OCP Africa partners Mali to bolster sustainable agricultural practices, soil health management

MALI – OCP Africa, a subsidiary of Morocco’s OCP Group,  has signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Mali’s Ministry of Agriculture in an initiative to reshape Mali’s agricultural landscape.

This partnership, supported by the World Bank, seeks to boost the country’s agricultural productivity through sustainable practices and advanced soil health management, ultimately benefiting Mali’s vast network of smallholder farmers.

This collaboration reflects a commitment to strengthening agricultural resilience in Mali, where agriculture contributes nearly 33% to the nation’s GDP.

Speaking on the strategic importance of this partnership, Dr. Mohamed Anouar Jamali, OCP Africa’s Managing Director, highlighted that the initiative can significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural development by leveraging innovative technologies such as soil mapping and precision fertilization.

This initiative marks a pivotal moment in our efforts to revitalize the agricultural sector in Mali.”

Over half of Mali’s 1.24 million square kilometers are affected by arid conditions, and only 4% of the land is currently under cultivation. The country must overcome natural and infrastructural hurdles to secure its food supply.

OCP Africa’s new partnership aims to address these issues head-on, with a suite of innovative strategies designed to restore soil fertility and optimize resource use.

Key components of the initiative include establishing experimental plots to test advanced agricultural methods and a digital mapping program focused on precision fertilization.

This program adheres to the 4R principles—right time, right source, right ratio, and right place—ensuring that fertilizers are used effectively, minimizing waste, and maximizing crop yields.

Beyond experimental plots, the partnership will establish next-generation agricultural service centers across Mali.

These centers will act as hubs where farmers can access crucial resources and knowledge about sustainable practices. The centers will also provide training and market insights to help farmers integrate more effectively into agricultural value chains.

A digital platform will be developed to enhance farmers’ access to information, connecting them with markets and services and further empowering Mali’s agricultural community.

Additionally, a mobile school-laboratory will offer on-the-ground soil analysis and agronomic advice, ensuring farmers receive timely, accurate, and practical guidance.

The program will foster agritech startups by providing training and financial backing. In collaboration with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, this effort aims to build a vibrant ecosystem of agricultural businesses bolstered by venture capital, ultimately creating jobs and driving innovation in the sector.

OCP Africa’s support for Mali’s agricultural sector is not new. During the 2023/2024 season, the company supplied 15,000 tons of fertilizer, with plans to increase this to 21,000 tons in the next growing season.

Additionally, 44 experimental plots for key crops such as rice and maize have been established, showcasing OCP Africa’s proactive approach to enhancing agricultural practices.

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