A field visit to Zara Agro Chad in Douguia brought together Dr. François Batalingaya, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Chad, UNDP Representative Mr. Francis James, and FAO Representative Mr. Aristide Ongone Obame to engage with local agricultural production and innovation. Located about 80 km from N’Djamena, Zara Agro Chad exemplifies a locally driven initiative contributing to a more resilient and productive rural economy. The visit focused on how existing efforts can be strengthened and scaled through an upcoming joint programme supported by the Joint SDG Fund.
Spanning approximately 500 hectares, with 100 hectares currently under cultivation, the farm produces cereals, legumes, and market garden crops for local and regional markets. It is also introducing new crop varieties, expanding fruit cultivation, and applying practices to improve soil health and resource efficiency. The initiative reflects a broader model linking food systems, climate resilience, and local economic development, demonstrating the potential of community-based approaches to locally led adaptation.
Zara Agro Chad integrates production with composting, irrigation systems, and forage development, while collaborating with local cooperatives through input credit systems that improve access to seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. This approach creates opportunities for smallholders, women, and young entrepreneurs to participate more actively in local markets, strengthening local food systems and livelihoods.
The field visit also aligned priorities ahead of the joint programme launch, which aims to strengthen livestock systems, expand greenhouse production, support dairy processing, and promote local value chains and entrepreneurship. Dr. Batalingaya highlighted that combining UN and local partner strengths can make agriculture a driver of inclusive and sustainable growth in Chad. The programme, implemented by UN agencies and supported by international partners through the Joint SDG Fund, seeks to translate promising local models into broader, long-term impact.
