Improving Vegetable Production and Consumption in Mali, Phase II

The initiative aimed to enhance vegetable production and consumption in Mali, with a focus on improving food security and income for smallholder farmers. Key activities during June 2014 included visits by scientists from AVRDC Eastern and Southern Africa and West and Central Africa offices to two Best Practices Hubs (BPHs) in the Sikasso region. The scientists reviewed postharvest technologies being implemented in the region, including data collection on harvesting dates, number and quantities of fruits harvested, size and color of fruits, and farmers' preferences. The visits also included discussions with farmers on vegetable production techniques and consumption patterns. Multilocational trials on vegetables for the rainy season were implemented, with seeds for three varieties of each of five vegetable crops (tomato, okra, sorrel, African eggplant, and pepper) being distributed for field testing under farmers' management in hubs and satellite villages. The purpose of these trials was to facilitate the choice of improved varieties recommended for production in the rainy season in comparison with their local varieties. Awareness creation activities on environmental mitigation issues were conducted among project beneficiaries in compliance with USAID requirements. Additionally, training in other FtF zones led to the adoption of technologies such as composting and nursery techniques by 377 farmers (200 female and 177 male) in the district of Kadiolo. A total of 90 producers' organizations were part of the trainings, including 650 members (450 female and 200 male). The upcoming reporting period will focus on data processing for demonstration trials, implementation and monitoring of rainy season field testing in hubs and satellite villages, and collection of FtF indicator data on areas under improved technologies or management practices. Awareness creation activities on environmental mitigation issues will also continue in compliance with USAID requirements.