The West African Sahel, particularly Niger, has long faced food insecurity due to climate change negative effects since the 1970s. Variable and unpredictable rainfall patterns, low soil chemical fertility (notably P and N), and high leaching rates pose low yield challenges. Pearl millet and cowpea are the major staple crops produced by peasants. Crop diversity and woody species are declining although local recoveries seem to be observed. Population growth (3.8% in Niger) drives expansion into marginal lands. Restricted livestock integration critically reduces nutrient cycling, coupled with the inability of most peasants to assess fertilizers. Top-down approaches have proven unsustainable, with downsized extension services favouring global over site-specific recommendations. Urgently needed is an effective solution which requires grassroots research, lined with farmers’ socio-economic contexts. Long-term networks between farmers and researchers with emphasis on participatory approaches are crucial. Such networks avoid politically driven trends and address real challenges, and in turn utilize farmers’ variable environments rather than research stations. In Niger, collaborative efforts between farmers, researchers, and international donors over the last decade have increased participatory research and practical management options. These initiatives focus on sustainable production and reduce food insecurity vulnerability through continuous knowledge exchange and farmer engagement.