Case Study 2 - Ségou, Mali

© Goulden Marisa

This case study examines an area within the Office du Niger (ODN) zone in the region of Segou, Mali. Here we look at the impacts on the population of climate variability (particularly the heavy rain and flooding in 2010) and land and water management decisions associated with the expansion of irrigation. We also examine ongoing conflict between farmers and pastoralists and how this relates to the aforementioned issues.

The ODN was created in 1932 and the irrigation water is provided by the Markala dam, constructed on the Niger River in 1943 and finished in 1947. The ODN is a commercial public establishment under the supervision of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries. It is responsible for managing and developing water and lands in the central zone of Mali around the Niger River and the inland delta. Although there are 2 800 000 ha of land demarcated in the ODN zone, only 100 000 ha of irrigated land is currently managed by the ODN. The ODN is currently expanding the area of irrigated land in the zone by attracting investment. One of these investments is the planned Markala Sugar Project. The project is due to start in 2012 with 14,000 hectares of irrigated area mostly for sugarcane, with 5600 hectares of the 14,000 for ‘local production’ of crops. The project will require the relocation of some communities and change in use of the lands that are currently used by the population for rainfed agriculture and grazing. Our case study focused on one area affected by the Markala Sugar Project. 

In addition to the increase in irrigated land area, rainfed agriculture has been expanding and there are ongoing conflicts over land and water between farmers and pastoralists. Insufficient rains and damage to crops and property from heavy rain and floods also cause problems to the population in this region.