Niger Farmers with Disabilities Seek Planting Guidance After Poor Harvest

After a poor 2026 farming season, farmers with disabilities in Niger State participating in the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) called for advice on planting times and access to early-maturing crop varieties. Mohamed Abubakar Enagi said inadequate rainfall damaged rice planted on about half a hectare, while late planting also hurt yields; the group had harvested more than nine bags of maize and eight bags of soybeans, with cowpea not yet ready. High labour costs and borrowing to keep farming are additional challenges, despite the inputs and training provided through the programme. VCDP officer Hajiya Maimuna Abubakar Ahmed said 262 farmers with disabilities were listed in the programme database, which is being updated to help more beneficiaries receive weather advisories.