AES: Bamako soon to be at the heart of Sahelian food sovereignty
On 18, 19 and 20 September, the Malian capital will host a major forum dedicated to agricultural development in the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). This high-level meeting will bring together experts, decision-makers and agricultural producers to discuss solutions capable of transforming the agricultural sector in a sustainable manner.
The event is intended to be a space for exchange and sharing of experiences between professionals in the field from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The stated objective is to identify joint actions and build a concerted strategy to make the most of the immense agricultural potential of the AES area.
Indeed, the Sahel region has around 44 million hectares of land suitable for agriculture and livestock farming. However, only 7 million hectares, or 16%, are currently being used.
This paradox illustrates the scale of the challenge, but also the immense opportunities available to the countries of the confederation to achieve food self-sufficiency.
Through this forum, the authorities want to create a new dynamic where cooperation and pooling of efforts will increase productivity, strengthen farmers’ resilience and consolidate the foundations for true food sovereignty.
It is also a way of offering concrete responses to the social and economic challenges facing rural populations.
This forum therefore promises to be a decisive moment in building strategic autonomy based on our own resources and strengths.
Neil CAMARA
