Resource information
There are 85 irrigation schemes in Niger that cover around 16,000 ha and are cultivated by 40,000 farmers. The informal status of these irrigation schemes, and their occupants, has created problems due to population growth and the increasing scarcity of natural resources. Holders of traditional land rights have challenged government decisions concerning land attributions and property rights within the schemes, and have occasionally prevented construction from proceeding. Courts, when asked, have found against the State, compromising the physical integrity of these expensive public investments.
In this context, the National Irrigation Office (ONAHA), with the support of the Global Water Initiative (GWI) has led a pilot process since 2014 to determine, and then generalise, a systematic approach to land tenure for all current and future irrigation schemes in Niger.
This Guide presents this approach in detail, from the establishment of field teams to manage the process, through to delivery of secure contracts to farmers and their registration. It is addressed primarily to national and regional staff of ONAHA, and the Directorate of Rural Engineering and supports delivery of land tenure programmes in irrigation schemes for the benefit of both the State and farmers.
