Mali

FY 2001 Program Description and Activity Data Sheets

>> Regional Overview >> Mali Overview

FY 2001 Program Mali has made impressive progress in education and health, in economic growth, and in democratic governance. Building on this progress, USAID/Mali's activities under the Country Strategic Plan for the period 1996-2002 support efforts that: (1) improve access, demand for and quality of services to help youth become more productive citizens; (2) increase economic growth through investment in major economic subsectors; and (3) help community organizations work with government to enhance the quality of life in Mali. USAID's crosscutting information and communication activity is improving access to and use of development information, greatly increasing the impact of USAID/Mali's activities. The Development in the North activity extends governance and development activities into the extremely challenging areas in northern Mali, supporting a more complete integration of northern ethnic groups into Mali's political, economic and social structures. During 1999, estimates show that USAID met or exceeded the performance targets set in the USAID performance measurement plan for each of its activities and is currently on track to reach the goals laid out in Mali's Country Strategic Plan. USAID's assistance expands and improves community health services, improves family planning practices, and enhances greater access to health facilities. Programs in child survival and reproductive health are contributing to reductions in child mortality and decreases in the population growth rate. Mali's ten-year National Health Plan for improved health programs has now been operating for one year, with notable progress. As the major donor in family planning, USAID has had a direct impact in this important sector. Positive progress in family planning methods is confirmed by the 24% increase of couple years of protection (CYP), up from 153,453 CYP in 1998 to 190,543 CYP in 1999. All of USAID's activities support human capacity development. Along with other donors, USAID is working within the framework of Mali's new ten-year Education Development Plan (1998-2007). USAID's efforts to establish community-managed and community-financed primary schools contribute significantly to increasing Mali's primary school enrollment. USAID's efforts have brought radio coverage to people in Mali who have never had access to regular sources of information. Additionally, USAID-sponsored Internet expansion and training efforts are bringing a wealth of information to thousands of Malian decision-makers. Currently, 2,800 subscribers are using the Internet and 148 private radio stations are broadcasting. USAID's sustainable economic growth activities address the obstacles, such as limited access to the latest technology and market information, that are faced by entrepreneurs as they attempt to increase the value added of production, processing and marketing in Mali's most important economic subsectors, including livestock and cereals. Although Mali's overall economic growth for 1999 is expected to increase by 5%, USAID-supported subsectors are estimated to be growing in excess of the 5% growth per annum target. Mali's growing population continues to increase negative environmental pressures. USAID is working with Malian communities in the agricultural sector to become more efficient producers and to increase farmer incomes through agricultural best practices and better management of their natural resources. The expansion of USAID's support to integrated pest management activities and to promotion of better management of forests and other natural resources by local communities has had positive results. Adoption of improved agricultural practices grew to over 50% by the end of 1999 in the targeted areas supported by USAID. In 1999, free and fair nationwide communal elections were held for the first time. USAID supported both pre-election and post election activities. Participation in Mali's electoral process was both reasonable and peaceful. The democratic governance activity supports efforts that strengthen the capacity of local Malian organizations to operate effectively for the benefit of their members and to advocate for improved policies and infrastructure. Over 1,000 community organizations were assisted in 1999. Drawing from USAID's post elections training, newly elected local leaders are assuming greater decision-making responsibilities in partnership with Malian citizens, community associations and civic action groups. The Development in the North activity is working towards brining northern Mali into economic and social parity with Mali's southern regions. In response to high-risk food security situations frequently found in areas of northern Mali, the P.L. 480 program supports USAID activities that increase food security in the communities located in the Goundam area of Timbuktu, in northern Mali. These food security activities enhance potable water sources, irrigated vegetable production, food storage, marketing, nutritional education and micro-enterprise development. [an error occurred while processing this directive] ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Mali TITLE AND NUMBER: Improve Social and Economic Behaviors Among Youth, 688-001 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $4,117,000 (DA), $12,178,000 (CSD), $3,432,000 (P.L. 480) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $6,900,000 (DFA), $12,278,000 (CSD), $1,080,000 (P.L. 480) STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2002 Summary: The purpose of the youth activity is to improve social and economic behaviors among youth under the age of 25 years and to offer young Malians a clear stake in a stable, progressive Mali by helping them become productive citizens. This is accomplished through improving national and community interventions in the areas of basic education, child survival, reproductive health, environmental education and life skills development. The youth activity seeks two major results: (1) healthier young women and men making responsible decisions about child survival and reproductive health, and (2) better educated young women and men with skills relevant