Focus on Mali
October 2024
Message from the Country Director
Message from the Country Director
Dear Friends, Partners and Supporters,
I am delighted to share the progress that Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) has made in Mali over recent months. Our team has been working tirelessly to uplift local communities, and the results have been inspirational.
For a start, across our nine Production, Post-Harvest, Training, and Trading Centers (PHTCs), we are leading the way in promoting regenerative agriculture. These practices are revitalizing soil health and helping farmers build resilience against climate change, while ensuring a sustainable future for the country’s agriculture. Moreover, by supporting training programs at universities and agricultural colleges, we are equipping the next generation of agricultural extension agents with the skills needed to drive innovation and support farmers more effectively.
We have also strengthened our efforts in making agriculture a profitable business. Through strategic training, resource allocation, and strong partnerships, we are connecting farmers to markets and financial services, enabling them to thrive economically and improve their quality of life.
Meanwhile, nutrition remains a key component of our work, and by integrating food security programs and nutritional education into our partner communities, we are playing a big role in fostering healthier diets and enhancing the overall wellbeing of Malian communities.
A joint meeting by the SAA Board and management on October 14–19 provided an opportunity to reflect on the achievements and lessons learned from the implementation of SAA’s 2021–2025 strategy, while also charting a roadmap for the next strategic phase. During the convening a visit to Nasarawa State and a meeting with H.E. Governor Eng. Abdullahi Sule offered a chance to witness SAA’s impactful role in transforming agriculture in Nigeria.
All these achievements have been made possible thanks to the support of The Nippon Foundation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Niger. Together, we are shaping a future where sustainable development takes root and flourishes. We are excited about what lies ahead and remain committed to making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. I am sure that with your continued support, we can achieve even more.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
Dr. Hamado Tapsoba
Voices From the Field
Voices From the Field
Boosting Agricultural Cooperatives: How SAA’s Business Development Services Drive Success
At least 566 farmers from 21 cooperatives in Mali, over half being women, now have easy access to loans and working capital thanks to a Business Development Services (BDS) initiative by the Integrated Seed Sector Development project in the Sahel (ISSD-Sahel), implemented by SAA, in partnership with IFDC, ICRISAT, and KIT. The initiative sought to circumvent the tough collateral requirements and steep interest rates imposed by banks and microfinance institutions, often making financing inaccessible to smallholder producers.
The SAA BDS model is a comprehensive package of training and coaching aimed at fostering entrepreneurial skills and enhancing the managerial capabilities of cooperatives. Implemented with the Regional Center for Study and Training for Development (CREFOD, the initiative trains cooperative leaders on various aspects of agricultural entrepreneurship, including business and credit management and business plan preparation.
This initiative has seen the submission of 120 business plans to two microfinance institutions (MFIs)— Nyèsigiso and the Network of Micro-Institution for Revenue Growth (RMCR), allowing several cooperatives to secure loans, bolstered by mutual guarantees. SAA’s personalized coaching helped develop solid business plans and skills for effective negotiation with MFIs, allowing them to access credit without the need for physical collateral.
Under the project, a total of FCFA57,297,903 (approximately USD 96,624) in loans has, so far, been granted to 21 cooperatives.
By blending capacity-building with improved access to finance, the SAA BDS model, supported by the ISSD-Sahel project, fosters a more productive and inclusive agriculture sector.
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
Empowering Women: Fighting Child Malnutrition with Enriched Flour in 10 Malian Villages
In the heart of Nafadji village, in Mali’s Koulikoro region, Mrs. Nassira Keita and fellow members of the BENKADI cooperative in Djoliba, are excited at the prospects of transforming their families’ nutrition and health using locally available food products.
This is following two intensive training sessions in May 2024, that gathered 40 women from 10 villages served by the Samanko PHTC and showed them how to enhance their family menus using local ingredients.
Funded by the Nippon Foundation, and led by Mrs. Ramatou Sidibé, an expert in value addition, the training taught participants how to produce nutritious flours from local ingredients such as sorghum, pearl millet, fonio, cowpeas, peanuts, and baobab pulp. This approach aims to diversify and enrich the dietary habits of families by utilizing the resources that are readily available to them.
