Creation of an autonomous ecological dried meat production complex in Niger: Kilichi (ECO-KILICHI of Niger)

Livestock and meat are key export products for Niger in the era of the creation of the Continental African Free Trade Area (CAFTA). This represents an opportunity for thousands of meat specialists (butchers) involved in the production and sale of Kilichi. Niger's "Kilichi" is highly prized both at home and abroad, mainly in the Central and Eastern corridors (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria and Chad).

However, the kilichi production sector is not receiving the support it needs to make a real contribution to development in line with its potential. Artisanal production of this product does not guarantee its sanitary quality, nor does it encourage exports. Hence the need to reorganize, modernize and bring appropriate technologies to the kilichi sector so that it can reach its highest potential contribution to the economic development of our sub-region in general.

Constraints on kilichi marketing include: the poor nutritional and hygienic quality of kilichi due to the drying technique used; the low production capacity due to the artisanal technique; and the low incomes of operators, which limit their investment capacity.

This project will contribute to improving kilichi production by (i) improving kilichi drying technology through the installation of a field of solar dryers equipped with a back-up power source to ensure continuity of service during cloudy periods; (ii) developing an innovative, environmentally-friendly kilichi production technology that can be replicated in the sub-region through public and/or private investment; (iii) improving the nutritional and hygienic quality of kilichi; (iv) increasing kilichi production capacity in Niger; and (v) increasing the income of kilichi operators through job creation, particularly for young people and women.

By guaranteeing the healthiness and safety of kilichi, as well as increasing production capacity through the actions planned in the project, ECO-Kilichi will be assured of a good reputation on national, sub-regional, regional and international markets; hence an increase in the number of customers. In addition, access to information on the various stages of the certification process will be provided, with a view to initiating the ISO standard in the short to medium term, which will lend credibility to production and thus increase the rate of sales.