Mali
COUNTRY OVERVIEW
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture has operated in Mali since 1980, supporting agricultural transformation across the Sudano-Sahelian zone. Through its Sahel Africa Hub, IITA works to reduce hunger and poverty by promoting improved agricultural technologies, strengthening food systems, and enhancing the resilience of smallholder farmers.
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In collaboration with national and international partners, IITA focuses on climate-smart agriculture, crop improvement, and sustainable intensification to improve food security, nutrition, and incomes—particularly for women, youth, and vulnerable communities.
Location
Bamako
Bamako, Mali
IITA-Mali, ICRISAT Station, Samanko, Bamako, MAli
Tel: +234 2 241 2626
Contacts
Abdoulaye Tahirou
t.abdoulaye@cgiar.org
Odiambo Eveline
e.odiambo@cgiar.org
FOCUS AREAS
Climate-Smart Agriculture and Technology Scaling
Scaling climate-resilient agricultural technologies through initiatives such as the Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies (CSAT) project to improve productivity and resilience in drought-prone regions.
Crop Improvement and Seed Systems
Promoting early-maturing, drought- and heat-tolerant varieties of staple crops such as sorghum, millet, and cowpea to enhance yield stability and food security.
Nutrition and Crop Diversification
Supporting the adoption of nutrient-rich crops like soybean and legumes to improve household nutrition and diversify farming systems.
Sustainable Systems and Bio-Circular Economy
Advancing innovative approaches such as Black Soldier Fly (BSF) systems to convert organic waste into animal feed and organic fertilizer.
Capacity Development and Partnerships
Strengthening national research systems and farmer capacity through training, collaboration, and participation in regional initiatives such as Africa RISING.
Youth in Agribusiness
Promoting youth engagement through training, entrepreneurship support, and participation in agricultural value chains.
Featured Projects
- Location: Benin, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia
- Location: Burkina Faso, Mali, Senegal, Uganda
- Location: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Mali, Niger
- Location: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Mali, Niger
- Location: Benin, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo
INNOVATION
Climate-Smart Agricultural Technologies (CSAT)
Implementation of integrated technologies combining improved varieties, soil management, and climate-resilient practices across multiple regions in Mali.
Improved Dryland Crop Varieties
Development and dissemination of early-maturing and stress-tolerant varieties of sorghum, millet, and cowpea adapted to Sahelian conditions.
Aflatoxin Mitigation Technologies
Promotion of aflatoxin control measures in maize and groundnut to improve food safety, reduce health risks, and enhance market access.
IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture is delivering measurable impact in Mali by scaling climate-smart technologies, improving crop productivity, and strengthening livelihoods. Through partnerships with national institutions and development organizations, IITA translates research into practical solutions that enhance resilience, food security, and income opportunities.
2,240
households reached with climate-smart technologies
Across 320 villages and 32 communes in southern Mali, climate-smart agricultural interventions are improving resilience, productivity, and livelihoods.
53%
increase in household welfare among poorest farmers
Adoption of climate-smart technologies significantly increased household consumption, with the largest gains recorded among the most vulnerable groups.
320
villages engaged in scaling agricultural innovations
Community-level implementation has accelerated the adoption of improved practices across multiple farming systems.
4
regions covered by climate-smart interventions
IITA interventions span key agricultural zones: Kayes, Koulikoro, Sikasso, and Ségou, strengthening resilience in Mali’s major production areas.
Food safety improved through aflatoxin mitigation
BSF technologies are converting organic waste into valuable inputs for livestock and crop production.
Improved crop varieties strengthening food security
Farmers are adopting improved practices that enhance productivity and reduce vulnerability to climate variability.
PARTNERS
International Institute of Tropical Agriculture works in Mali with key partners including:
- Institute of Rural Economy (IER)
- International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
- World Food Programme (WFP)
- Africa RISING initiative
Publications
Understanding the role of institutional arrangements on innovation adoption…
Aflatoxin contamination of maize, groundnut, and sorghum
A new adaptive identification strategy of best crop management with farmers
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IITA received a delegation from Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad) and the Royal Norwegian
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MEDIA/RESOURCES
Events
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engagements
Photos
Highlights from field activities and impact
Videos
Watch stories of innovation and transformation