On February 24, 2025, Fonio Day was held, organized by SWISSAID Niger. This event, which generated considerable interest in NUS (neglected and underutilized species) in Niger, took place within the framework of the SAHEL (Agriculture, Hydraulics, Environment and Livestock Exhibition).
The CROPS4HD team was active throughout the exhibition, in particular through stands presenting the neglected species promoted by the project. Participants in the PMCA (participatory market chain approach) process were also present, as were the partners involved in the project. This year’s event was attended by distinguished guests such as the Prime Minister of Niger, the Ministers of Agriculture, Youth and Culture, Hydraulics and the Environment, as well as the Head of Swiss Cooperation in Niger.
Fonio Day, organized with implementing partners FCMN-Niya, Agrifocus, Plateforme Raya Karkara and Kundji Fondo, aimed more specifically towards familiarizing the population of Niger with fonio and the important qualities of this cereal, with a view to promoting its adoption in people’s daily diet.
The event included a panel discussion on fonio. The panel was moderated by teacher-researchers from the University of Niamey (Pr Laouli Dambo and Pr Yacouba Bakasso), who discussed the diagnosis and characterization of fonio cultivation, as well as its impact on food sovereignty in Niger. In addition, seed producer Goumbi Gladi shared his experience of fonio production, its reintegration into food systems and the benefits of its consumption. Finally, nutritionist Khadîdja Issaka, from the Kundji-Fondo organization, shared regarding the nutritional values of fonio and its health benefits.
The stands enabled exhibitors to present a variety of products to visitors, from seeds to fonio-based processed products. Further, a tasting of fonio-based dishes was organized.
Below are featured a few extracts from the event (in French).
After fonio day, awareness-raising continued with a fonio open house event at SWISSAID. Notably, Niamey I district administrator, Marie Jika, took the floor to express her interest in fonio and its interesting virtues, and encouraged its promotion. Below are featured some highlights from the event (in French).