Important inputs for agricultural development in the Sahel are seeds, fertilizers, veterinary products, phyto-sanitary products and small agricultural implements such as the hoe, the seeder, the plough, the cart, etc. Access to inputs is often difficult in the Sahel.  

In Niger, FAO is promoting input shops (FAO 2005) managed by farmers. In normal conditions, a development project (FAO and others) subsidises the purchase of the initial stock which will become a revolving fund for the operation of the shops.  

In the Sahel countries, many farmers have received training in seed production, but their harvest is not sold at a higher price than other seeds. This is discouraging for seed production in the Sahel.

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