The Agricultural College (CAA) of M’Pessoba, a key partner of SAA-Mali’s partner academic institutions, plays a crucial role in building the capacity of agricultural extension agents. Located 40Km from Koutiala, Mali’s cotton capital, the college is distinguished by its Vegetable Business Unit, supported by SAA. Locally known as the “Vegetable Garden”, this enterprise has been instrumental in addressing the challenges of agriculture while improving local food security.

The Vegetable Garden spans one hectare and employs improved agricultural technologies, including drip irrigation systems and water reservoirs, all of which are tailored to respond to the region’s climate. These systems enable efficient water management, which is crucial for producing vegetables such as tomatoes, egg plants and onions and aromatic plants in a region where water resources are limited. This sustainable approach helps combat water scarcity and support long-term agricultural productivity.

The practical training at the CAA is essential in equipping young agricultural extension workers and local producers by combining hands-on experience with modern farming techniques, such as advanced irrigation systems, sustainable soil fertility management practices such as composting and mulching, quality seed production, and integrated pest management. Learners are taught to apply this knowledge in their farms to improve agricultural productivity.

Beyond its role as a training facility, the vegetable garden significantly impacts on the local community, by regularly availing fresh vegetables to local markets. This contributes to an improvement in the nutritional status of households, diversifying diets that are traditionally based on cereals. Additionally, income from the sale of vegetables fosters the CAA’s agricultural entrepreneurship while strengthening the local economy.

Retrieved from SAA E-Newsletter, issued in October 2024, titled "Focus on Mali"