Photo by RET

Article by RET in Mali

SEGOU, MALI – RET is proud to have launched operations in the country in late 2022, directly supporting tens of thousands of program participants with a project that includes three pillars:

• Peaceful community relations
• Employability and income opportunities
• Food security

In collaboration with government agencies, training centers, and local civil society organizations like ALPHALOG and REFOR, this project has focused on empowering vulnerable women and youth in the Segou region through vocational training, business management as well as agricultural practices courses, and conflict mediation committees.

At 28 and 27 years old, Doussou Sanogo and Mariam Dara had no prior experience in agro-food processing. They were always curious about how certain products, like pre-cooked fonio and djouka, were made, but they never had the opportunity to learn.

“Before, I would see products like pre-cooked fonio and djouka and wonder how they were made. Today, I can produce them myself and even teach other women,” says Doussou.

Through the project, with generous support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), both women received comprehensive training at a vocational training center and through hands-on apprenticeships with an experienced artisan. They mastered the transformation of various products, including drying fruits, making juices and jams, processing cereals like fonio and millet, producing peanut paste, making sausages and dried meat, and ensuring food quality and preservation.

“We are truly grateful to the project, REFOR, RET Germany, and BMZ. Thanks to their support, we are becoming self-sufficient and can provide for our children,” says Mariam.

Their skills quickly turned into a business opportunity. At the 2024 Agricultural Fair in Ségou, they showcased their products, including pre-cooked djouka and baobab powder candies, earning 100,000 FCFA in revenue. This success enabled them to start a small business, generating a monthly profit of 20,000 FCFA, which they share to cover daily expenses.

Beyond financial independence, the project helped them integrate into a women’s support group, fostering solidarity and mutual assistance.

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