to Mali's market economy. These two results focus on increasing access to, and demand for, social services, including improvement of quality and capacity of health and primary education facilities to provide these services on a sustainable basis. USAID's child survival and diseases funds will support interventions that expand and improve training of health staff; establish norms and procedures for child survival and reproductive health; decrease malnutrition in children through policy reform programs; and improve the Government of the Republic of Mali's (GRM) supervision of health services delivery. USAID's development assistance funds will support efforts to integrate life skills development programs into school curricula; to develop community-managed schools; to improve the GRM's management of essential school supplies and contraceptives; to promote school health education programs; and to improve the GRM's supervision of education. Beneficiaries include youth under 25 years living in selected geographic areas. The youth activity will have major impacts on over six million people. Key Results: The youth activity is on track. Most targets are being met and some are being exceeded. Three key results are: 1) access to child survival services in targeted areas increased to 14%; 2) primary school gross enrollment for all students rose to 53%, surpassing the performance target of 49.5%; and 3) couple years of protection (CYP) increased 24% in 1999 to 190,543 CYP, well above the 1999 performance target of 170,000 CYP. Performance and Prospects: Using child survival and diseases (CSD) funds, USAID supports private voluntary organization (PVO) partners that enhance community establishment and maintenance of basic health centers. USAID's PVO partners are focusing increasingly on village-based and mobile outreach efforts. Through standardization of norms and procedures on the integrated management of childhood illnesses, USAID's PVO partners are improving the provision of Mali's health services. At the regional level, the capacity of Mali's health care providers has improved through activities that enhanced training design, implementation, supervision and management of health services. Using development assistance (DA) funds, USAID's PVO partners had another successful year in their efforts to improve Mali's basic education. Through USAID's support, the number of community schools increased in 1999 by 266 to a new total of 1,434. These additional schools increased community school enrollment by 26,872 students to a new total of 95,125 students, of whom 43% were girls. USAID's PVO partners continued to strengthen the capacity of communities to manage these schools through on-going training and supervision activities, often with assistance from USAID. Environmental education workbooks were also prepared and distributed to primary teachers to enhance integration of environmental issues into primary school lesson plans. In 1999, two other commitments in education were made. The first was the selection of John Snow Incorporated as the new consolidated technical assistance contractor. The second was the approval of the "Strategies for Advancing Girls' Education" (SAGE) activity. The SAGE activity prepared a life skills manual of 100 topics to be tested and used in Mali's primary schools. To improve the enabling environment for girls' education in Mali, SAGE trained female members of school management committees. Direct support by the SAGE to the Ministry for Basic Education increased school construction and repair, teacher training, pedagogical reform, girls' education, data collection and evaluation, and administrative support. The proliferation of peer education programs offers increased emphasis on promotion of reproductive health services, including participation by vulnerable groups such as adolescents and young adults, ages 10 to 24 years. In 1999, our implementing partners trained several hundred peer educators. Subsequently, thousands of adolescents benefited from reproductive health information and products. USAID's implementing partners are seeing positive results from their strategies that better target these adolescent groups. The need for improved contraceptives availability through both public and private outlets, social marketing agents, and an expanding network of peer educators has resulted in an agreement with the Ministry of Health on a new approach. This will result in the selection of a new private sector distributor for direct provision of contraceptives to both public and private sector distributors and the exploration of further cost recovery options. Such changes will improve direct delivery of contraceptives to targeted populations. USAID's dialogue with the Ministry of Health on the possibility of increasing contraceptive prices paid by consumers has been unsuccessful, even though 1999 studies illustrated a public willingness to pay more if it would enhance availability and increase access to contraceptives. USAID will remain engaged in policy dialogue on community-based efforts and their integration into the Ministry of Health's package of basic health services. This includes child survival services and innovative approaches involving USAID's PVO partners that would bring greater health information and deliver better services to Malian communities. USAID will join with other donors in supporting the 2000-2001 Demographic Health Survey, with primary analysis to be completed by the end of 2000. USAID continues to support efforts to expand primary school access and to make the curricula more relevant to young Malians. This activity expects to achieve the following three results by 2002: 1) 22% and 45% access to child survival and family planning services, respectively; 2) total/girls' primary school enrollment rates of 62%/49%; and 3) 9.5% contraceptive prevalence among women of reproductive age. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None anticipated. Other Donor Programs: USAID is a major donor along with the World Bank, Canada, and UNICEF. Other donors that support education, health and child survival activities include Japan, the European Union, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Switzerland. