ICRISAT Archival Report 2006 - The seedlings of success in the ...

D. Mali
1. The context
Land degradation constitutes one of the major constraints to food production in the desert margins of Mali. Water
and wind erosion contribute to exacerbate the problems of land degradation, in addition to climate variability and
anthropogenic factors (overgrazing by animals, deforestation, inappropriate land management practices. To alleviate
these constraints, DMP Mali works closely in collaboration with various development and government agencies in
assessing ecosystems dynamics and in implementing strategies for combating land degradation and conserving
biodiversity. Improving the livelihoods of the people living in the desert margins of Mali is also one of the major
goals of DMP Mali.
2. Description of the technologies/strategies
The best-bet technologies for arresting land degradation and conserving biodiversity that are being promoted by
DMP Mali include the African Market Gardens using drip irrigation, the dissemination of Pomme du Sahel
(Ziziphus mauritania), and planting of eucalyptus. These different technologies contribute to diversify the
production system, enhance carbon sequestration and improve the income of the farmers in the Gao region.
2.1 African Market Gardens using drip irrigation
2.1.1 The basis for the technology’s success
African Market Gardens is a technology to diversify production systems and provide alternative means of
livelihoods for rural communities and vulnerable groups, especially women. It enables rural families to have a
balanced diet and to generate additional income without major investments in fences, irrigation and fertilizers. The
technology is very beneficial for the women who practice it the most. African Market Gardens also provide a means
to fight against erosion which affects the northern regions of Mali.
The drip irrigation system with low pressure has been installed on a hectare of land. Vitro plants date palms and
grafted Ziziphus mauritania were planted under this drip irrigation system. A water tank/reservoir was installed to
meet the water requirements of the plants and to reduce costs of irrigating these plants. Water is supplied to the
tank/water reservoir using a water pump. Drip irrigation is based on the delivery of water in small quantities right
where the plant needs it, thereby increasing water use efficiency and reducing quantity and costs of water used.
2.1.2 How is it implemented?
Twelve women and men associations in Tacharane were trained in the techniques of establishing the drip irrigation
system in the farmers’ gardens. This was done in collaboration with NGOs. Technicians will also receive additional
training on this technology. These technicians will be trainers of other users of the systems.
In May 2005, a guided visit was organized to present the achievements of the DMP project to the administrative
authorities, policy makers and technicians in the region. Regional technical services (extension agents) and farmers
also took part in this visit.
In July 2005 the Hon. Minister of Agriculture of Mali, during his mission to Gao region, also visited the DMP site at
Bagoundié. Impressed with African Market Garden technology, he recommended a large diffusion of this
technology to other regions in northern Mali. His Excellency, the Prime Minister of Mali also visited the Bagoundié
site and also recommended a large diffusion of African Market Garden technology as means of alleviating poverty
in the northern region of the country.
2.1.3 Up-scaling the technology
Many women and men associations are involved in the up-scaling of the technology. For a large diffusion of the
technology, a week of local users of research outputs was organized in June 2006 with the support of the National
Committee of the Agricultural Research of Mali. This week of exhibitions of technologies from research involved
120 representatives of the agricultural technical services, NGOs, farmers and regional administrative authorities.
The technology on African Market Garden with drip irrigation was displayed and demonstrated to visitors.
Following this week of exhibition, some units of the technology have been ordered from ICRISAT-Niamey and
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