OVERVIEW
USAID has been supporting agricultural development in Mali since 1961. Our Agriculture and Economic Growth (AEG) Office manages an annual $40-50 million portfolio to advance the U.S. Government’s Feed the Future Initiative (FTF), Private Sector Engagement, the U.S. Global Water Strategy, and Mali’s National Agricultural Investment Plan.
FEED THE FUTURE IN MALI
The Mali Feed the Future strategy is a framework for integrated food security, nutrition, and resilience programming. We improve the livelihoods and resilience of Malian producers by focusing on the sustainable reduction of hunger, poverty, and malnutrition through three principal objectives: (1) inclusive agricultural-led growth; (2) strengthened resilience among people and communities; and (3) improved nutritional status, especially among women and children. This strategy addresses critical food security needs and simultaneously leverages agricultural development opportunities by focusing on two zones of influence. The Delta zone encompasses activities in the central and northern regions of Mopti, Tombouctou, Douentza, and Bandiagara. Given the prevalence of conflict in this zone, activities are designed to maximize flexibility and increase household and community resilience. The Southern zone targets the Sikasso, Bougouni, and Koutiala regions which experience high rates of chronic malnutrition. We respond with a focus on improving nutrition and dietary diversity. Feed the Future programming complements other USAID activities in these areas such as efforts to provide humanitarian assistance and improve the quality and accessibility of health care services.
RESILIENCE
Mali is designated by USAID as one of 15 Resilience Focus Countries. USAID’s goal in the 2022-2027 Mali Country Development Cooperation Strategy is a more peaceful, stable, and resilient Mali leading its own development. To this end, USAID strengthens the capacity of households and communities to prepare for and recover from shocks and stresses such as droughts, floods, and conflict. USAID resilience activities address root causes of conflict through civic engagement, women’s empowerment, and community management of natural resources; strengthen communities and local systems by elevating and incorporating local voices throughout programs and projects; and adapt interventions to include those most affected by shocks and stresses. Our integrated, multi-sectoral efforts are closely coordinated with USAID funded humanitarian and health activities, and build resilience by responding holistically to complex humanitarian, development, and peace challenges.
WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE
USAID complements activities in the Southern zone by improving the quality and sustainability of rural water and sanitation services. This takes place through two complementary and mutually reinforcing approaches: (1) support for communes to design, construct, and rehabilitate rural water and fecal sludge infrastructure; and (2) technical assistance for water and sanitation stakeholders to develop and implement strategic sanitation plans and strengthen the ability of water service providers to finance, operate, collect revenue, maintain, and repair rural water infrastructure.
PRIVATE SECTOR ENGAGEMENT
USAID partners with private sector actors to support small- and medium-sized enterprise growth, business expansion, access to finance, and improved livelihoods. Our agriculture and economic growth programs enhance market access by building linkages between traders, agro-dealers, and financial services providers.
