Vallée du Niger programme (PROVANI)

For whom

The focus group for PROVANI consists of Nigeriens from the 3 target regions in the Niger River Basin: Dosso, Tillabéri and Niamey.

Government-to-government collaboration

The government of the Netherlands, through RVO, cooperates bilaterally with the Comité Technique d'Appui au Programme (CTAP). CTAP comprises the General Directorates of the Ministries directly concerned with the sustainable management of natural resources. The Ministère de l'Hydraulique, de l'Assainissement et de l'Environnement is the primary authority responsible.

The Embassy of the Netherlands in Niamey (Niger) commissioned RVO. RVO closely collaborates with the Netherlands Commission for Environmental Assessment. Together, they support the Government of Niger through CTAP. This partnership supports strategic planning for the sustainable management of natural resources in the targeted regions.

CTAP appointed the international consortium AGRER, BEGEC and ACE as process facilitators to coordinate multiple stakeholders. Their goal is to develop a shared vision for the Niger River Valley. 3 factors contribute to the success of this programme:

1. Cooperation among stakeholders to define a shared vision and strategic plan for the targeted regions;
2. Government ownership of the programme;
3. The commitment of technical and financial partners to jointly carry out the vision.

The programme runs from November 2022 until October 2027.

Project aim

PROVANI aims to

• Develop a shared vision for the Niger River Valley through 2052. The programme will involve diverse stakeholders and the vision will incorporate a strategic approach to landscape management and an integrated evaluation of environmental impacts, respecting national, regional and international agreements. This vision will serve as a comprehensive framework for the integrated planning and management of natural resources, while promoting inclusive socioeconomic development in the target regions. By doing so, the programme aims to establish a common understanding among stakeholders of the most pressing issues in the Niger River Basin.
• Develop a strategic plan that clearly outlines how to implement the vision. This plan will specify the strategies, initiatives, scenarios and action steps required to achieve the goals outlined in the vision.
• Implement local initiatives (no-regret projects) for immediate results in the start-up phase and improve stakeholder engagement and participation.
• Support data management and governance, taking into account existing information systems, in parallel to and in support of the visioning and strategic planning process. This will also help improve a shared understanding of the challenges related to natural resources management.

Country and regions

This programme focuses on 3 Nigerien regions in the Niger River Basin: Dosso, Tillabéri and Niamey. The Niger River Basin is a crucial lifeline in West Africa, spanning several countries, including Niger. It provides vital natural resources that millions rely on for their livelihoods in agriculture and fishing. It also supplies water for other users, including livestock and irrigation.

More information

For more information about the programme, see the website developed by our local partner, Insight Communication and Solutions: Provani.ne. This website is in French.