The recent drought in the Niger has resulted in an increased number of cattle present in the crop production area where fodder resources are limited and of low quality. Poor growth and health, decreased working capacity and low production are livestock problems. An earlier FAO pilot project showed how this situation could be remedied under real farm conditions in the Niger, by turning coarse fodder into digestible, nutritious feed through urea treatment. A more ambitious project following in 1991 extended the technique in three departments of the Niger. After three seasons of treatments, the farmers have wholly adopted the technique. It has been shown to be cost-effective, mainly because the draught animals have a greater capacity for work, fattening is less time-consuming, fewer supplements are needed and the final market price of the animals is higher.
