As part of the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing (APA), Niger carried out a diagnostic study on Traditional Knowledge (TK) to identify the shortcomings in order to overcome them and thus create conditions favourable to the full participation of the holders of these TCs, in particular traditional practitioners, in the process of implementing the protocol.

As part of the implementation of the third objective of the CBD, the Nagoya Protocol was adopted by the tenth Conference of the Parties in order to better specify all the contours of the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. Niger signed the protocol on 26 September 2011 and ratified it on 2 July 2014.

The objective of this Protocol is to ensure that those who access Genetic Resources (GR) and Associated Traditional Knowledge² (CTA) share the monetary and non-monetary benefits that they derive from the use of such resources, with the countries of origin and the local communities in these countries.

To seize the opportunity offered by this Protocol, a collective commitment of the actors in question is necessary to decide on the regulatory and administrative frameworks to be put in place at the national level.

Thus, the Executive Secretariat of the National Environment Council for Sustainable Development (SE/CNEDD) in conjunction with the National Association of Tadipractitioners of Niger (ATPN) has undertaken a diagnostic study on traditional knowledge (CT) in order to identify gaps and inadequacies in order to overcome them and thus allow effective participation of TC holders, especially traditional practitioners, in the process of implementing the protocol.

Among other things, the present study analyzed the legal framework specific to traditional knowledge (TK) to highlight the strengths and weaknesses for the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol on ABS. As CTs are a key component of APA, based on existing structures promoting CTs in the field of traditional medicine, the study placed particular emphasis on one of these best organized structures, which is the National Association of Tradi Practitioners (ATPN). ATPN is an organization of traditional health knowledge holders. It is present throughout the territory of Niger.

Thus, the study shows that from the point of view of political commitment, Niger has legally recognized Traditional Medicine since 1997 (Title III of Ordinance No. 97-002 of 10 January 1997 on pharmaceutical legislation) so that it can contribute effectively to the resolution of population health problems.

Niger has also created a Department of Pharmacy and Laboratories within the Ministry of Public Health, including a division responsible for traditional medicine. In addition, he signed some fifteen declarations, initiatives, initiatives, resolutions, resolutions, strategies and action plans aimed at promoting traditional knowledge in the field of health.