The training was structured in two phases: theoretical and practical.
The theoretical phase covered good hygiene practices and food quality, providing participants with the essential knowledge of food safety standards. The practical phase allowed them to apply this knowledge by producing enriched flour in accordance with the taught standards. This hands-on experience equipped the participants with the practical skills needed to immediately improve their families’ diets.
Attendees regarded the knowledge gained as an important step towards improving nutritional security within the PHTC. Mrs. Keita, shared her excitement, saying, “This training has transformed the way I cook for my family. It will have a positive impact on our health.”
By promoting the use of local foods and enhancing production practices, SAA contributes to the fight against child malnutrition while strengthening the resilience of communities facing food insecurity.
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
How M’Pessoba’s Agricultral College is Cultivating Agricultural Skills and Sustaining Communities
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.
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
VOICES FROM THE FIELD
Enhancing Vegetable Farming Using Liquid Compost
In 10 villages under the Samanko PHTC, beautiful vegetable gardens are emerging amongst farms showcasing the impact of training by SAA and partners. Taking place from February 26 to March 17, 2024, under SAA’s Project for Livelihood and Nutrition Improvement through the Strengthening Agri-Cooperative in Mali (LINSAC)that is funded by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the training introduced farmers to sustainable vegetable farming.
The initiative reached 90 vegetable producers (50% women) from Nafadji, Samale, Balandougou, Koursale Koro, Djoliba, Dalakana, Kamale Kakele, Kamale Soba, Faraba, and N’Tekedo. Each village received a fenced half-hectare vegetable garden equipped with a borehole and a 5m³ water tower to support their agricultural activities.
Participants were educated on cost-effective techniques for producing liquid compost using locally available materials. This compost, which matures between 10 and 15 days, is particularly suitable for vegetable farming as it enhances soil fertility and improves plant nutrition, leading to higher yields.
The production process involves mixing the following ingredients in a 200-liter barrel: one wheelbarrow of organic manure (such as livestock dung, poultry droppings), one wheelbarrow of green material (like Neem leaves), 10Kg of ash, and 160 liters of water. After thoroughly stirring the mixture and covering the barrel with plastic, the compost is left to ferment for 15 days before being ready for use. Once ready, the nutrient-rich compost is applied to plots growing African eggplant, tomatoes, and peppers.
This technique offers an economical and sustainable alternative for soil enrichment for higher productivity while promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. By adopting these techniques, producers not only improve their yields but contribute to the long-term sustainability of their farming systems, supporting improved livelihoods and food security in the region.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Fallow Bands as Natural Barriers to Water and Soil Erosion in Dacoumani
In collaboration with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS), and as a part of the TERRA Africa Project, SAA launched a demonstration plot during the 2024 rainy season showcasing the use of fallow bands in combating wind and water erosion in the Sahel. This initiative aims to restore degraded agricultural land and enhance productivity.
A total of 12 demonstration sites were established in the 10 villages of the Dacoumani PHTC, in the Segou region. Each site is managed by a lead farmer, who is responsible for maintenance and implementing good agricultural practices, such as optimal plowing, sowing, and bird control.
The plots, measuring 55 meters by 50 meters each, are oriented East-West, and subdivided into cultivated and fallow bands.
Each year, the first band is moved eastward to capture the wind-eroded soil, allowing the displaced soil to be recovered and helping restore the land. This natural technique not only prevents further erosion but also promotes long-term soil health and agricultural productivity.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Family Gardens for Nutrient-Rich Vegetables Foster Strengthened Health
To combat malnutrition in rural households, SAA launched the Family Gardens Initiative, aiming to establish 100 gardens in each PHTC. So far, five out of nine PHTCs have benefited from this program.
In each beneficiary village, 10 households received kits containing amaranth and Corchorus seeds, and cuttings of orange-fleshed sweet potato, all three being nutrient-dense crops.
SAA teams also trained farmers on land preparation, planting bed creation, seed sowing and the protection of gardens from animal damage using dead hedges. The training further covered the management of pests affecting leafy vegetables and the benefits of using raised beds for transplanting sweet potatoes.
