WADATA DFSA: An Economic and Market Analysis of key Value Chains – The Study

Wadata program aims to increase incomes and improve nutrition for the poor and very poor households in the four targeted communes in Damagaram Takaya and Gouré. “The Economic and Market Analysis of key Value Chains (VCs) in the WADATA Development Food Security Activity (DFSA)” is a refinement study to assist in determining priority areas of reinforcement for the 3 VCs to increase revenues and enhance nutrition for poor and very poor households participating to market activities.

Working in the area for sustainable, resilient food and nutrition security and access to water for vulnerable groups, the Wadata Program (lunched in January 2020) is a response to the shocks and stresses faced by poor and very poor people in Zinder region (south part of Republic of Niger).

The Economic and Market Analysis of key Value Chains in the WADATA area is a Save the Children’s USAID-funded study that Bioengineering and Agribusiness Consulting (BAC) was pleased to conduct in Zinder region. Based on the objectives of the study, we responded to over 10 key research questions. The data collection and analysis and also reporting of this refinement study was conducted by BAC.

The report provides the findings of field surveys; an overview of the responses to research questions, highlighting gaps that need to be addressed; priority areas for strengthening the 3 targeted VCs. It also highlighted the opportunities and challenges for future WADATA DFSA interventions.

Targeted value chains

The present study focuses on the poor and the very poor through an economic analysis of 3 target VCs: cowpea, small ruminants (sheep and goats), and poultry. The rational behind the selection of these VCs resides in the high potential and adaptability to the climate context of the region, the ability to meet food needs of households, the inclusive nature to mobilize women, young people, and men, the ability to create jobs, and the capability of processing through simple methods.

Key research questions of the study

• How do poor and very poor access land, agriculture inputs and extension services in the program intervention zone?
• What are the major gaps to accessing inputs, veterinary services and extension services?
• What required inputs and services are not available and/or affordable?
• What is the contribution of these groups in cowpea, small ruminants and poultry production?
• How can women and youth be more involved in production activities (of 3 target VCs)?
• What are the particularities in Wadata zone for cowpea, small ruminants and poultry products most in-demand and profitable in local markets including buyer specifications / standards?  Which of these align with local production potential for the poor and very poor?
• Which target VC segments are most appropriate (e.g., social, cultural, economic) for youth, women, and « CU5 » groups?
• Potential demand for more nutritious foods (crops or animals; animal products; locally fortified products)?
• What post-harvest management practices have the greatest potential to reduce post-harvest losses and affordable to local producers?
• What crop and livestock value added processing options are suitable/ profitable for local micro-enterprises, and what resources would be required to facilitate the establishment of successful value additional micro-enterprises?
• In addition to « increased knowledge and capacity, » what other support can enhance adoption of nutrition-sensitive and climate smart crop and livestock production techniques?

What is Wadata Program

Wadata, which translates to « prosperity » in Hausa, is a USAID-funded program in Zinder region (Republic of Niger) implemented by a consortium led by Save the Children, with partners, National Cooperative Business Association/ CLUSA International (NCBA CLUSA), The Kaizen Company, and Développement pour un Mieux-Être (DEMI-E).

Wadata’s goals

Wadata’s goal is sustainably improved food and nutrition security and resilience among extremely poor and chronically vulnerable households and communities in Zinder.

The Activity will achieve this goal through three Purposes:

• Purpose 1: Enhanced collective action to address food, nutrition and water security shocks and stresses.
• Purpose 2: Increased capacities, assets and agency for improved access to adequate and diverse foods at all times.
• Purpose 3: Improved nutrition, health and hygiene for PLW (pregnant and lactating women), adolescents, children under five (CU5) and their families.

Targeted communes

Wadata program operates in four communes (municipalities) in Zinder region: Damagaram Takaya, Mazamni, Guidimouni, and Guidigir in the Departments of Damagaram Takaya and Gouré.