Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger

We present a high-quality genome sequence of Moroccan date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.), variety 'Mejhoul', an economically and ecologically important tree to arid oasis regions. The genome was sequenced using Illumina Hi-Seq platform in paired-end sequencing and assembled with SPAdes v3.15.4. We present the complete genome sequence of Phoenix dactylifera L. Genomic DNA from the cultivar 'Mejhoul' was collected in Errachidia, Morocco, in July 2025 and sequenced using the Illumina platform. The reads were assembled using a de novo method followed by a finishing step. The raw and assembled data are publicly available via GenBank.

Striga hermonthica is one of the most destructive parasitic weeds affecting cereal production in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Sahelian agricultural systems. Despite its major impact, information on the genetic diversity of S. hermonthica in Niger remains limited. This study assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of 25 S. hermonthica ecotypes from five major agricultural regions of Niger using five microsatellite (SSR) markers. The results reveal substantial genetic diversity among the S. hermonthica characterised. All loci were polymorphic, with regional polymorphism rates ranging from 60% to 100%. The mean observed heterozygosity (Ho = 0.530) exceeded the expected heterozygosity (He = 0.344), resulting in a negative inbreeding coefficient (F = -0.442) and indicating an excess of heterozygotes and deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Moderate genetic differentiation among regions was detected (mean Fst = 0.167), suggesting structured populations influenced by geographic origin. Cluster analyses consistently separated genotypes from the Dosso region from those of the other regions, while closer genetic relationships were observed between Tahoua and Tillabéry, and between Maradi and Zinder. These findings provide a valuable genetic baseline for understanding the adaptive potential of the species and support the development of region-specific and sustainable management strategies against this parasitic weed.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) is a major staple crop in sub-Saharan Africa. In Niger (West Africa), despite being the second most cultivated cereal, sorghum yields remain low and are exacerbated by Striga hermonthica infestation in smallholder farming systems. The development of new sorghum varieties resistant to Striga is one of the objectives of the crop improvement program in Niger. This study aimed to evaluate the resistance and tolerance of sorghum genotypes developed within the Niger breeding program under managed Striga infestation. Eighteen genotypes, derived from crosses between elite but susceptible varieties and the resistant donor SRN39, were phenotyped in a pot assay under low-fertility sandy soil. Striga seeds collected from hotspots fields were inoculated in the pot at two periods (during sowing and after pre-condition treatment). The number of Striga plants was recorded at 45, 60, and 90 days after sowing, along with sorghum and Striga biomass traits. Two-way ANOVA revealed highly significant genotypic effects for Striga counts and biomass loss in sorghum. Significant variation was observed among genotypes, allowing classification into resistant, moderately resistant, tolerant, and susceptible groups. The combined use of molecular markers, Striga counts, and biomass loss proved effective for identifying superior genotypes. These results provide promising candidate lines for deployment in Striga-infested areas of the Sahel and support future multi-location evaluations to ensure resistance stability.

Aims: This study analyses the problem of supplying the city of Niamey with crop residues used as animal feed. Study Design: The study was conducted by researchers from the National Institute of Agronomic Research of Niger, the Livestock Breeding Center, the Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey and Agadez University. A survey was carried out with 597 transporters entering the city of Niamey. Methodology: The study involved spending one week, during the cool dry season, the hot dry season, and the rainy season, at six police checkpoints on the main entry routes to the city of Niamey. Results: Crop residues constituted a significant inflow from production areas, primarily villages in the surrounding communes, to the city of Niamey, mainly during the cool dry season. Crop haulms (cowpea: 72%; peanut: 10%) represent the largest proportion of crop residues transported into the city of Niamey. The most commonly used means of transport are donkey and ox-drawn carts (over 60%), and this is true throughout all seasons: 72.20% in the hot dry season, 62.40% in the cool dry season, and 42.90% in the rainy season. Cars are used moderately for supplying the city of Niamey (nearly 25%). The largest loads weigh 373.49 ± 69.66 kg for carts, 2000 ± 320 kg for cars, and 18.66 ± 7.70 kg for bicycles and motorcycles. Conclusion: The analysis of the system reveals a supply chain that remains informal and rudimentary, with more than 130 tons being transported to the city of Niamey per week.

This study was conducted in the village of Tangode, where mechanical stabilization of sand dunes using the doumpalmrachis method was implemented. The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of these operations on the restoration of plant biodiversity and the production of fodder. The research methodology included phytosociological surveys, forest inventory, site productivity characterization, and carrying capacity estimation. Data processing enabled us to determine specific species contributions, diversity indices, Pielou's evenness index, biological and phytogeographical types, and dendrometric parameters. The results revealed 25 plant species across 22 genera and 13 families. The family Poaceae was the most represented, accounting for 63.48% of the specific contributions. The species richness was 15 and 23 species at the sites treated 1 and 7 years ago, respectively, compared to only 8 species at the control site. Among the available biological types, therophytes and microphanerophytes were the dominant categories. The most represented phytogeographical types were Guinea-Congolese, Soudano-Zambesian, and Saharo-Sindian species. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index was 2.84 for the site treated one year ago and 3.35 for the site treated seven years ago, while it was 2.21 for the control site. The equitability index indicates moderate stability on the site treated seven years ago. Average biomass production across the treated sites remained low, resulting in equally low annual carrying capacities. Dendrometric parameters were generally better on the site treated seven years ago. These results demonstrate that sand dune stabilization enables the restoration of plant biodiversity over time, which, in turn, supports the return of animal biodiversity.

