Powered by IFAD

Living conditions are precarious in the northern regions of Mali, where social instability and rebellion are a threat to peace. In a difficult environment, the IFAD-funded Zone Lacustre Development Project improved the living conditions of poor people in the northern regions, including many nomadic households, and helped restore peace in the area.

The introduction of irrigation into parched areas of Africa has not only improved crop yields , but also raised levels of health and nutrition. This is good news on World Water Day, 22 March, and illustrates this year's theme: Water and Health.

Until last year, she sold straw mats, but couldn't earn enough money. She joined a group of women in a savings and credit group, and was able to borrow enough to start her beignet business. The profits are greater, she said, and she gets daily income. She uses the money to buy school supplies for her children and "little things" for herself. She speaks like a woman of means, "I buy what I like. If I see a fabric I like, I can buy it".

There are thousands of Malian women in 'Hope for the Women' groups launched by CARE. The program began in Niger in 1991 and has been replicated throughout Africa. Roughly 30 women meet once a week. Depending on the group, each contributes 25 to 100 CFA (5 to 20 cents) to the pool. Members are eligible to take out loans, which they repay with interest.

Training in core business skills for women in Mopti are making a big difference for small enterprises. Agro-entrepreneurs report a significant improvement in the management of their business after receiving Microplan training, offered by Mali Finance and its partner BDS providers in Mopti.

According to the community, they have been dreaming of this canal for 30 years. The 4.7 kilometer-long canal will enable the development of 960 hectares of land for irrigated rice production. About 18,510 inhabitants in 13 villages will be directly affected by the new canal.

There were not even enough school benches for all the students to sit on. "Who could learn under such circumstances?" thought Mrs. Coulibaly. "Kadiatou would be able to help the family better by taking care of children". There is little one can do to compete against such decisions in a family with meager resources and a school ill-equipped to prove them wrong!

-Le criquet pélerin, cible du Comité de la FAO sur la sécurité alimentaire mondiale

Mali: Arrêter le cycle infernal des invasions acridiennes combiné à la sécheresse
Source: FAO
 RealAudio | mp3