I.GRANT PROPOSAL

GAMONZEN RANCH Sarl
Société a responsabilité limitée
Capital social 1 000 000 Fcfa
Siège social 248 avenue des Zarmakoye
BP 12 949 Niamey – NIGER
N°RCCM : NI-NIA-2009-B1296
NIF : 18051/R

Téléphone : (227) 20 35 15 06

Cellulaire : (227) 94 22 84 85 /98 05 55 30

Email : djibo.k@gmail.com

Project Title: Propagation and distribution of improved seeds to the poorest farmers in the town of Kirtachi

The project aim to increase the production and the living standards of the poorest farmers in the town of Kirtachi by the multiplication and dissemination of improved seeds.
During the period of 3 years of the project an amount of 660 tonnes of certified seed of sorghum, millet, maize, cowpea, peanut and sesame will be produced and made available for 36 000 farmers .

Start of the project : May 2011

End of the project : August 2013

Duration of the projet : 3 years

II. INTRODUCTION

A.Country Economic Background

1. Geography and Demography.

Niger is a landlocked country with an area of 1 267 000 km² in the Saharan/Sahelian belt of Africa, about 1 000 km from the nearest seaport. It shares borders with seven countries: Algeria and Libya to the north; Burkina Faso and Mali to the west; Benin and Nigeria to the south; and Tchad to the east. Since independence in 1960, the country has maintained stable borders and good relationships with these countries. Niger's population of over 11 million is growing at 3.3% per year, one of the highest rates in the world. About 85% of the population lives in a narrow strip 100-150 km wide along the 1 500-km southern border. The rural population - over 80% of the total - is growing at 2.8% per year, compared to 6% per year for the urban population.

2. Economic Performances.

Following the uranium boom of the 1970s, Niger experienced a steady deterioration of economic, social and political conditions. The significant move towards democracy in 1999 was confirmed in 2004,