Niger

The planting of cereal crops (millet, sorghum, and rice) is ongoing across the country under average rainfall conditions, except for southeastern Niger, where a rainfall deficit was observed over the last month (approximately 30%–35% below-average cumulative rainfall). As a result, a delay in the start of the cropping season has been observed in the regions of Maradi, Tahoua, and Diffa. Similarly, a delay in the growth of rangeland biomass has been noted in the regions of Zinder, Diffa, and Maradi. However, there is still time for improvement at this stage of the season, making close monitoring of the situation over the coming weeks crucial. Meanwhile, ongoing insecurity persists in the Tillabéry and Diffa regions, as well as in the northwestern part of Tahoua. This insecurity restricts access to fields and markets, disrupts livelihoods, and leads to poor harvests and severe food consumption deficits (IPC Phase 3 and 4) through January 2027 (FEWSNET, June 2026). The Copernicus C3S Multimodel seasonal rainfall forecast for August–September 2026 indicates continued below-average rainfall in the southeast, despite average conditions elsewhere.