Implementing Agency:
Department For International Development (PAND)

Managing Institute:
SOS Sahel International

Contractor:
SOS Sahel International UK

Project Code: 038-680-004	Start Date: 01/04/1991	End Date: 31/03/1996
Commitment: £472,008	Status: Completed	Type of Funding: Bilateral - JFS

Project Background:
The project area is situated in Mopti Region in the Cercle of Bankass, and will, initially (1991-95), cover 25 of the 108 villages in the two arrondissements of Bankass and Diallassagou. This area is characterised by low rainfall, decreasing agricultural productivity and increasing desertification. Life is precarious due to food insecurity, ill health, minimal infrastruture and isolation. Yet the population of mainly Dogon and Peulh have great expertise in traditional farming systems and are tenacious in their desire to remain in the area.

The project will strike a balance between meeting the most urgent basic needs of the population and the longer-term inputs that are necessary to improve agricultural productivity and the environment in general. These activities include digging new wells and improving existing wells; working with local authorities to improve health care and levels of literacy; providing credit for entrepreneurial and agricultural activities improving the effectiveness of soil and water conservation, and tree production and management of exsting forests. The project will support both communal and individual initiatives by the local population - men and women.

In order to be as responsive as possible to the population's needs, the project will work gradually on a village by village basis, starting with four, and spreading to 25 villages by the end of the first phase.

Project Objectives:
To address the immediate short term needs of the people, in order to reduce the daily hardships and uncertainties and also to gain early support from the population. To implement a longer term programme of measures designed to improve food production and the overall economic situation.

Intended Outputs:
Digging of new wells.

Improving existing wells/deepening existing water holes.

Soil and water conservation measures.

Small livestock and petty commerce credit for women.

Credit for animal drawn carts.

Improved stoves programme.

Literacy and numeracy training.

Control of pests and diseases.

Credit for agricultural inputs.

Basic health and nutrition extension.