The beneficiaries, primarily women, actively participated in setting up the family gardens and expressed enthusiasm about the initiative, noting that the vegetables, produced even after the rainy season, will help reduce condiment costs in their households. As such, this initiative not only enhances food security but also empowers women, providing them with essential skills and resources to improve their families’ nutrition.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Torokorobougou Women’s Cooperative Achieves Key Economic Milestones through Saving
Eighty-Seven women from Torokorobougou village, in the Didiéni PHTC, are on the path to financial autonomy spurred by their participation in a Community Saving for Investment in Agriculture (CSIA) group established with the support of SAA. Members of the group meet weekly to contribute to a savings fund and lend money to each other at a monthly interest rate of 5%. Through these contributions, individual farmers obtain loans to finance income-generating activities such as soap-making, condiment sales, sheep fattening, and small-scale poultry farming.
The group’s consistency and SAA’s assistance in business plan development, recently helped secure a FCFA 1,000,000 (approximately USD 1,686) loans from the Revenue Growth Micro-Institution Network (RMCR). This funding enabled members to purchase FCFA 100,000 (around USD 169) worth of inputs, enough to plant one hectare of peanuts. With an average yield of 920 kg/ha, they anticipate earnings of FCFA 735,200 (about USD 1,240), significantly enhancing their group financial kitty.
ACTIVITIES
ACTIVITIES
Enhancing Nutrition while Preserving Tradition: Local Dishes for Better Health
The Didiéni PHTC recently conducted a training session dedicated to promoting balanced nutrition through enriched traditional local dishes. The aim was to equip agricultural extension workers and cooperative leaders with the knowledge to enhance nutrition while preserving their cultural culinary heritage.
The training covered both theoretical and practical components. In the theoretical phase, participants learned the fundamentals of nutrition, focusing on essential food groups and dietary habits to prevent health issues. During the practical phase, they prepared traditional dishes such as corn and rice with peanut sauce using nutritious techniques that emphasized the minimal use of cooking oil. The dishes were further enriched using nutritious ingredients like meat, fish, and tomatoes.
This approach demonstrated how healthy diets can be created without losing the essence of local culinary traditions. The training also recommended ongoing awareness programs for extension agents and emphasized the importance of involving health workers in future initiatives.
NEWS
NEWS
NEWS
Malian Delegation Gains Insights on Seed Production Best Practices in the Netherlands
From June 2 to 8, 2024, a Malian delegation comprising representatives of six seed companies — SOGEBA, SODIAF, SOPROSA, AGRISAHEL, CULTISAIN SAHEL, and ZAMOHO — two cooperatives (ULPC and COPROSEM), and the public seed lab, LABOSEM, visited the Netherlands as part of an exchange program under the ISSD Sahel project
The visit sought insights into the best practices in vegetable and potato seed production while exploring new partnerships. Participants engaged with leading Dutch companies such as Bakker Brothers, Bejo Zaden, and HZPC. They also attended B2B sessions that provided valuable insights into regulations and quality control. This exchange is expected to strengthen the seed sector in the Sahel by fostering new commercial opportunities and collaborations.
NEWS AND ACTIVITIES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
SAA hosts Important Side Event and Exhibition at 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum
At the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, SAA hosted a successful side event and digital exhibition, highlighting key interventions transforming Africa’s food systems. Held in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), AGRA Nigeria, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and BASICS-II, the side-event spotlighted emerging insights from ongoing initiatives.
Key speakers, including leaders from the Kano State Agro Pastoral Development Project (KSADP), TAAT Clearinghouse, and BASICS-II, shared successful models addressing agricultural challenges across the continent. SAA’s President, Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, emphasized the transformative potential of these initiatives, while Kano State Governor, Eng. Abba Kabir Yusuf, praised the impact of KSADP in his region.
SAA’s digital booth became a focal point of engagement, drawing attention from policymakers and stakeholders across the agricultural sector. The booth facilitated discussions on future partnerships, cementing SAA’s role as a key player in Africa’s agricultural development.
