Bamako, Mali | 4–5 June 2026 The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Mali convened its 2026  annual Stakeholders Forum 2026 at Hotel Dunia, in Bamako, bringing together 80 participants from government institutions, technical and financial partners, research organizations, farmer organizations, youth-led agribusinesses, women’s associations, and the media.

Held under the theme “Land Regeneration and Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems in the Sahel: Inclusion of Women and Youth for Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Access to Market”, the forum served as a high-level platform for dialogue, reflection, and knowledge sharing on sustainable agricultural transformation in Mali and the the wider Sahel.

The 2026 edition held special significance as it marked 30 years of SAA’s presence in Mali and 40 years of impact across Africa, providing an opportunity to celebrate past achievements while charting a course for the future.

Celebrating 30 Years of Prtnership and Impact

The opening ceremony reflected the strong partnerships that have supported SAA’s work over the past three decades. It was attended by His Excellency Dr. Ibrahima Samaké, Minister of Agriculture of Mali; His Excellency Mr. Murata Yukuo, Ambassador of Japan to Mali; Mayor of the District of Bamako; SAA President Mr. Shuichi Suzuki (online); SAA Strategic Partnership Director Dr. Mel Oluoch; and SAA Mali Country Director Mr. Baou Diane, alongside representatives of development partners, research institutions, farmer organizations, youth agripreneurs, women’s associations, and the media.

Opening remarks highlighted SAA’s longstanding contribution to agricultural transformation, support to smallholder farmers, strengthening of extension systems, and promotion of sustainable and inclusive agricultural development in Mali and across Africa.

A symbolic cake-cutting ceremony marked the dual celebration of SAA’s 30 years in Mali and 40 years of service across the continent.

His Excellency the Minister of Agriculture during the cake-cutting ceremony marking the 30th anniversary of the presence of SAA in Mali.

Reflecting on Progress and Future Direction

Following the opening session, participants reviewed achievements under SAA’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan, highlighting progress in advancing agricultural productivity, strengthening extension systems, promoting sustainable farming practices, improving nutrition, and expanding market opportunities for smallholder farmers.

The forum also provided an opportunity to introduce SAA’s new 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which outlines the organization’s vision for promoting resilient, sustainable, and market-oriented agrifood systems while placing smallholder farmers, women, and youth at the center of agricultural transformation.

Discussions emphasized the need to strengthen resilience in the face of climate change, environmental degradation, food insecurity, and limited economic opportunities in rural areas.

Advancing Climate-Resilient Agrifood Systems

A central focus of the forum was the role of regenerative agriculture and climate resilience in addressing the challenges facing agricultural systems in the Sahel.

Experts from SAA, research institutions, development organizations, and technical partners examined approaches for restoring degraded lands, improving soil health, promoting sustainable natural resource management, and enhancing farmers’ capacity to adapt to climate shocks.

Participants discussed practical experiences in regenerative agriculture, climate-smart farming, soil fertility management, agroforestry, and integrated approaches to building resilient farming systems. The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration among research, extension, development partners, and farming communities to accelerate the adoption of proven solutions.

Strengthening Inclusion, Markets, and Nutrition

The forum also explored strategies to improve financial inclusion, strengthen agricultural markets, and enhance food and nutrition security.

Panel discussions examined opportunities to expand access to finance for smallholder farmers, women, and youth, while supporting entrepreneurship and agribusiness development. Participants highlighted the importance of strengthening producer organizations, improving market access, promoting value addition, and supporting rural enterprises as pathways to increased incomes and economic resilience.

Food and nutrition security featured prominently in the discussions, with stakeholders emphasizing the need to promote nutritious local foods, strengthen nutrition-sensitive agriculture, and encourage behavior change to improve household dietary outcomes.

Photos of group work sessions on the proposed themes during the 2026 Annual Stakeholders’ Forum.

From Dialogue to Action

The second day of the forum focused on thematic group work aligned with SAA’s three strategic focus areas: Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems, Inclusive Markets and Agribusiness Development, and Safe, Adequate and Nutritious Food Systems.

Participants identified key challenges and proposed practical recommendations to strengthen resilient, inclusive, market-oriented, and nutrition-sensitive agrifood systems in Mali. The recommendations emphasized scaling regenerative agriculture practices, improving access to finance and market information, strengthening producer organizations, supporting women and youth, and enhancing collaboration among public and private actors.

The forum concluded with presentations of group recommendations and a closing session chaired by SAA Mali leadership and partners.

A Shared Vision for the Future

As SAA Mali enters its fourth decade of service, the 2026 Annual Stakeholders’ Forum reaffirmed a shared commitment among government institutions, development partners, research organizations, farmer groups, and the private sector to advancing sustainable agricultural transformation.

The event demonstrated the value of partnership, innovation, and farmer-centered approaches in addressing the challenges facing the Sahel. The recommendations and commitments emerging from the forum will help guide future collaboration and contribute to stronger climate resilience, improved food security and nutrition, expanded economic opportunities, and more sustainable livelihoods for farming communities across Mali.

Group photo of participants of the 2026 Annual Stakeholders’ Forum.