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: USAID's development partners include AFRICARE, CARE, Center for Disease Control, Center for Development and Population Activities, Cooperative League of the USA (CLUSA), GreenCom, John Hopkins University, John Snow Incorporated, Plan International, Save the Children USA, and World Education. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1995) Actual (1998) Actual (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Increased couple years of protection (CYP) for modern methods: 118,500 153,453 190,543 195,000 220,000 Increased percentage of 7-12 years old children enrolled in primary school: 39% 50% 53% 56% 59% Percentage of population within 15 kilometers of child survival health delivery site: 6% 11% 14% 17% 20% U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Mali TITLE AND NUMBER: : Increased Value-Added of Specific Economic Sectors to National Income, 688-002 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT:$10,253,000 (DA) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $8,108,000 (DFA) STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2002 Summary: The purpose of the sustainable economic growth (SEG) activity is to increase the value-added or profits of specific economic activities in the cereals, livestock and non-traditional agricultural subsectors. This will be accomplished by increasing access to financial services and boosting Mali's competitiveness in producing, processing and marketing cereals, livestock, and non-traditional products. USAID is supporting interventions that improve private sector marketing policy, stimulate better use of technology, improve job and marketing skills, increase access to both technical and market information, and increased access by Malian entrepreneurs to credit. For cereals, USAID supports interventions that improve land tenure policy, promote investments in irrigated production, improve natural resource management practices, develop cereal-based products and promote cereal export. For livestock, USAID supports interventions that improve production through animal feed processing facilities; encourage the use of cattle by-products; improve meat, hides and skins processing and marketing; and increase commercial transport of live animals and meat for local marketing and export. USAID participates in the Africa Food Security Initiative, aimed at improving Mali's overall food supply. Increasing access to credit and business training and improving market information are fundamental to these efforts. USAID supports improvements in collecting marketing information and effective dissemination of food and agricultural marketing information. For financial services, USAID supports the development of a uniform, transparent regulatory framework, establishment of sustainable micro-finance institutions, and increased access to financial services. Mali is a targeted country for the Africa Trade and Investment Policy Program, which is promoting economic policy reforms. For non-traditional products, USAID supports interventions that improve storage and processing for certain fruits and vegetables; improve access by exporters to market information; and help develop new markets and products. USAID's private sector emphasis helps stimulate the demand needed to sustain these activities after USAID funding ends. The SEG activity has had their greatest impact in rural areas, where 80% of Mali's population lives. It is also helping to increase employment and income in urban areas, particularly by supporting micro-enterprise activities of women and artisans. Key Results: The SEG activity has met or exceeded its performance targets for this reporting period. Through USAID support, the livestock sector continues to grow with livestock exports increasing 15% over last year's target. USAID's livestock sector interventions include the continued support to privatize livestock health services, improvement of market infrastructure at key collection points throughout the country, and initiation of concerted efforts with private sector partners to combat illicit export taxes. Rice production and exports continue to grow, due largely to the expansion of private sector investments in irrigation and achieving value-added through improved processing techniques. Performance and Prospects: USAID's support to the Central Veterinary Laboratory (CVL) has increased the availability of livestock vaccines in Mali and the region and is having a significant impact on the growth of livestock production and exports. During 1999, sales of vaccines increased 68% over 1998's sales, with 32% of CVL's total production being exported. The CVL's sales expansion is a result of two factors: (1) the privatization of veterinary services and (2) the CVL's transformation from a government controlled parastatal organization to a more commercially oriented organization. With SEG activity support, over 8,000 ceramic-lined stoves were sold in 1999. Data indicate that 30% less charcoal was consumed per meal cooked, compared to use of the common metal stove. The financial advantage per household was $62 per year, yielding a monetary benefit to Malian consumers of approximately $1.3 million during the useful life of the ceramic-lined stoves. Two-thirds of these savings were retained by women and used within the household. The estimated reduction in carbon dioxide emissions due to the use of these ceramic-lined stoves was 33,500 metric tons. The SEG activity surpassed its indicator target for the volume of hides and skins processed through domestic tanneries with an increase of 628 metric tons over 1999 levels, demonstrating a steady increase over the past three years. In 1999, 468 metric tons were exported to Europe and the U.S. for a total value of $1,700,000. The SEG activity is the only donor activity currently involved in sales promotion. In 1999, the SEG activity continued to support improved agricultural market information services, covering an array of commodities (cereals, livestock and alternative commodities), involving domestic, regional and world markets. The first-ever West Africa Market Outlook Conference was held in Mali and publication of market outlook briefs and other