OCP Africa and Mali Join Forces to Revolutionize Agricultural Practices
In a significant move to transform Mali's agricultural landscape, OCP Africa, the African subsidiary of Morocco's OCP Group, has entered into a partnership with Mali's Ministry of Agriculture. This collaboration, backed by the World Bank, aims to enhance agricultural productivity through sustainable practices and improved soil health, with a focus on benefiting smallholder farmers.
The agreement comes at a crucial time for Mali, where agriculture contributes approximately 33% of the country's GDP. Despite its importance, Mali faces considerable challenges, including arid conditions affecting over half of its 1.24 million square kilometers. With only 4% of the land under cultivation and increasing urbanization, particularly in Bamako, there is an urgent need to boost agricultural productivity and ensure food security.
To address these challenges, the partnership will implement innovative strategies, including the establishment of experimental plots to test advanced methods for restoring soil fertility. A key component of this initiative is a digital mapping project that will enable precise fertilization using the 4R principles: right time, right source, right ratio, and right place. This technology-driven approach aims to optimize fertilizer use and improve crop yields.
The initiative will also launch new-generation agricultural service centers across Mali, serving as hubs for disseminating best practices and providing farmers with essential resources and information. Additionally, a digital platform will be developed to connect farmers with agricultural value chains, enhancing access to markets and services.
To provide on-the-ground support, a mobile school-laboratory will offer soil analysis and agronomic advice directly to farmers in the field. The partnership also recognizes the importance of youth and women in agriculture, focusing on promoting agricultural entrepreneurship through agritech. Collaborating with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, OCP Africa will offer training and support for agritech startups, fostering a new generation of agricultural innovators.
Dr. Mohamed Anouar Jamali, Managing Director of OCP Africa, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, "This initiative marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector in Mali. By leveraging innovative technologies such as soil mapping and precision fertilization, we can significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural development in the country."
OCP Africa has already demonstrated its commitment to Mali's agricultural sector by supplying 15,000 tons of fertilizer during the 2023/2024 season, with plans to increase this to 21,000 tons for the next season. The establishment of 44 experimental plots for key crops like rice and maize further showcases OCP Africa's proactive approach to enhancing agricultural practices in the region.
This partnership aligns with King Mohammed VI's vision for South-South cooperation, promoting collaboration among African nations to address common challenges. It also highlights the World Bank's strong commitment to supporting agricultural development across the continent.
As this initiative unfolds, it promises to bring about significant changes in Mali's agricultural sector, potentially serving as a model for similar partnerships across Africa. By combining innovative technologies, sustainable practices, and targeted support for farmers, this collaboration between OCP Africa and Mali's Ministry of Agriculture could pave the way for a more resilient and productive agricultural future in the region.