The Horticulture Innovation Lab aims to build on the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s efforts in Niger by strengthening key horticulture value chains and increasing the capacity of actors in the horticulture sector through this Mission buy-in from the USAID Mission in Niger.

The project, in collaboration with Global Predict and the University of Ghana, will begin with a Social Network Analysis (SNA) to understand agricultural network systems and stakeholder involvement. This analysis will focus on markets in the Gaya and Birni N’Konni regions, Niamey, and along the Niger River, evaluating market networks and the value of key horticulture commodities. The insights gained will help make evidence-based recommendations for strengthening market connections and potentially connecting farmers to new markets, including export markets.

Interventions in this project will include efforts to improve: 1) off-season production of horticulture crops, which can reduce import dependency and promote exports, particularly benefiting women who drive off-season production; 2) sustainable agriculture approaches including effective irrigation, conservation agriculture practices, and soil health improvements; 3) and, postharvest management through evaporative and mechanical cooling solutions to extend the shelf life of horticulture products along with solar drying technologies to preserve perishable products and add value. 

As mechanisms for scaling innovations, the project will establish an innovation center along with hold an innovation competition for Nigerien youth to have the opportunity to receive small grants to initiate agriculture related businesses. Ultimately, these activities will help strengthen the horticulture sector in Niger.