USADF's Mali Program

Mali’s greatest challenge is its geography.  Over 70% of the population lives in rural areas, which are often out of the reach of development organizations.  In these areas, most people earn their income through agriculture, livestock, or fishing.

 Though there are needs throughout the country, the Sahel region of the country is most marginalized. The Sahel belt in Mali is a 150 mile wide strip of land, that bisects the entire length of the country—it extends just south of Mopti to just north of Tombouctou, and runs the entire East-to-West width of the country, including cities such as Mopti, Gao, and Tombouctou.  Unlike the southern part of the country, which grows cotton as a cash crop, populations in the Sahel belt depend mostly on subsistence agriculture, but the semi-arid climate renders the Sahel region vulnerable to food insecurity.  In the northwestern parts of the areas, there are more organized agriculture and livestock cooperatives, but the northeastern region is less organized and less developed.  Unfortunately, this area also receives less development assistance.   

ADF assistance in these areas could strengthen food security and improve incomes for rural populations. In the Tombouctou region, a recently constructed dam has displaced several communities.  ADF could help these communities rebuild their economies, especially through rice production.  

Additionally, ADF’s work in Gao has shownced great potential for the fishing sector. The main fishing areas are located in the delta central du Niger (80% of total production) and lakes of Sélingué et Manantali. These areas have received limited developmental support.

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