Yachaou Mamane

Yachaou Mamane, 2025-26 Humphrey Fellow at Cornell.

Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow, 2025-26

Home country: Niger
Specialization: Agriculture and Rural Development
Connect: ym627 [at] cornell.edu
Pronouns: he/him

Yachaou Mamane is an Agricultural Economist and Development Project Manager from Niger, specializing in food security, rural development, peacebuilding, and the empowerment of women and youth in fragile communities. He currently serves as Executive Director of ONG RECUP, a Niger-based civil society organization that promotes youth-led innovation in sustainable agriculture, entrepreneurship, community peacebuilding, democratic governance, and civic leadership.

He holds an MSc in Agricultural Economics and Management with a focus on Food Security and Rural Development from China Agricultural University in Beijing. Yachaou has received extensive training in women and youth empowerment, project management, peace and security, and climate change adaptation. He is also a member of the African Union ECOSOCC General Assembly, representing Niger at the continental level.

Passionate about tackling food insecurity, climate change, and social exclusion, Yachaou has pioneered culturally grounded peacebuilding strategies, including revitalizing the African tradition of “joking relationships” as a grassroots tool to reduce tensions and foster interethnic and intercultural coexistence. His multilingual skills in French, Arabic, English, Chinese, and Hausa allow him to build trust and connect across diverse communities.

Yachaou has represented Niger at high-level forums, trainings, and conferences across Africa, the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In 2025, he was selected as a Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow at Cornell University, focusing on Agriculture and Rural Development. His Fellowship aims to explore innovative, technology-driven solutions to strengthen rural livelihoods and sustainable food systems in the Sahel.