Netafim and Vegtech Netafim: Growing in Mali
Mali is a large, vibrant country in West Africa with a thriving private sector and massive agricultural potential. Netafim has operated in Mali for over a decade, and Vegtech Netafim completed our first greenhouse project in the country in 2016. Here’s a look at the agricultural landscape and how greenhouse projects have the potential to make a real difference to farmers, communities, and the economy.
Farming and food security
Mali’s agricultural landscape is diverse. The area north of the capital, Bamako, is mostly desert with low rainfall, while the south is subtropical with much higher rainfall. Although the country continues to face food security challenges, it’s in a better position than several of its neighbours, says Netafim irrigation specialist Frédéric Dollon. And the main factors affecting food security in the area? According to Dollon, it comes down to climate and civil conflict.
All about the weather
Most of Mali’s staple foods (cereals and rice) are grown during its rainy season, from July to November. Rice, the main staple crop is also cultivated during the dry to cold period in big irrigated scheme areas in the North along the Niger river (Office du Niger). Most Farmers are at the mercy of the weather and climate change: if the rains are late, there may be late sowing or lost seedlings – and this can be catastrophic, stresses Dollon. Late or end-of-season rains can also cause flooding and lost harvests. In the dry season, from November to June, farmers grow vegetables like onions, potatoes, and tomatoes in irrigated fields. But these crops are not as important to food security as those grown in the rainy season and the dry to cold period in Office du Niger.
Then there’s the war
Unfortunately, the country has been in the grips of ongoing armed civil conflict since 2012, which has significantly affected agriculture in the north. “Sporadic episodes of insecurity continue to impact food production in the area,” says Dollon. “I’ve even heard of farmers in some villages being unable to harvest because of conflict.” As a result of the war, he’s been unable to work on any projects in the north for several years.
Greenhouses: the solution to a climate challenge?
The protected greenhouse environment allows farmers to grow crops throughout the year. But Mali’s hottest period, from March to June, is where greenhouse cultivation really comes into its own, says Dollon. “High temperatures and crop diseases enhanced by increasing humidity make open field growing a challenge, so you don’t really see locally produced tomatoes, peppers and other vegetables in the markets at this time.” This presents a tremendous opportunity for farmers willing to invest in greenhouse technology. “Greenhouse growing not only allows farmers to meet the high demand for fresh vegetables and boost their profits,” says Dollon, “it also ensures that Malians have ongoing access to fresh produce.”
Growing relationships
Netafim has spent years putting down roots and growing the greenhouse and irrigation markets in Mali. “We’ve spent more than a decade building networks and relationships with local farmers and investors,” he says, “and thanks to our high quality, durable products and successful projects, we have a good reputation in the market.” According to Dollon, Malians also appreciate Netafim and Vegtech Netafim’s collaborative approach, knowledge sharing, and ongoing support. “We follow our projects for many years and that makes a big difference to the farmers.”
The dynamic private sector is also well-informed and keen to invest in advanced agricultural ventures. We’d like to highlight our journeys with two such pioneering clients.
Amadou Sidibe (Sidibe Agrotechnique)
Netafim first started working with this client on a medium-scale drip irrigation project in 2008. From there, he invested in his first greenhouse in 2012 – a 500 m2 Netafim Family greenhosue Kit. This project was so successful that Netafim went on to install a larger 0.5 ha Classic Fixed Vent greenhouse for him in 2013. And in 2016, Vegtech Netafim designed and installed a 1 ha high-tech greenhouse for soilless cultivation, with recycling and UV filtration.
Ecoferme
This client was very happy with his initial drip irrigation project with Netafim and has now invested in a greenhouse project. Vegtech Netafim is currently installing a 0.5 ha naturally ventilated greenhouse on his farm, 75 km from Bamako. This exciting project will allow him to cultivate trellised vegetables in a soilless medium. And the high-tech solution we’ve designed includes screen and high-pressure fogging and an advanced Netafim irrigation and climate control system.
Growing the future
The benefits of greenhouses for Mali’s farmers and local communities are clear. But this industry also has the potential to make a real difference to skills development and employment in agriculture. Greenhouse growing requires skills in high-tech farming methods and dedicated harvesters. And according to Dollon, while the effects of this knowledge development and employment may not be that visible yet, they’ll have a real and important impact in the future.
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