Farmers’ Perceptions of Pepper Genetic Diversity in Niger | IJAAR 2025

Halimatou Ousseini Maiga, from the Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger. Oumarou Souleymane, from the National Institute of Agronomic Research of Niger, Niamey, Niger.  Illiassou Mossi Maiga, from the National Institute of Agronomic Research of Niger, Niamey, Niger.    Adam Toudou, from the Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger. Wrote a research article about, Farmers’ Perceptions of Pepper Genetic Diversity in Niger. Entitled, Farmers perception of the genetic diversity of peppers (Capsicum annuum) in Niger: Between tradition and innovation. This research paper published by the International Journal of Agronomy and AgriculturalResearch | IJAAR. an open access scholarly research journal on Agricultural Research.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Genetic diversity plays a crucial role in crop development on farms facing the growing challenges posed by climate change. Rural bell pepper growers in Niger are heavily dependent on this biodiversity, for which they are constantly seeking a balance to ensure sustainable production. Studying farmers’ perceptions of bell pepper genetic diversity in Niger is a necessity to explore the relationship between traditional farming practices and innovative approaches to crop diversity management.  The aim of this study is to understand how farmers in Niger perceive and use bell pepper genetic diversity. To this end, a survey was carried out in the country’s main pepper-growing regions. The results showed the existence of a great diversity of accessions, the use of rich and varied farmer descriptors and the coexistence of 3 systems: traditional, improved and a combination of the two. In addition, the study showed that several factors influence farmers’ choices and preferences in the selection of bell pepper accessions, as well as the seed system used. 

Introduction

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), a member of the Solanaceae family, originates from Mexico, with Guatemala identified as its secondary center of origin (Bukasov, 1930). The most widely cultivated species, C. annuum (2n = 2x = 24), possesses a genome size of 3.48 GB (Kim et al., 2014). It is a predominantly selfpollinated crop, although the cross-pollination rate can reach up to 10% (Rai et al., 2013). Pepper is a major horticultural crop with substantial commercial importance and medicinal value. Globally, approximately 36 million tons of peppers are produced on about 2 million hectares. China is the leading producer, accounting for 46% of global production, followed by Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey (FAO, 2021). Genetic diversity plays a pivotal role in the development of climate-resilient crops, particularly in the context of the increasing challenges posed by climate change. Within the broader framework of agricultural adaptation, the conservation and utilization of genetic diversity represent key strategies to enhance agricultural resilience (Mohamed et al., 2025). Moreover, genetic diversity is fundamental to both natural evolutionary processes and breeding programs. Through genetic variation, crop species are able to survive and adapt to diverse and changing environmental conditions (Salgotra and Chauhan, 2023).

In Niger, pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a key crop, highly valued for its economic importance as well as its cultural significance. However, increasing environmental pressures, the evolution of agricultural systems, and shifting market demands have compelled farmers to continuously adapt their cultivation strategies. Understanding farmers‘ perceptions of genetic diversity in pepper has therefore become crucial for exploring the complex relationship between traditional agricultural practices and innovative approaches to crop diversity management. Such an investigation provides insight into how local knowledge systems evolve and integrate with modern agricultural innovations in response to changing socio-economic and environmental conditions. The present study aims to analyze how Nigerien farmers perceive, maintain, and utilize the genetic diversity of pepper. It seeks to identify the balance between time tested traditional knowledge and the potential offered by improved and emerging agricultural practices, contributing to the sustainable management and enhancement of pepper genetic resources in Niger.

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