Towards sustainable agricultural practices in pearl millet cropping to increase food security in Niger: Challenges and solutions

The West African Sahel, particularly Niger, has long faced food insecurity due to the negative effects of climate change since the 1970s. Variable and unpredictable rainfall patterns, low soil chemical fertility (notably P and N), and high leaching rates present challenges for achieving high yields. Pearl millet and cowpea are the major staple crops grown by peasants. Crop diversity and woody species are declining, although local recoveries seem to be occurring. Population growth (3.8% in Niger) drives the expansion into marginal lands. Restricted livestock integration critically reduces nutrient cycling, coupled with the inability of most peasants to assess fertilizers. Top-down approaches have proven unsustainable, with downsized extension services favoring global recommendations over site-specific ones. An effective solution is urgently needed, which requires grassroots research aligned with farmers' socio-economic contexts. Long-term networks between farmers and researchers, with an emphasis on participatory approaches, are crucial. Such networks avoid politically driven trends, address real challenges, and utilize farmers' variable environments rather than research stations. In Niger, collaborative efforts between farmers, researchers, and international donors over the last decade have increased participatory research and practical management options. These initiatives focus on sustainable production and reduce food insecurity vulnerability through continuous knowledge exchange and farmer engagement. Key words: Agriculture, subsistence farming, innovations, institutions, West Africa, Sahel, food security, staple crop.