Mali Sud II Rural Development Project

Mali Sud II Rural Development Project

The first phase of the Mali Sud Rural Development Project was financed by the International Development Association (IDA), the Central Fund for Economic Co-operation (CCCE), the Aid and Co-operation Fund (FAC), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) and the government of Mali. Its aim was to double the area devoted to cotton, kenaf, maize and rice and to introduce improved varieties of maize and rice.

The aim of the second phase was to continue to increase agricultural production and income from agriculture. It aimed more specifically to:

• increase production of maize, sorghum, millet, cotton, cowpea, rice and livestock products
• make cotton production cost-effective for farmers, while adapting the tax and official subsidy policy to the needs of the sector
• encourage independent village associations through economic incentives and training
• lay the foundations for future improvements in agricultural production through applied research
• improve the living conditions of the population in the area covered by the project by ensuring water supplies and primary health care in the villages

Source: IFAD