Developing feed business with farmer groups in Farakala and Baroueli, Mali: Monitoring the use of two delivered feed processing units

Abstract

As part of the Innovation Package No. 2, "Gender-Sensitive Integrated Livestock Health Packages through Behavior Change Communication (BCC)," the initiative aims to enhance the quality, quantity, and availability of feed for small ruminants, benefiting both male and female farmers. It focuses on improving feed production efficiency, feeding strategies, and cost savings to raise investment capacity and generate additional income through affordable small-scale mechanization. Key activities include identifying suitable machinery, developing context-specific feed formulas, strengthening cooperatives, and providing knowledge on marketing and financial management.

Following a visit by the ICARDA-ILRI-CIAT team in July 2023 to explore mechanization opportunities in Mali, two animal feed production chains were co-developed and deployed at the ‘Wutango’ women farmers’ group in Sikasso and the Association of pastoral women in Barouéli. Participatory workshops in July 2024 helped establish business plans for feed production. A follow-up visit in November 2024 assessed the implementation of these plans and the utilization of the production units, carried out by Udo Rudiger from ICARDA and Idrissa Sacko from IER.