In the Dacoumani zone of Mali, declining soil fertility has become a growing challenge for millet farmers, reducing productivity and increasing dependence on costly mineral fertilizers. To help farmers identify sustainable solutions, Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) Mali conducted field demonstrations showcasing compost enriched with Tilemsi Natural Phosphate (PNT) as a practical approach to improving soil fertility and crop performance.

Rather than focus only on inputs, the demonstrations encouraged farmers to observe crop development throughout the growing season across three villages. Farmers compared different soil fertility treatments and closely monitored crop vigor, grain formation, biomass production, and overall field performance. 

Des producteurs présentant fièrement leur compost organique fait maison.

Throughout the season, producers observed clear differences between plots. Many farmers noted that millet grown with PNT-enriched compost significantly improved plant growth and grain filling compared with traditional practices. One farmer, Kalifa Kolon,  explained that the treated plots showed stronger root development and greater tolerance to dry conditions, which is critical in their local context.

At harvest, farmers also reported improvements in grain quality and seed weight in PNT-enriched plots, reinforcing confidence in soil restoration practices. According to the results observed in Kalifa Kolon’s field, the plot treated with PNT achieved a yield of approximately 1.8 t/ha, compared to 1 t/ha in the control plot. In addition, biomass production in the PNT-treated plot was about 10 t/ha, compared to 5 t/ha in the untreated plot, representing a clear improvement in overall plant performance.

Beyond productivity gains, farmers appreciated the affordability and local availability of compost-based solutions. Several participants highlighted that using compost reduces dependence on expensive chemical fertilizers and restores soil fertility over time. Across the demonstration sites, farmers increasingly recognized compost as a fertility input and long-term investment in soil health.

Des producteurs dans un champ de maïs montrant une amélioration de la qualité du sol à Dacoumani.

The trials helped farmers understand that improving soil fertility requires a combination of practices rather than a single input. This learning is now influencing how they prepare fields for the next season.

By linking scientific experimentation with farmers’ observations, this initiative demonstrates that sustainable soil management practices, such as compost enriched with Tilemsi Natural Phosphate, can contribute to higher millet yields, reduced input costs, and improved resilience of farming systems in Dacoumani.