Draft Environmental Report on Mali

Most of the nation"s environmental problems are associated with this cycle of desertification. This draft report examines this situation by providing environmental profiles of Mali"s water, soils, vegetation, wildlife, and mineral resources. These profiles are complemented by brief discussions on current government responses in these areas and by overviews of the nation"s geographic, economic, and demographic characteristics. Mali"s environmental problems are chiefly the following. (1) Present land use patterns, together with an increase in aridity, have caused extensive soil erosion. (2) Deforestation is becoming more widespread, primarily as a result of extensive firewood and charcoal production. Other factors, such as desertification and brushfires, have also contributed to loss of vegetation. Areas particularly affected are the Mopti and Gao regions. Even in the well-watered south, forests have been cleared to a distance of a 2-hour walk from any village of 1,500 inhabitants. (3) High livestock numbers and poor distribution of herds on pastoral lands have contributed to the degradation of grazing lands. (4) Malaria and onchocerciasis are major health problems, particularly in the Senegal River Basin. The increase in perennial irrigation due to water projects suggests that schistosomiasis may also become a problem. Mali has set out a strategy to control desertification in its recent 1974-78 development plan. Appendices are included which cite specific environmental legislation, organizations, and A.I.D. country projects. A 180-item bibliography (1960-77) in English and French is appended.