Sirba Sesame Oil Value Chain Project In November 2014, as part of the exploratory phase of the program B4D Oxfam in Niger, during a meeting of contact between the FCMN Niya and the head of B4D program, sesame was identified among cultures rents which are a niche market in Niger. Then between December 2014 and January 2015 two meetings were held to reflect on a possible project on sesame in the department Gotheye where previous projects have led to notable results in the production, marketing and processing of sesame. The idea of a project to consolidate the achievements restraint, FCMN Niyya and Oxfam have agreed to work on the sesame oil value chain, which is promising for the creation of income and employment. Thus, a diagnostic study was conducted to update the information on the sesame value chain in the area of intervention of the union Bonkaney Sirba, main peasant organization active on this CVA at the town Gotheye.

Indeed, the commune Gotheye is one of the two communes of the department of Gotheye, a young entity create at the last administrative division in Niger. Ithas a population of 93,264 inhabitants including 48,454 women and 44,810 men (Final results RGPH 2012). Located between the southwestern parts of the region of Tillabery and Eastern Gotheye department, the municipality of Gotheye has huge advantages in terms agro- pastoral sylvo-. Exploitable relatively fertile land and the Niger River and two of its tributaries Sirba and Dargol facilitate agricultural production under rainfall and irrigation.
The main crops grown in the area are: millet, sorghum, cowpea and sorrel. But women generally grouped into farmer organizations produce sesame, okra, bambara groundnut and groundnut. They also practice in the dry season gardening while most men will remain on the site Samira gold or in neighboring countries (Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria).

It is in this context that the union Sirba Bonkaney was created in 2002 to promote the sesame sector for the benefit of its memberswho are more than 80% of women. Also, she has focused on increasing yields and marketing organization for producers. At the time, sesame cultivation was practiced around the boxes and was used for family consumption mainly as seasoning. The average area per farmer was 0,3ha.
With the two phases of the project PADEFS (2002- 2008) the union is well positioned in the sesame sector in the area. Two new varieties (white sudan and S42) introduced for earliness and high yields have found a prominent place near the Sesame colorful "appointed Sirba" and considered local variety in the area. Production techniques have improved and marketing is better organized in the union. It seems that the production of sesame has greatly increased and yields have improved significantly going from 200kg /ha to over 500kg / ha. Currently the production of sesame mobilizes 82% of women against 18% of men respectively operated 0,63ha average of 1.13 ha.
The sesame oil extraction is undoubtedly the greatest innovation of PADEFS. Started during the second phase of theproject, it has proven to be a new source of income for women. The traditional method, the transformation of sesame oil has advanced to a semi-scale technology that has helped to alleviate women's tasks. However, it seems that this activity is not profitable because of several factors including the relatively high production cost and low demand for the product because of the High oil prices (5000 to 8000 FCFA). Regarding the high cost of production, it is explained by the strong fluctuations in the price of sesame and thepoor performance of mining equipment that does not allow optimum exploitation. At market level, it should be noted that sesame oil produced by women of the union Bonkaney Sirba, because of the quality of the product and its presentation remains uncompetitive compared with exotic oils and / or imported therapeutic. However, its price is affordable compared to other oils (Moringa, Neem, ...) promoted by other local organizations.
This project aims to consolidate the achievements of earlier projects supporting women to conquer the local market by offering a higher quality production. This will undoubtedly at the economic empowerment of the union Sirba Bonkaney and promotion of the sesame sector in the area.