A program funded by the World Bank Group and the Mali Government is helping farmers in Mali to increase their earnings. The program has helped farmers increase crop production by incorporating new technologies into farming.
The Agricultural Competitiveness and Diversification Project (ACDP) program was launched in 2005 with the aim of increasing farmers’ income by improving their competitiveness and encouraging farmers to export their farm produce. The ACDP has linked farmers with traders and exporters as a move to improve the supply chain. This connection has thus enabled farmers in Mali to export farm produce such as mangoes which are the most well-known product.
Under the program farmers receive technical assistance and education in using new farming methods, such as irrigation techniques to overcome drought conditions. The farmers have also received funding, thus enabling them to expand their farming activities and also venture into crop processing. Establishing processing and storage plants has helped farmers evade losses that occur when highly perishable commodities go bad.
Agriculture is one of the main economic activities in Mali. More than 70 percent of the population is believed to be involved in agriculture. Crops under cultivation in Mali mostly include mangoes, shallots, papayas, sorghum and peanuts. Suppliers including farmers, harvesters, collectors, processors and exporters have benefited from the program.
The ACDP has resulted in better quality in product, improved commerce and seen the involvement of private investors and internationalised trade. The program has improved prices within all sections of the market and the sector has become more professional as a whole.