Participatory approaches are increasingly used in biodiversity conservation to build trust, reduce conflict, and create more lasting decisions. By bringing together diverse voices (local communities, scientists, policymakers, NGOs) they aim to shape strategies that protect both people and nature. But more participation does not automatically mean better outcomes. Power matters. When power dynamics are overlooked, participation can become superficial, reinforcing old inequalities and even deepening tensions. Power shapes who is heard, whose knowledge counts, and who is left outside decision-making. If we don’t name and reflect on these dynamics, we risk failing the very goals of fairness and impact that participatory processes aim for. This Tool for Thought invites conservation practitioners, researchers, and facilitators to reflect more consciously on how power operates in participatory settings and how we might respond with greater care and imagination. It introduces a shared vocabulary to talk about power clearly and constructively. It proposes key concepts, and reflective questions to help make powermore visible, more easy to talk about openly, and more actionable. This resource is for anyone who works, or aspires to work, at the intersection between biodiversity, participation, and social change.It speaks to: Conservation practitioners managing biodiversity and natural resources in collaboration with communities Researchers exploring biodiversity, social-ecological systems, and participatory approaches Facilitators designing and leading participatory processes across diverse settings But it also offers insights to those shaping the conditions for participation: Policy makers who commission participatory processes and seek to design them more inclusively Advocacy leaders, project designers, and funders thinking about how power affects whose voices are heard and whose knowledge is valued Institutional actors committed to shifting practices toward more equity, justice, and shared stewardship. Rather than offering strict categories, this Tool for Thought invites a moreluid perspective: wherever you sit on the ground, in research, at policy levels, or inbetween, you are part of shaping how power flows through conservation efforts.

Les forêts urbaines étaient traditionnellement considérées comme de simples aménités paysagères dédiées aux fonctions récréatives de l’urbanisme opérationnel. Cette étude réalisée dans la ville de Niamey au Niger vise à évaluer à l’aide de l’indice de végétation par différence normalisée (NDVI) l’évolution temporelle d’occupation du sol de la ville entre 2007 et 2024, tout en caractérisant à partir des relevés dendrométriques, la diversité et la structure des espèces ligneuse des sites reboisés lors de la Fête Nationale de l’Arbre (FNA). Des images Landsat ont été utilisées pour déterminer les changements d’état du couvert végétal entre ces deux années. À cet effet, nous avons collecté deux catégories de données. Il s’agit des données planimétriques et celles d’inventaire forestier. Ce dernier a été réalisé dans 71 placettes rectangulaires (50 m x 10 m). Nous avons aussi utilisé les images Landsat 7 de janvier 2007 et Landsat 8 de janvier 2024, de 30 m de résolution pour déterminer l’état du couvert végétal et l’extraction de NDVI. Ce dernier est calculé sous ENVI 5 et cartographié sous ArcGIS 10. Les résultats obtenus montrent une diminution de 12,61 % des superficies non couvertes par la végétation, du fait des travaux de reboisement dont la ville bénéficie chaque année grâce à la FNA et aux autres circonstances. Les sites créés sont dans l’ensemble caractérisés par une diversité spécifique moyenne avec un indice de Shannon moyen de 3,86 bits, une régularité de Pielou moyenne de 0,74, un indice de Simpson moyen de 0,14, un indice de Margalef moyen de 3,17 et une densité moyenne de 41,60 ± 16,24 pieds/ha. La distribution des individus par classes de diamètre et de hauteur diffère d’un site à l’autre. Dans l’ensemble, les résultats obtenus de cette étude permettront d’apporter des informations actualisées sur les sites afin que ces derniers contribuent à assurer le double rôle de conservation des espèces ligneuses et de fourniture de services écosystémiques aux citadins et riverains. Urban forests were traditionally regarded as mere landscape amenities dedicated to the recreational functions of operational urban planning. This study, conducted in Niamey, Niger, aims to assess the temporal evolution of land use in city between 2007 and 2024 using the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), as well as to characterize the diversity and structure of woody species in sites reforested during the National Tree Day (FNA) using dendrometric surveys. Landsat images were used to determine changes in vegetation cover between these two years. To this end, two categories of data were collected: planimetric data and forest inventory data. The latter was conducted in 71 rectangular plots (50 m x 10 m). With a radius of 12.62 m. We used Landsat 7 images from January 2007 and Landsat 8 images from January 2024, both with a resolution of 30 m, to determine the state of vegetation cover and extract the extract NDVI. The index was calculated using ENVI 5 and mapped with ArcGIS 10. The results show a 12.61 % reduction in non-vegetated areas, attributed to annual reforestation efforts benefiting the city through the FNA and other circumstances. The established sites generally exhibit moderate species diversity, with an average Shannon index of 3.86 bits, a Pielou evenness index of 0.74, a Simpson index of 0.14, a Margalef index of 3.17, and an average density of 41.60 ± 16.24 stems/ha. The distribution of individuals by diameter and height classes differs from one site to another Overall, the findings of this study provide updated information on these sites, ensuring their dual role in conserving woody species and delivering ecosystem services to urban residents and neighboring communities.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2024 across ten villages in the urban commune of Mayahi, Niger, to characterize the management, reproductive performance, and economic importance of local chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Data from 100 producers were analyzed using SPSS version 26 for descriptive statistics. Results show that poultry farming is predominantly a male-managed activity (80%) by household heads (64%) aged mostly between 30-50 years (48%). Most producers are farmers (71%) who practice the free-range system (65%), with over 74% having more than five years of experience. Economic motivations dominate: 34% of producers raise chickens for sale, while 30% prioritize self-consumption. Income from chicken sales is mainly used for clothing (27%), family healthcare (22%), and food purchases (21%), highlighting poultry’s role in household resilience. Reproductive performance is moderate, with the age at first lay averaging 6.3 ± 0.5 months and incubation lasting 18-21 days (94%). Most hens achieve four to five broods per year (71%), and hatchability reaches 80% in 36% of flocks, while chick survival averages 75–80% in 53% of cases. Seasonal variation is marked, with 59% of hatchings during the rainy season. Major constraints include diseases (31%), lack of training (22%), and predation (20%). Strengthening animal health services and farmer education could improve productivity. The study provides quantitative benchmarks for future genetic improvement and husbandry interventions in Niger’s traditional poultry systems.

