshops have been organized in early November in Zinder (for the departments of Diffa, Agadez, Maradi and Zinder) and in Dosso (for the departments of Tahoua, Tillabery, Dosso and the Urban Community of Niamey). A national workshop is planned on 11 December in Niamey. In addition, the government should organize a sectorial roundtable with donors on food security.

The participants discussed a revision of the terms of reference of the group which were primarily focused on the preparation of the PNGSA. A small working group will make a proposal for the next meeting, widening the terms of reference to the monitoring of UNDAF and to the links with the national Rural Development strategy and giving more details on the relationships with the Comité National de Sécurité Alimentaire (national Food Security Committee) created by following a decree in 8 July 2003.

The group also discussed a government's request regarding a survey on cereal banks sent to WFP and other donors. The European Union appears to be answering to this request. On this matter, FAO recalled the coming launch of the agriculture census of Niger which will have a section on food security including some questions on cereal banks.

A report on the joint FAO/CILSS Crop Assessment Mission in Niger was also carried out. As in most other Sahelian countries, a record crop has been gathered. This harvest, which will reach 3.6 million tonnes of cereals, i.e. 10% more than in 2002 and 30% above the last five years average, will allow for a substantial cereal surplus.

For more information on the activities of the national Thematic Group in Niger, you can contact the FAO Representation in Niger at the following address: FAO-NE@fao.org