Bamako, Mali | June 2026－Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Mali participated in the 27th edition of the Environment Fortnight, a major national platform dedicated to climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development. Held from 5 to 17 June 2026, the event brought together the observance of World Environment Day and the International Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

The event convened government institutions, 14 Ministers led by the Minister of Economy and Finance representing the Prime Minister, representatives of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), development partners, civil society organizations, research institutions, and other environmental stakeholders. Organized under themes: “The Climate Crisis and Solutions for a Sustainable Future” and “Desertification”, the event highlighted the urgent need to strengthen climate resilience, restore degraded ecosystems, and promote sustainable natural resource management across Mali and the wider Sahel region.

SAA Mali’s participation provided an opportunity to strengthen our partnership with the Agency for Sustainable Environmental Development (AEDD), the National Delegated Authority (NDA) for Green Climate Fund (GCF) endorsing all GCF proposals and to showcase practical agricultural solutions that support climate adaptation, soil restoration, and sustainable food production, while strengthening engagement with national and regional stakeholders working on environmental sustainability and resilient development.

Showcasing Practical Solutions for Climate Resilience

As part of the event, SAA Mali hosted an interactive technical stand dedicated showcasing innovations designed to strengthen soil health, increase agricultural productivity, and enhance farmers’ resilience to climate change. Visitors engaged with demonstrations on fertilizer microdosing, soil pH analysis, comparisons between degraded and healthy soils, water infiltration under covered and bare soil conditions, adapted agricultural tools, and QR-code learning materials.

These practical tools illustrated how sustainable agricultural practices can contribute to environmental restoration while improving rural livelihoods.

The stand attracted strong interest from participants and policymakers, including a visit by the Minister of Environment, Sanitation and Sustainable Development, Ms. Doumbia Mariam Tangara, who was briefed on SAA’s effort to promote sustainable agriculture, soil restoration, climate resilience, and resilient food systems in Mali.

Visit of the Minister, Ms. Doumbia Mariam Tangara to the SAA stand.

During the exhibition, SAA Mali Country Director Mr. Baou Diane highlighted the organization’s contribution to sustainable agricultural transformation through farmer capacity building, extension services, cereal and seed fairs, regenerative agriculture, and climate-smart farming approaches. He emphasized the importance of farmer-centered innovation in building resilient agrifood systems capable of addressing climate and food security challenges.

Sharing Knowledge and Building Capacity

In addition to the exhibition, SAA Mali contributed to the technical program through a flash training session on sustainable soil management. The training highlighted practical techniques for preserving soil fertility, improving soil structure, and maintaining long-term agricultural productivity in the face of increasing environmental pressures.

SAA also participated in a high-level panel discussion on climate-smart agriculture and farm resilience, alongside Tree Aid, an international NGO that has been supporting rural communities in Mali since 1993 through initiatives aimed at combating desertification and promoting sustainable livelihoods.

Panel discussion with SAA and Tree Aid.

Moderated by Mr. Amadou Tangara of Tree Aid and Mr. Moussa Kanouté of SAA, the discussion explored practical strategies for restoring degraded lands, strengthening farmers’ adaptive capacity, and promoting sustainable agricultural systems capable of withstanding climate-related shocks. Strengthening partnerships for sustainable agrifood systems emerged as a central theme throughout the exchange.

Strengthening partnerships for sustainable agrifood systems

Throughout the event, stakeholders emphasized the importance of collaboration among government institutions, development partners, research organizations, civil society, and farming communities in addressing environmental challenges and accelerating the adoption of sustainable agricultural innovations.

Discussions highlighted the value of combining scientific knowledge, local experience, and practical technologies to support more productive, climate-resilient, and environmentally sustainable farming systems across Mali.

Through its participation in Environment Fortnight 2026, SAA Mali reaffirmed its commitment to promoting regenerative and climate-smart agriculture, restoring soil health, and strengthening resilient agrifood systems.

The event also provided an important opportunity to showcase practical innovations, engage strategic partners, and contribute to national dialogue on climate resilience, sustainable land management, and food security.