World Food Programme hosts press café in Niamey on market gardening for food sovereignty
The World Food Programme (WFP) organized a press café on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, in Niamey on a timely theme: “Market gardening as a lever for food sovereignty.” The meeting was part of a strengthened partnership with Nigerien media. Attendees included Dr. Boubé Salifou, representative of the National Observatory of Communication (ONC), and Mr. Aboubacar Koisha, Country Director and interim representative of WFP-Niger.
The objective of the meeting was to make the actions of the WFP in Niger publicly known through the media, in order to foster a change in mindset, encourage acceptance of technical service guidelines, and promote better community organization.
The theme was developed by the resilience officer, Mr. Djibo Hinsa Sanda, who presented the intervention context, the geographical coverage of the WFP, the package of activities implemented, and the operational approach of the resilience program.
He highlighted support for market gardening, which covers 462 hectares of developed agricultural land, benefiting 17,077 farm holdings.
The effects and impacts on target communities, success factors, opportunities, and challenges were outlined, followed by a field testimony.
Taking the floor, Mr. Aboubacar Koisha emphasized the importance of this exchange framework: “This press café is not a simple communication activity. It is intended as an open, direct, and constructive space for exchange between WFP and media professionals. We are convinced that the quality of information depends on a deep understanding of field realities.”
He stressed the desire of the WFP to strengthen transparency and lay the foundations for sustainable collaboration.
“The WFP-Niger team is now placing particular emphasis on support for market gardening production, an essential lever for strengthening community resilience and contributing to Niger’s food sovereignty,” he declared.
The Country Director also invited journalists to share their perspectives, expectations, and constraints.
He recalled that, in a context where information circulates rapidly, their role is more crucial than ever in disseminating reliable and useful information.
Dr. Boubé Salifou, representing the ONC, added: “The role of the media is not only to disseminate good information, but also to educate an entire population through educational activities.”
He praised this framework, which helps create closeness with the population and better publicize the scope of WFP’s actions.
This first press café paves the way for regular and fruitful dialogue between WFP and Nigerien media.
Fayçal BADIE
