Molodo is a village and seat of the commune of Kala Siguida in the Ségou Region of southern-central Mali. The Loudjouraton group of Molodo is a Farmer Organization (FO) of persons with special needs. The organization was established in 2015 by 11 members, and had grown to 32 in 2017; including four women and six children. The group produces rice, onions and shallots. The members work under the supervision of SAFE, the Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education, with whom the FO has been able to acquire a rich cultivator and a rice huller, with a capacity of 36 bags of 100 kg per hour. Between 2015 and 2017, the total area sown by the group increased from 20 to 100 hectares. Yields have also increased from 4 to 6 tons per hectare. As a result of increased yields and efficiency, the FO members are able to fully repay the credit obtained for inputs input, and they are also able to make money for savings by providing tiller and sheller services. In addition,their sales revenue allows members to access micro credit on the basis of trust.

The FO is chaired by Mr. Fily Diarra. He said: “Our members benefited greatly from SAFE’s training sessions: training in good agronomic practices of rice growing, as well as fishery and enterprise management, among others. Because not all our local dishes are rich in vitamins, we have also been given training in how to prepare nutrient rich foods. In general, SAFE has provided us with all the important tools. Finally, in addition to taking leadership sessions, we are now members of the Apex Organization in the Ségou region and at the national level, as well as the national network of farmers with special needs supported by SAFE. The Sasakawa Fund for Extension Education has provided us with a rice and multicrop decorticator, and we hope one day to be able to acquire a storage warehouse. The Loudjouraton group of Molodo is grateful to SAFE ; we are productive!”