Harnessing climate resilient agriculture in Mali

In the semi-arid region of Tominian, Mali, where climate change exacerbates food insecurity, poor soils, and environmental degradation, local farmers are facing increasingly difficult challenges. Amidst these obstacles, one farmer’s innovation is standing out. Idrissa Diarra, once ridiculed by his community as ’Sadian’s crazy grass farmer’, has pioneered a sustainable forage production system that is transforming his livelihood - and those of many others - while addressing the environmental challenges caused by overgrazing and soil degradation.

Idrissa’s journey is not just a personal success story. It represents a powerful example of how climate-resilient agriculture, supported by targeted development programmes like Pro-ARIDES, can provide a lifeline for rural communities facing the harsh realities of climate change.

Climate change in rural Mali

In Mali, the impacts of climate change are becoming more severe each year. According to the World Bank, rising temperatures, erratic rainfall, and prolonged dry seasons are putting immense pressure on rural communities, particularly in the Sahel region. For farmers in Tominian, these environmental challenges are compounded by soil degradation, overgrazing, and frequent bushfires, which make traditional agricultural practices increasingly unsustainable. As a result, many agro-pastoralists like Idrissa Diarra have faced annual food shortages, with harvests covering only seven months of their household’s needs.

In response to these growing challenges, Idrissa began experimenting with forage production - a practice that was unconventional in his village, where fields were traditionally reserved for staple crops. His goal was to improve the quality of livestock feed and increase the value of his animals, thereby enhancing his income. But his idea was met with scepticism and even ridicule, as many believed the poor soils and unpredictable rainfall would not support forage production. Idrissa’s persistence, however, would soon prove them wrong.

Innovation meets climate resilience

In 2021, Idrissa’s efforts caught the attention of Pro-ARIDES, a programme designed to support agro-pastoralists across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Implemented by a consortium of development partners, Pro-ARIDES focuses on strengthening the climate-resilience agricultural practices of rural communities in the Sahel. The programme identified forage production as a key solution to address both the economic and environmental challenges facing farmers like Idrissa.

Through Pro-ARIDES, Idrissa and 30 other farmers from his village received training in sustainable forage production. They were introduced to Brachiaria, a drought-tolerant, nutrient-rich forage species that is better adapted to the region’s challenging climate. Agro-pastoral field schools were established as demonstration sites, where farmers could learn techniques such as seed selection, efficient ploughing, and sustainable harvesting methods.

By the 2022 rainy season, Idrissa planted a 0.25-hectare plot with the improved Brachiaria seeds provided by Pro-ARIDES. The results were transformative. His yield was four times greater than it was using traditional methods, producing 500 bales of hay - enough to sustain his livestock throughout the dry season. This not only improved the health of his animals but also significantly increased their market value.

Economic impact and community transformation

The economic benefits of forage production were immediate and substantial. Before adopting the new forage techniques, Idrissa could sell a goat for 30,000 CFA and a sheep for 75,000 CFA. With healthier livestock, his animals now fetch 65,000 CFA per goat and 150,000 CFA per sheep. His overall income rose from 350,000 CFA to over 1 million CFA, allowing him to cover essential family expenses.

Idrissa’s success has had a ripple effect throughout his community. Once mocked as a ’crazy grass farmer’, he is now regarded as a model of innovation and resilience. The local griots even sing his praises, calling him Yaro sèbè - ‘the committed champion.’ His transformation from outsider to leader has inspired other farmers to follow his example, with 21 villagers adopting Brachiaria production by 2023, and 32 more expected to join in the current season.

Idrissa's story underscores the vital role of climate-resilient agriculture in addressing not only food insecurity but also the economic challenges faced by rural communities. By integrating sustainable forage production into existing farming systems, agro-pastoralists like Idrissa are not only improving their livelihoods but also contributing to broader climate resilience efforts.

Broader implications

Forage production offers a critical solution to some of the most pressing environmental challenges in the Sahel. Overgrazing, a major driver of land degradation in Mali, is exacerbated by shrinking grazing lands and increasingly erratic weather patterns. By cultivating forage crops, farmers can reduce pressure on communal grazing lands, helping to prevent land erosion and preserve biodiversity.

Idrissa’s success also highlights the scalability of climate-resilient agricultural practices. As climate change continues to pose a threat to food security and rural livelihoods, the lessons learned from Pro-ARIDES can be applied across other climate-vulnerable regions. The programme’s focus on sustainable, adaptable solutions makes it a model for building resilience in regions that face similar challenges, from the drylands of sub-Saharan Africa to parts of South Asia.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), sustainable land management practices like forage production can increase land productivity by 50% in degraded areas, while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For rural communities like Idrissa’s, these practices provide a pathway to economic empowerment while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

Scaling climate-resilient solutions

Idrissa Diarra’s journey illustrates the transformative power of climate-resilient agriculture. His success demonstrates that with the right support and resources, even the most climate-challenged regions can adopt innovative practices that not only improve livelihoods but also contribute to climate resilience.

For development practitioners, policymakers, and donors, Idrissa’s story is a reminder of the importance of investing in local solutions that empower farmers to lead the fight against climate change. With continued support, these grassroots innovations can drive lasting change, helping communities build a more equitable and sustainable future.