For the full story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=1&vid=611&lng=usa
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
SAA and IsDB Pledge Support to Replicate Kano’s Agropastoral Development Project Across Nigerian States and West Africa
From October 7-8, 2024, 234 delegates from Nigeria, Benin, Guinea Conakry, Niger, Côte d’Ivoire, and Sierra Leone gathered in Nigeria’s Kano State for a workshop showcasing the impact of Kano State Agropastoral Development Project (KSADP), a USD 90 million initiative funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and supported by SAA. The project aims to enhance smallholder farming and agribusiness across Kano’s 44 local government areas. SAA Nigeria implements its crop sub-component with a USD 21.31 million sub-grant, which focuses on improving agricultural productivity through inputs access, climate-smart practices, and market access.
Chaired by former Nigeria President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the workshop also discussed opportunities for IsDB and SAA to support similar projects in Gombe, Jigawa, Katsina, and Benue States, an offer that was extended to the sub-region, particularly to the countries in attendance. SAA Nigeria’s country director, Dr. Godwin Atser, lauded the proactive commitment of the state’s willing to replicate the KSADP model.
Meanwhile, remarks from Mr. Yohei Sasakawa of the Nippon Foundation and Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, President of SAA, emphasized gratitude for ongoing support from the Nigerian and Kano State governments. The event culminated in the signing of MoUs by agriculture commissioners from Gombe and Jigawa to replicate the KSADP model, reflecting a broader commitment to agricultural transformation in Nigeria.
For the full story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=1&vid=616&lng=usa
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
SAA Celebrates Partnership with GAP Initiative
The Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) proudly participated in the launch of the GAP 2024 Report on October 3, where its successful Agro-dealership Program in Ethiopia was highlighted. This program, which has significantly improved livelihoods across 25 districts and 115 kebeles in the Amhara, Central Ethiopia, Oromia, and Tigray regions, was featured as part of the report’s partner stories.
With an investment of over USD105,588, SAA’s Agro-dealership initiative has, so far, supported 26 agro-dealer groups, while training over 61,868 farmers and equipping them with essential agricultural supplies and. The program has generated USD 636,148 in annual sales over three years, leading to remarkable increases in crop yields—57% in teff, 23% in wheat, and 56% in maize— while enhancing market connections and boosting economic resilience among smallholder farmers.
SAA’s involvement extended to hosting a virtual booth at the report launch, drawing attention from policymakers, stakeholders, and industry leaders. The digital exhibition allowed SAA to showcase its impactful work, establish new partnerships, and engage in meaningful discussions on the future of agricultural development in Africa.
SAA remains committed to its collaboration with the GAP initiative, as it works to transform food systems and uplift smallholder farmers across the continent.
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
SAA’s 53rd Board Meeting in Abuja: A Blend of Strategic Deliberation and Community Impact
SAA held its 53rd Board meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, from October 14 to 19, 2024. The gathering brought together Board Members, alongside Country Directors from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Mali and Uganda, as well as the Director of strategic partnerships and the Executive Director of The Nippon Foundation. The agenda focused on reviewing the 2025 Work Plan and Budget, while laying the groundwork for SAA’s upcoming strategy (2026 – 2030),
A highlight of the meeting was the flield visit to Nasarwa State, where a delegation led by SAA President, Dr. Makoto Kitanaka, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule. The governor lauded SAA’s transformative work in the cassava and rice value chains, which is aligning with the state’s agricultural development goals.
The delegation toured rice value chain development centers funded by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the BASICS-II project, witnessed firsthand the community-driven impact of SAA’s interventions in empowering women, youth and local cooperatives. The warmth of local communities, with vibrant displays of gratitude, made the visit even more memorable.
