Agriculture is an important part of Niger and is also the largest economic sector. Nearly 80% of the population works in this sector. Despite being nearly twice the size of Texas, Niger has fairly little arable land. This is in large part due to the Sahara Desert covering two-thirds of Niger, particularly the northern region. Having been plagued by many droughts, Niger's people suffer from food insecurities as many of their crops are rain-fed. With the climate worsening, this little arable land left is shrinking despite aid from various international and national organizations.
https://eros.usgs.gov/westafrica/land-cover/land-use-land-cover-and-trends-niger
As seen in the GIF above, provided by the U.S. Geological Survey, the agriculture in Niger has increased dramatically, however, desertification has also increased. To the right is a model predicting the yield of one of Niger's largest growing crops, sorghum, in the year 2050. On a positive note, various organizations have helped Niger's agriculture by introducing improved farming techniques, drought-resistant crops, and multiple projects throughout the country.
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https://www.africaportal.org/publications/west-african-agriculture-and-climate-change-a-comprehensive-analysis-niger/
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Agricultural Production
Millet
Millet is the largest growing crop in Niger and is the most consumed crop as well. It grows in the far southern region of Niger. Being a cereal, millet is easy to keep for long periods of time which is important in Niger's rough climate.
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Sorghum
Sorghum is the second largest growing crop in Niger. This crop is also grown in the far southern region of Niger. Sorghum is also a cereal, but is not as nutritionally valuable compared to the more popular millet, although it is close.
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CowpeasCowpeas, or Black-eyed peas, are the largest growing cash crops in Niger. Niger is also one the worlds largest suppliers of this crop, alongside the neighboring country Nigeria.
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Peanuts
Peanuts are the second largest growing cash crops in Niger. This crop in particular is used to produce peanut oil and to create pastes for meals.
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Cattle
Cattle ranks highest in animals used for livestock and is generally used for nomadic pastoralism rather than traditional farming. Due to desertification, traditional migration routes are disrupted causing shortages.
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