Characterization and typology of agricultural holdings in South-East Niger

Abstract

The regions of Maradi and Zinder are agro-ecological zones located in the South-East part of Niger, with production systems mainly based on agriculture and livestock. The objective of this study is to determine the socio-economic characteristics of farms from a survey carried out with a sample of 389 families. For quantitative data, it emerged that all families produce millet and cowpeas, 52.4 % sorghum, 22.9 % peanuts and 25.0 % sesame. Agricultural areas vary from 0.1 to 48 ha with an average of 4.2 ± 0.5 ha per family. Also 80 % of households practice animal husbandry with an average of 8.6 animals per farm, of which 40.2 % are poultry and 48.9 % small ruminants. The principal component analysis made it possible to identify three types of agricultural holdings: type 1 which concerns 82.0 % of households with agricultural income allowing them to cover their needs for only two weeks; type 2, which is found in 17.0 % of respondents and their resources allow them to last only for two months, and type 3, which includes 1.0 % of the families surveyed whose agricultural production covers 24 months. Also all rich producers are members of peasant organizations, which facilitate their access to technical training, credit, agricultural investment and market outlets.

Keywords: Agricultural income, livestock, poverty, food security