Niamey, Niger – The Union Européenne au Niger, represented by Madame Magdalena Pruna, Team Leader of Rural Development, participated in an official ceremony on June 14, 2023, at the Regional Agricultural Research Centre in Niamey. The event marked the handing over of a batch of essential equipment to the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN). The donation includes four off-road vehicles, five motorcycles, and a significant collection of computer tools and laboratory equipment, amounting to a total value of 450,000 Euro.
This contribution aims to strengthen research efforts for sustainable crop productivity improvement, particularly focusing on crops such as sorghum, millet, cowpea, groundnut, and fonio. The equipment will also support initiatives to enhance farmer incomes, as well as food and nutritional security in the face of climate change and demographic pressure.
The generous donation was made possible through the EU-funded ABEE Project, which received a total of 8 million Euros from the DeSIRA Initiative. The project seeks to advance agricultural development in Niger and address the challenges posed by a changing climate and population growth.
Madame Magdalena Pruna expressed her satisfaction with the donation, stating, “We are pleased to contribute to the vital work being done by INRAN. Strengthening agricultural research is crucial for sustainable development, food security, and the well-being of farmers in Niger. The equipment provided will empower researchers and scientists to carry out their work more effectively and advance the agricultural sector.”
INRAN plays a significant role in agricultural research and development in Niger. The institution’s expertise and efforts are instrumental in finding innovative solutions to improve crop yields, adapt to changing climate conditions, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
The donation of vehicles, motorcycles, and laboratory equipment will enhance INRAN’s capabilities in conducting research, field assessments, and data analysis. The advanced computer tools will facilitate data processing, modeling, and research collaboration, ultimately contributing to evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation in the agricultural sector.
