Balkissa Daoura is a Pan-African environmentalist, food photographer, and Impact West Africa Fellow with Aspen Global Innovators. With a background in environmental engineering and climate change politics, she has dedicated nearly a decade to advancing climate justice, food sovereignty, and ecosystem restoration across the Sahel.

Her work bridges environmental activism, agroecology, and cultural preservation. As an Ambassador for the Environmental and Climate Conservation Initiative Network, Balkissa has led climate action campaigns, strengthened women's voices in food systems, and educated young learners on environmental sustainability. She is also the host of "Kandili," a French-language podcast that amplifies the voices of changemakers in the environmental and climate sector.

Balkissa is restoring neglected indigenous crops in Niger’s rural and urban areas, cultivating them on multiple sites and reintegrating them into local diets through innovative recipes. She focuses on nutrient-rich, underutilized species such as Godilo, Cecego, Tafasa, Yadiya, Gasaya, Pourpier, Gandafoy, and Dargaza, ensuring their preservation for future generations. Through her collaboration with women cooperatives and social organizations, she is reinforcing the link between sustainable food systems, land restoration, and traditional knowledge.

Publications & Research:

• "Women, Gender Relations, and Agroecology in Niger" – A research article in collaboration with RECA, highlighting the role of women in agroecological transitions.
• "Women-Led Solutions for Drought Resilience" (CNLCD Report, p.82) – Showcasing women-led innovations for land restoration and food security.
• Hausa Cookbook – Compiled to promote indigenous food traditions and revive native recipes.
• Advocate for SDG 2, SDG 13, SDG 15, and SDG 5.