News
Essential support for marginalized communities in Timbuktu and Mopti
September 9, 2024Since 2022, the project "Response to the humanitarian needs of vulnerable host and displaced communities in Agriculture, WASH, and Protection in the regions of Timbuktu and Mopti, Mali" has been implemented by CECI, funded by USAID, and in partnership with the Subhaai Gumo Association (ASG). Now at the end of its second phase, the project has reached 159,362 individuals, or 22,766 households, of which 50% are women and 60% are internally displaced people. Despite a challenging security context marked by conflicts, displacements, attacks, the withdrawal of MINUSMA, and military operations, the project adapted and achieved its goals.
Notable results:
- Agriculture: The project improved agricultural production for vulnerable, displaced, and host households by distributing agricultural kits to 11,228 households and clearing irrigation canals. Trainings in agricultural techniques, market gardening, pest control, and livestock resilience strengthened local capacities. Additionally, distributing vegetable inputs and fencing 25 gardens allowed 11,228 women to generate additional income.
- Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH): To improve access to drinking water and promote good hygiene practices, trainings were conducted. WASH kits were distributed to 3,445 households, including buckets, hand-washing devices, jerrycans, bleach bottles, and soap. Moreover, 25 pastoral wells were rehabilitated, and 25 water management committees were established, with water quality analysis carried out before its provision to communities.
- Protection: To prevent gender-based violence (GBV) and raise awareness, 25 GBV committees, composed of 17 women leaders, including 7 internally displaced, were established and educated more than 8,093 women and girls, including 600 displaced. These awareness sessions led to the referral of 72 cases of GBV. Additionally, 990 men and boys were trained in positive masculinity to encourage respectful and inclusive behaviors.
Challenges and adaptation strategies
The security challenges, including the withdrawal of MINUSMA, military operations, and the reorientation or relocation of activities, made project implementation particularly complex. Furthermore, the limited presence of the state, the lack of basic social services, and difficult access to markets and services heightened the vulnerability of populations.
To overcome these obstacles, we collaborated with partners to assess humanitarian access routes, followed security directives from state authorities and INSO (International NGO Safety Organisation), relocated and reoriented activities accordingly, and engaged local actors on the ground.
Key highlights:
- The distribution of agricultural inputs allowed farmers to sow over these two years despite limited resources.
- Paid work benefited both internally displaced people and perimeter farmers by facilitating irrigation and reducing fuel consumption for motor pumps.
- Pest control training protected plots from pests.
- The distribution of concentrated animal feed enabled 2,130 herders to meet their needs for two months.
- The distribution of WASH kits ensured access to drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene, preserving the health and well-being of displaced and host communities. Good WASH practices also helped prevent waterborne diseases.
- GBV case referral committees had a significant impact by raising awareness of violence against women and fostering social bonds among them.
- A security audit was conducted in 49 villages.
The success of this project demonstrates the importance of adaptation and resilience in difficult security contexts, as well as the positive impact of local initiatives in improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations. A third phase is planned soon to extend the project to new populations.
The project was funded by USAID and supported by our partner, the Subhaai Gumo Association (ASG).