La culture du soja est récemment introduite au Niger. Les principaux corridors de transit des graines de soja sont les frontières Sud et Sud-ouest du pays (Nigéria, Bénin, Burkina Faso). Le soja est cultivé sur des superficies relativement petites par les producteurs et fait partie des cultures de diversification. Les objectifs du présent travail sont : un inventaire des accessions disponibles suivi d’un état des lieux des connaissances paysannes de la culture du soja au Niger. Un dénombrement suivi de prospection et d’enquête par sondage auprès de 323 producteurs de soja ont été effectués dans le sud du Niger en vue de collecter les accessions et les informations sur les pratiques de production de soja. Une analyse factorielle des correspondances (AFC) entre les niveaux d’instruction des exploitants enquêtés et les sources de provenances de semences cultivées a montré un lien entre le niveau d’instruction des exploitants et les sources d’approvisionnement en semences. Les prospection et collecte ont permis de déceler et localiser 37 accessions de soja auprès des producteurs. L’analyse de variabilité phénotypique par le tri de la collection effectuée sur la base des caractères couleur dominante du tégument et couleur dominante du hile a permis de regrouper les accessions en 4 morphotypes différents. Le nom local le plus utilisé pour le soja est ‘’Waken Awara’’. La superficie moyenne emblavée par producteur est de 0,75 ha. Les semences de soja utilisées par les producteurs proviennent essentiellement de sources informelles d’approvisionnement : achat au marché. Une analyse de corrélations a ressorti une corrélation positive entre l’accroissement de superficie emblavée avec du soja et l’accumulation d’expérience dans sa production et entre cette expérience et la marge brute obtenue par ha cultivé du soja. Les principales difficultés que rencontre la culture du soja au Niger sont : les mauvaises qualités de semences (y compris la faible viabilité de semences ou faible taux de germination) et la pauvreté des sols. Soybean crop has been introduced in Niger. The main transit corridors for soybeans are the Southern borders of the country (Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso). Producers use small areas to grow soybeans, which are considered as diversification crop. The agronomic challenges of adapting an d developing soybean cultivation in certain agro climatic zones of Niger are significant. The aims of this study are to conduct an inventory of available accessions followed by an assessment of farmers' knowledge of soybean crop in Niger. A census followed by prospecting and sample survey of 323 soybean producers was carried out in southern Niger to collect accessions and information on soybean production practices. A correspondence factor analysis (CFA) between the educational levels of the farmers surveyed and the sources of cultivated seeds showed a link between farmers' educational levels and seed supply sources. The survey and collection allowed us to identify and locate 37 soybean accessions among producers. Phenotypic variability analysis by sorting the collection based on the dominant color of the seed coat and the dominant color of the hilum allowed accessions to be grouped into 4 different morphotypes. The most commonly used local name for soybean is "Waken Awara". The average area sown per producer is 0.75 ha. The soybean seeds used by producers come mainly from informal sources of supply: market purchase. A correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between the increase in area sown with soybean and the accumulation of experience in soybean production, as well as between this experience and the gross margin obtained per ha of soybean cultivation. The main difficulties of the soybean grow in Niger are: poor seed quality (including low seed viability) and poor soils.