WHAT IICEM SEEKS TO ACHIEVE
- Increasing yields in lowland fields and irrigated village perimeters through rehabilitation of small scale irrigation infrastructure
- Intensifying production by disseminating improved agricultural technologies such as better seed, adapted fertilizer and techniques that save water and fuel
- Facilitating access to finance so farmers and processors can purchase inputs, invest in equipment such as water pumps or processing machinery, and increase working capital
- Improving the trade and investment environment by supporting development of apex organizations that can achieve economies of scale and promote the interest of the small producer
- Developing business linkages between small producers, input suppliers, banks and microfinance institutions, extension agents and buyers across all value chains
- Improving village association capacity, and building their confidence to manage natural resources sustainably and preserve biodiversity
HOW IICEM IS IMPLEMENTED
IICEM starts with an understanding of the characteristics of demand in Mali’s target markets. IICEM communicates these market demands to actors across each value chain, identifies weaknesses in the chain, and develops solutions that help actors to better meet those demands and increase incomes. IICEM implements these solutions in close collaboration with Malian partners including government extension agents, producer groups, Malian banks and microfinance institutions, and in alliance with the Malian private sector.
Facilitate access to finance
IICEM has developed various tools to offer financial services such as:
- Guarantee funds
- The Strategic Activities Fund (SAF)
- The Innovation Fund (IF) for innovative agro businesses
- The promotion of female entrepreneurship through training
- With these tools, IICEM offers services tailored to the needs of financial institutions, agricultural cooperatives, and agribusinesses.
Minimizing the risks associated with climate change while increasing food security
Malians face severe natural resource challenges (drought, reduced quantities of surface water, flooding, and soil degradation) which impact food security. To help Malians adapt to these changes, IICEM promotes:
Programs that increase the cultivable area and productivity by rehabilitating and expanding irrigation and water retention infrastructure
New technologies and techniques resistant to drought and water shortage (eg: more drought-resistant seed varieties, rice production techniques that use less water and increase harvests)
Strengthening the capacity of farmer organizations in irrigation and water infrastructure management
WHO IICEM WORKS WITH
- NGOs
- Farmer Organizations
- Processors
- Exporters
- Financial institutions
- Public and private sectors
- Civil society groups
- Transporters
WHERE IICEM OPERATES
- Koulikoro
- Bamako
- Sikasso
- Kayes
- Segou
- Mopti
- Timbuktu
- Gao