On June 13, 2023, SAA conducted a seed distribution program covering the Tiolo Post Harvest and Trading Center (PHTC) in Sikasso, south of the Malian capital, Bamako. A total of 31,331 kg certified seed of rice, pearl millet, sorghum, maize, groundnut and cowpea were distributed to 3,000 farmers in 13 distribution centers – Siranikoto, Kita, Guessebougou, Didieni, Dioumara, Monzomblena, Segou, Bla, San, Sikasso, Tiola, Koloniboudio and Bougouni.

The seed distribution initiative is implemented by a consortium comprising SAA, IFDC, ICRISAT and KIT Royal Tropical Institute, under the four-year ISSD Sahel project, funded by the Dutch Embassies in Mali and Niger. The project aims to improve food and nutrition security of rural and urban households, rural employment and the income of rural households.  

The Sikasso distribution took place in the presence of representatives of the Ministry of Rural Development at the national, regional and district levels, as well as local authorities. Leaders of farmers’ cooperatives from the 10 villages covered by the Postharvest and Trading Center (PHTC), and SAA’s country director and technical teams were also in attendance.

Retrieved from SAA E-Newsletter, issued in July 2023, titled "Focus on Mali"