The Malian Government is set to invest 333.3 billion CFA francs (approximately $573.4 million) in irrigation development over the next decade as part of the second phase of the National Local Irrigation Program (PNIP).
From 2025 to 2034, the new phase aims to significantly accelerate the country’s efforts to harness its vast irrigation potential, with funding to be sourced from the state, private agricultural enterprises, beneficiary communities, and international technical and financial partners.
Although specific project targets have yet to be detailed, officials indicate that the initiative will build upon the foundation laid during the first phase of the PNIP, launched in 2012. To date, only 66,031 hectares, or 52.4 per cent of the originally targeted 126,000 hectares, have been developed for irrigation.
The irrigation projects planned under the PPP relate to the development of lowlands, controlled flooding along large watercourses, the development of small irrigated areas and areas for growing commercial orchards in small villages, the construction of small dams, the creation of farming systems after the flood subsidence in lakes and ponds in lake areas, as well as the construction of water-retaining structures in wadis and oases throughout the territory.
Mali’s irrigation potential remains vastly underutilised. Despite having 2.2 million hectares of arable land suitable for irrigation, 1.8 million of which lie in the fertile Niger River Valley, only 380,000 hectares were equipped with irrigation systems as of 2022,” according to FAO data.
The new investment plans are crucial for boosting food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and strengthening rural economies amid growing climate challenges. The PNIP is a central part of Mali’s long-term strategy to modernise its farm sector and reduce dependence on rain-fed farming.