For the full story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=1&vid=619&lng=usa
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
SAA Team Reviews Student-led Supervised Enterprise Projects in Tigray
In August 2024, SAA representatives, along with experts from the Mekelle University (MU) and the regional Bureau of Agriculture, visited Supervised Enterprise Projects (SEPs) in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
The SEPs are implemented through the SAA’s Capacity Building Program, formally known as Sasakwa Africa Fund for Extension Education (SAFE) program. The initiative has been providing mid-career agricultural education since 1996 in partnership with universities and agricultural colleges in Ethiopia. Mekelle University joined the program in 2012, and has since released 374 graduates to the region’s agricultural sector. Currently, 33 SEPs students—67% of whom are women—are implementing projects in 17 kebeles across 12 districts in Tigray.
The field review covered 17 student-led projects that directly involved 170 farmers in hands-on agricultural practices across key crops like wheat, barley, teff, maize, and sorghum. Particularly inspiring was the dedication of female students, many of whom are mothers, who persevered through the aftermath of the recent conflict in Northern Ethiopia. Their resilience in overcoming challenges and contributing to the region’s agricultural recovery, despite disruptions to the SAFE program, was widely praised.
Supervisors recommended promoting pre- and post-harvest technologies, such as row planters and harvesting machines, to improve farming practices. The SAFE program continues to strengthen MU’s Department of Agriculture with additional teaching resources.
For the full story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=2&vid=612&lng=usa
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
SAA Uganda Empowers Community-Based Facilitators to Launch Paid Agricultural Services
Community-Based Facilitators (CBFs) trained by SAA Uganda are now cleared to commercialize their agricultural services, transitioning from stipends to a fee-based model. The Commercial Community-Based Facilitators (CCBF) model aims to create agricultural entrepreneurs, enhance service delivery, and drive sustainable community growth.
The inaugural CCBFs were trained in August 2024 on 14 income-generating services, with emphasis on strategies for reaching tech-savvy farmers and those with larger land holdings. The training also addressed job creation opportunities for rural youth and the expansion of services across various value chains. One Stop Centre Associations (OSCAs) and cooperatives were highlighted as instrumental in supporting CCBFs through financial assistance. In future, this model will include capacity building, tool access, demand creation, contract enforcement, and OSCA support for sustainability.
By developing the capacity of Community-Based Facilitators, ensuring access to necessary tools, and promoting the bankability of cooperatives and OSCAs, this model is set to foster a new era of agricultural entrepreneurship and community development.
For the full story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=2&vid=615&lng=usa
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
Nutrition and Gender Training Empowers Families in Uganda to Combat Malnutrition
Earlier this year, SAA Uganda conducted nutrition and gender awareness training across districts of the country, to tackle malnutrition and food insecurity. With malnutrition and stunting affecting children under five and women of reproductive age, the training aimed to address these prevalent challenges.
The sessions were hosted by One-stop Nutrition Model Homes, where participants learned nutrient-rich food production and preparation. Practical demonstrations covered the creation of nutritious meals and the establishment of businesses like the selling of composite flours.
A key focus was on gender equality, encouraging men and women to share responsibilities in farming and nutrition, fostering stronger and healthier households. These initiatives are set to transform communities thrive and achieve better nutritional outcomes.
For the full story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=2&vid=614&lng=usa
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES
Strengthening Agro-ecology and E-extension Capacity in Uganda
From September 22 to October 2, 2024, SAA, in partnership with the Mountain of the Moon University (MMU) organized transformative training under the Rwenzori Agroecology Project (AEP11).
Supported by the Australian Government, the initiative empowered students, faculty, Community Based Facilitators and farmers, focused on promoting sustainable agriculture through research, capacity building, and ICT integration. It specifically covered regenerative agriculture and e-extension tools, while highlighting the integration of e-extension platforms into university curricula to modernize agroecological research and extension services. Participants were further introduced to platforms like the Jaguza livestock app and M-Omulimisa. Additionally, they explored small-scale mechanized equipment to improve efficiency and reduce production costs. Field visits to farmers in Kamwenge District were conducted to create training videos on sustainable farming practices.
Overall, the initiative achieved its overarching mission of equipping individuals in the Rwenzori region with the skills and knowledge needed for modern agriculture, ensuring an ecological balance of their communities and improving livelihoods in the long term.
For the full story: https://www.saa-safe.org/news/news.php?nt=2&vid=613&lng=usa
