The Malian government has taken a significant step towards stabilizing and securing the country's livestock with the launch of a national strategy. The strategy, which was approved by the Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, aims to address the numerous challenges facing the livestock sector, including insecurity, climate change, and reduced pastureland. The sector plays a vital role in Mali's economy and rural life.
The livestock sector in Mali is facing significant challenges, including insecurity, climate change, and reduced pastureland. The country's herders are also struggling with conflicts over access to water and land, as well as the spread of transboundary diseases. To address these challenges, the government has developed a national strategy that aims to stabilize and secure the country's livestock by 2034. The strategy was presented by the Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Youba Ba, at the first session of the National Steering Committee.
The national strategy was developed in several stages, including a workshop held in Sélingué from June 9 to 15, 2024. The document was validated and approved by Decree No. 2025-0435/PT-RM on July 3, 2025. The institutional framework for the strategy's implementation was established by Decree No. 2026-0260/PT-RM on May 5, 2026. The strategy's goal is to contribute to the stabilization and security of livestock in Mali, with the aim of increasing the sector's contribution to the country's GDP and employment.
The implementation of the strategy requires significant financial resources, with a planned budget of 8 billion FCFA for the 2025-2029 period. The government has already made progress in implementing the strategy, including the development of a pastoral perimeter in Yanfolila in 2025. Another project is planned for Kangaba, although it was delayed due to site-related issues. The Minister of Livestock and Fisheries has announced that the government has obtained a title deed for 200 hectares of land, which will enable the project to move forward.
The Minister of Livestock and Fisheries, Youba Ba, has emphasized the need for partnership and resource mobilization to implement the strategy. He noted that public resources alone will not be sufficient to achieve the strategy's objectives and that the government needs to work with technical and financial partners to support its implementation. The strategy is aligned with Mali's Agenda 2063 and the National Strategy for Emergence and Sustainable Development (SNEDD) 2024-2033.
The first session of the National Steering Committee examined the state of implementation of the strategy, the constraints encountered, and the prospects. The committee's recommendations will help improve the execution of the action plan and identify new sources of funding. The strategy provides a framework for dialogue between the government, technical services, producers, and professional organizations.
The launch of the national strategy to stabilize and secure livestock in Mali is a significant step towards addressing the challenges facing the sector. The strategy's success will depend on the government's ability to mobilize resources and work with partners to implement its objectives. With the right support, the strategy could help improve the livelihoods of Mali's rural communities and increase the country's livestock production.
Key points
- The Malian government has launched a national strategy to stabilize and secure the country's livestock, with a goal of achieving optimal production by 2034.
- The strategy aims to address the numerous challenges facing the livestock sector, including insecurity, climate change, and reduced pastureland.
- The implementation of the strategy requires significant financial resources, with a planned budget of 8 billion FCFA for the 2025-2029 period.
