For Niger a limited group of Agri-ProFocus members and a few non-members have expressed their interest in cooperation and in developing joint ideas around hot issues. After an inspiring visit to the Journée du Paysanne in Niger (January 2009) by Oxfam Novib, Agriterra, SNV and WUR, follow-up was given during a partner meeting at the end of March ’09 in Arnhem. KIT and ILEIA joined in and the latter presented its proposal on a learning trajectory that will focus on, among others, Niger. Currently the interested APF parties are identifing several hot topics in Niger, including the importance of the enabling environment, and relevant questions such as: how can farmer entrepreneurship lead to increased food security? How can increased lobbying power of farmer organisations lead to better results and higher impact of their activities?
A mission to Niger is foreseen by the end of May, in order to prepare the envisaged multi-stakeholder workshop.