Near East Foundation Launches Two Initiatives in Mali

Eastern Mali is the frontline of combating climate change.  Global Impact charity Near East Foundation works there with rural villagers to adapt to decreasing rain and river flow and rising temperatures and desert sands, relying on international support, government partnership and local ingenuity.  The International Union for Conservation of Nature contracted with NEF Mali last month to strengthen the capacity of local agricultural producers' organizations to manage natural resources in Kelka, located in the Mopti region. 

The Malian Ministry of Agriculture this month has enlisted NEF to support 17 rural communes to develop their official local development plans.  NEF uses a participatory approach to integrate community voice into all planning projects and helps local governments recognize how climate changes will impact their development efforts.  Yacouba Deme, who has led NEF Mali since 1991, said that "our team is the vital link between the people, the government and the international community in the fight for Malian's survival."