How does your garden grow : an inquiry into NGO promotion of dry season agriculture in Niger

This report examines the efforts of U.S. PVO"s and Nigerien NGO"s to support gardening activities in the country. Section one discusses: (1) the political, environmental, and organizational role of NGO"s; and (2) gardening, first introduced into Niger by returning migrant workers, missionaries, and Peace Corps volunteers in the late 1960"s and the 1970"s. Section two presents a series of mini case studies of various gardening efforts in Niger, giving consideration to the Maradi School Garden Project (sponsored by Church World Services), Lutheran World Relief, l"Association des Puisatiers de la Republique du Niger, Africare, Innovations and Reseaux pour le Developpement, Winrock International, the Peace Corps, and the Irrigated Wheat project at Lake Madarounfa. Section three discusses the positive impact of NGO"s on the evolution of gardening in the country, as well as NGO relationships with both PVO"s and gardeners; it is suggested that NGO"s adopt a more participatory approach and work directly with villagers rather than with village chieftains and community notables exclusively. Reflections and recommendations for the future are presented in conclusion.