Increase food production and security in Mali

For villagers in the Douentza region of northern Mali – who have suffered drought, political turmoil, and occupation by rebels and extremists — market gardens have not only helped them to survive, but have improved livelihoods and strengthened the resilience of communities.

With your support, over the last two years farmers have produced an incredible 70 tons of food in market gardens with an estimated value of 17,700,000CFA – that is an estimated $37,000!  The project has directly benefited 400 farmers, and indirectly benefited thousands in the communities surrounding the eight market gardens.

With communities on stronger footing, this month marks the end of our campaign on Global Giving.  Our work in Mali continues – and we hope that you will continue to follow our activities and the impact of our projects through our website, Facebook page, or Twitter feed. 

We thank you for your generous support for vulnerable families in northern Mali, and leave you with highlights of the impact of your donation:

• In 2014, farmers harvested 42.6 tons of food with an estimated value of 10,650,000 CFA—nearly $22,000.
• 1775kg of seeds distributed to targeted market gardens.
• Market garden in the eight villages of Bagui, Korientzé, N’Gorodia, (rural commune of Korombana) Dari, Deri (rural commune of N’Diaptodji), Mounouwel, Kikara (rural commune of Gandamia), and Gafity (rural commune of Débéré) produce shallot, peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, carrot, lettuce and gumbo from market gardens.  
• Farmers – men and women—trained in improved techniques and the use of new tools.
• Communities supported in developing the management skills to maintain market gardens.

The impact of your donation is perhaps best expressed by those who have benefited:

“We have received much support in planning, organization, financial management, and gardening techniques,” Dico (a farmer in N’Gorodia market garden in the Rural Commune of Korombana) said.  “This has been so important for our community, and particularly our women. The benefits are immeasurable.”  

The market gardens have done more than just ensure food security in the eight-targeted communities – they have improved livelihoods and lives. 

“Before market gardening was introduced in our community, nearly all of our girls had to go to towns (Mopti, Bamako, etc.) after the rainy season to serve as housekeepers – with all the risks of disease, crime, and accidents that accompanied this travel,” Aissata, a farmer in the Garity market garden in the Rural Commune of Debere, said.  “With revenues from market gardens, this is no longer necessary. The gardens provide enough revenue for women to set up their marriage trousseau.”

THANK YOU!!!  Your generous support has allowed NEF to work with communities in Mali to build sustainable solutions that will benefit community members for years to come.  We hope that you will continue to follow NEF’s work! For more on Global Giving, consider NEF's work in rural Armenia.

Links:

• Read more about our work on our website!
• Follow our work on Facebook!
• Follow our work on Twitter!