SUD II

closed

The Second Mali Sud Project seeks to build on the experience of the first Mali-Sud project and to promote integrated development in Southern Mali. To achieve this objective, the project plans to provide: (a) extension, input supply and research for cotton, maize, sorghum and cowpeas and for livestock vaccination and husbandry. There are also funds to be allocated for: (b) small-scale irrigation for rice; (c) production and grading of confectionary groundnuts; and (d) support for an agricultural credit bank, especially for farm mechanization loans. Other project components include: (e) training and equipment for cooperatives; (f) upgrading rural tracks; (g) drilling village wells; and (h) strengthening primary health. At the same time, the project intends to help the Government carry out price, tax and institutional reforms in the cotton sector, including: (a) a higher producer price for cotton; (b) smaller input subsidies; and (c) new marketing and tax arrangements to help ensure an adequate cash flow in the cotton sector.