Mali Livestock for Growth (L4G) Monthly Report No. 49

The program focuses on increasing animal productivity, domestic and export trade, and strengthening local capacities and systems. Component 1: Increased Animal Productivity is a key component of the L4G program. This component aims to enhance technology development, dissemination, management, and innovation in the livestock sector. One of the key activities under this component is the modernization of animal health delivery systems. L4G provided technical support and monitored three private veterinarian businesses in Koro and Bankass Cercles. During this period, 424 animals were vaccinated against Pasteurellosis by two SVPPs in Bankass. The vaccination efforts were hindered by the inter-ethnic conflict between the Dogon and Fulani groups in Koro Cercle, resulting in weak vaccination coverage. Despite this challenge, L4G continued to provide technical assistance to the private veterinarian businesses, with one SVPP generating a total sales revenue of 29,680 CFA or $59.36 USD. In addition to vaccination efforts, L4G also focused on developing and disseminating messages about good livestock management practices and issues. The program is currently in discussion with "Access Agriculture" for the access of existing tapes on animal health and planning to contract them for the production of supplementary tapes to serve as reference materials for producer groups. Component 2: Increased Domestic and Export Trade is another key component of the L4G program. This component aims to strengthen market linkages and access, as well as reduce barriers to domestic and export trade. During this period, 1,402 animals were purchased by 61 PO's and 16 individuals for livestock fattening as a business in Bankass, Bandiagara, Mopti, Diré, Djenné, Goundam, and Nianfunké Cercles. The total value of animals sold to domestic markets was estimated at 88,559,100 CFA or $224,270 USD. Component 3: Strengthened Local Capacities and Systems is also a key component of the L4G program. This component aims to strengthen the capacity of key national livestock stakeholders, including public, private, and civil society organizations. During this period, two PO's from Bankass obtained a loan worth 4,050,000 CFA or $8,100 USD from RMCR and Guinedou Micro-Finance Institutions. The L4G program also focused on seed distribution and monitoring of areas planted in Bankass Cercle as well as harvesting, packaging, and reimbursement of seeds as part of the 2018-2019 growing season in Djenne Cercle. A summary table of seeds distributed with areas planted during the 2017-2018 growing season is provided in Table 1. Overall, the L4G program is making significant progress in improving the productivity and competitiveness of the livestock sector in Mali. The program's focus on increasing animal productivity, domestic and export trade, and strengthening local capacities and systems is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of rural communities in Mali.