“Agroecology is not just a profession for me; it’s a passion that intertwines with my mission to build resilience, nourish communities, and protect our environment.” – Aoussouk Islamane Attaib
We recently had the privilege of speaking with Aoussouk Islamane Attaib, a dedicated environmental advocate and alumnus of the Nairobi Summer School on Climate Justice (NSSCJ) 2023. His work in agroecology is reshaping Niger’s agricultural landscape, where he is tackling food insecurity, climate vulnerability, and the overreliance on synthetic chemicals byoffering innovative and sustainable farming solutions.
Addressing Niger’s Agricultural Challenges
Attaib’s journey began with a deep-rooted interest in agriculture, fuelled by his academic background in biodiversity and environmental science. He recognized that unsustainable farming practices, soil degradation, and climate change were making food production increasingly difficult for vulnerable communities. Determined to address these challenges, he founded the Agroecological Knowledge Farm in 2021 to promote sustainable farming methods that improve soil health, enhance food security, and foster self-reliance among local farmers.
From Training to Impact – The Role of NSSCJ
Attaib’s participation in NSSCJ 2023 played a pivotal role in strengthening his advocacy and community engagement. Through the training, he gained a deeper understanding of climate justice, policy influence, and grassroots mobilization, which helped him refine his approach to agroecology. The program also expanded his network, enabling him to collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations working on sustainable agriculture. Armed with this knowledge, he enhanced his efforts in training youth and women in eco-friendly farming and waste recycling.
Sustainable Solutions for Lasting Change
Through his initiatives SIFA (Agroecological Information and Training) and VIVACE (Autonomous Green Cities), Attaib is ensuring that communities not only learn sustainable farming techniques but also gain the skills needed to implement them effectively.
- VIVACE has enabled 25 households to set up micro-gardens, improving local food security while promoting waste recycling and environmental conservation.
- SIFA focuses on capacity building, particularly for women, youth, and retired individuals, teaching them how to create biofertilizers, biopesticides, and eco-friendly gardening systems.
Scaling Up Agroecology in Niger
Attaib’s Agroecological Knowledge Farm has already contributed to planting over 600 trees annually, reducing dependency on synthetic chemicals, and setting up biowaste collection networks that supply organic fertilizers. Each year, nearly 10 personalized organic vegetable gardens are installed in homes across Niamey.
Looking ahead, he is focused on expanding his farm into a 10-hectare incubator for advanced agroecological technologies. This center will serve as a hub for innovation, research, and training, with the ultimate goal of positioning Niger as a leader in agroecology.
“We’re changing the way people think about farming,” says Attaib. “By showing that it’s possible to farm sustainably, we’re encouraging others to embrace ecological practices that will benefit future generations.”
