Mangoes for sale in Mali © Dan Gerber

Agriculture is the basis of the Malian economy with over 70% of the working population employed in agriculture and contributing 40% of the GDP. The majority are subsistence farmers (growing millet, rice, sorghum and corn) or, for nomadic populations, herders (tending cattle, goats and sheep). Commercial crops include cotton, peanuts, sugar, tobacco and vegetables. With most crops and animals dependent on rain, drought and/or locusts can greatly impact production and bring suffering as occurred in 2004-2005. However, preliminary estimates by the government for the 2007-2008 agricultural campaign indicate a 11% larger cereal crop than the preceding 5 year average. The government is also now backing public-private-partnerships to develop home-grown agricultural research efforts to address Mali's needs.

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