Climate-Resilient Livestock Farming in Northwestern Mali

Background

The project has enabled the mobilization, awareness, and involvement of livestock farmers in defining the animal and plant species to be preserved. An analysis has shown that integrating several agroecological practices has a more significant impact on household incomes.

In this context, VSF-Suisse aims to promote integrated agricultural and livestock systems while improving the living conditions of livestock farmers. On the ground, the goal is to improve the incomes of family farms, particularly through dairy production, the livestock-meat sector, and the benefits derived from agroecological agriculture.

Goal

The goal is to improve the livelihoods of family farms by supporting them in preserving local cattle breeds and forage species adapted to climate change.

Specific objectives are as follows:

1. Preserve and improve the productive capacities of local cattle breeds and strategic forage plant species.
2. Stabilize the productive performance of animals resulting from crossbreeding with exotic cattle breeds.
3. Improve the ecological performance of livestock farming and raise awareness among those involved about climate-compatible livestock farming, to reduce its impact on climate change, combat desertification, and curb biodiversity loss.

Approach

The goal is to combine crossbreeding exotic cattle breeds with the preservation of local zebu breeds. It meets the needs of livestock farmers who seek more productive animals. This allows them to face the challenges posed by droughts and increased heat due to climate change. The project focuses on the use of local forage, the identification of economic solutions for water management (irrigation), and access to land for all.

In this context, VSF-Suisse collaborates with local partners in the long term, promoting the transfer of skills. The project specifically strengthens the technical, organizational, and financial management capacities of local organizations.

Finally, the initiative actively supports the participation of target groups in multi-stakeholder platforms, encouraging political dialogue and advocacy, as well as promoting their involvement in decision-making processes.

Which of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals does this project work towards?

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