Mali Country Report Launch

The 2021 TASAI Mali Country Report summarizes the findings of the TASAI study conducted in Mali in 2021 by the TASAI team and local seed industry experts. The results highlight several positive developments since the last TASAI study in 2018. While Mali’s formal seed system is in an emerging stage of development, this study identifies challenges that may be constraining Mali’s pathway towards growth and greater access to improved seed for its smallholder farmers. 

The research and development environment in Mali has improved, as indicated by the increase in the number of breeders from 2018 (9) to 2021 (16). Still, only one breeder works in the private sector. Moreover, the number of varieties released decreased from 49 between 2015 and 2017 to 37 between 2018 to 2020. In terms of industry competitiveness, the closure of the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Program (WAAPP) in 2018 contributed to a significant decrease in the number of rice and sorghum seed producers because it was a key buyer of seed for the two crops.

Like its West African counterparts, Mali’s policy instruments are aligned with regulations set by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). One critical achievement in Mali’s seed policy framework was the creation of the National Seed Committee (CNS) in 2019. Although the CNS was established to oversee variety release and registration in the country, funding constraints hamper its operations. Similarly, seed inspectors in Mali are not adequately facilitated and face transportation and security constraints. Despite these challenges, the government has initiated programs to address the threat of counterfeit seeds. The country would benefit from a National Fund, as required by ECOWAS regulations, to foster greater financial support for its seed sector.

The Seed Association of Mali (ASSEMA) represents a growing level of institutional support in the country. In fact, the association’s ratings by its members improved since 2018. Mali’s services to smallholder farmers have also improved as demonstrated by the high satisfaction ratings for extension services. On the other hand, satisfaction ratings for Mali’s agro-dealer network plummeted from 72% in 2018 to 50% in 2020, suggesting that the National Directorate of Agriculture (DNA) can help boost the country’s seed distribution and marketing systems by registering and monitoring all agro-dealers.

The report was published following a successful dissemination meeting in Bamako, Mali on June 7, 2022, where the findings were validated and discussed by members of Mali’s public and private seed sectors.