regional market information has begun. A new market information system at both the national and local levels has been operationalized, ensuring more frequent reporting over a larger network of markets. New electronic data management and transmission systems were installed, and a training manual on marketing extension has been produced and disseminated throughout the Mali. During 1999, the SEG activity successfully organized the very first export of 35 tons of Malian mangos by sea to markets in the United Kingdom and Germany. Importers in these countries are now eager to receive more shipments and in greater quantities. More importantly, however, the process demonstrated to Malian exporters the feasibility of entering alternative markets other than France and introduced to them the importance of improved production and marketing procedures, as well as the rigors of quality control required to more effectively compete in world markets. The demonstration that Malians can transport mangoes by sea through the port in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, gives exporters a viable means to expand volume, lower overall transport costs, and avoid the persistent problems with the air freight monopoly still maintained by Air Afrique at Mali's airports. For the year, the net amount of outstanding loans (less portfolio risk) among SEG-supported microfinance institutions increased from $2.4 million to $3.4 million. The SEG activity continues to promote the growth of the microfinance sector through four current grants to nongovernmental organizations. USAID also is a prominent member on the Government of the Republic of Mali's (GRM) Consultative Group for Microfinance, the coordinating and policy-making forum for the sector. Women continue to dominate the microfinance sector and significant progress was achieved this year in instilling greater degrees of financial management discipline and operational self-sufficiency among supported groups. USAID expects to see a continuing strong performance for the SEG activity through FY 2002. A critical assumption for meeting targets is the GRM's continued strict adherence to the conditionalities of the International Monetary Fund's Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility that continue to provide a policy environment supporting increased market liberalization and private sector growth. USAID's participation on the multi-donor Cereals Marketing Restructuring Program enhances production and marketing policy dialogue at the highest levels of the GRM. USAID will also continue to lobby for improved livestock sector policies, specifically for improving Mali's competitiveness in exports to coastal countries. Additional policy efforts will promote increased private sector involvement in the development of Mali. The SEG activity supported activities will expand Mali's rice production base by 25,000 hectares over the coming three years. Rice production in 2001 is targeted to increase by nearly 100,000 metric tons. The SEG activity will expand agribusiness activities developed by SEG in the Upper Valley of the Niger to include Mali's other major production areas. Such expansion will enable the SEG activity to surpass its targets in the alternative commodity and agroprocessing sectors, with production growing at more than 5% per annum. The companion natural resources management (NRM) program will also be expanded with the further promotion of farmer investments in production practices that increase yields while decreasing degradation. By FY 2001, it is expected that over 31,500 farmers will be participating in natural resource management activities. The SEG activity will focus support over the coming years in promoting more commercially oriented microfinance programs with a better blend of social objectives. USAID will help disadvantaged groups participate in profitable and sustainable programs and adopt "best practices" in microfinance for financial products. The SEG activity will assist in installing management information systems and improving overall operational management and sustainability. The $3,390,000 in net outstanding loans substantially surpassed the FY 2001 performance target of $2,500,000. The loan target has been adjusted upward to reflect new loan expansion possibilities. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None anticipated. Other Donor Programs: France is the largest donor in agriculture and natural resources. Other major donors and international financial institutions include Germany, the Netherlands, the European Union, Denmark, the World Bank, the African Development Bank and Japan. Along with the Government of the Republic of Mali, several donors jointly manage the cereals marketing reform project, in which USAID is an active player. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID's development partners include: CARE, Chemonics, Cooperative League of the USA (CLUSA), Enterprise Works, Michigan State University, Save the Children USA, and World Education. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1996) Actual (1998) Actual (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Increased number of animals marketed: 214,500 280,465 301,000 325,000 370,000 Volume (metric tons) of cereals (rice, maize, sorghum) sold and exported in SEG targeted areas: 200,674 171,119 184,282 198,469 203,171 Farms using natural resource management technologies: 24,000 27,918 30,000 31,000 31,500 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Mali TITLE AND NUMBER: Community Organizations in Target Communes are Effective Partners in Democratic Governance, 688-003 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $3,500,000 (DA) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $5,507,000 (DFA) STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2002 Summary: The purpose of the democratic governance (DG) activity is to assist community organizations to become effective development tools in targeted local government entities, called "communes". Effective democratic governance also aims at strengthening community organizations' capacity to influence public decision-makers in the planning of development activities. USAID focuses on two major areas of intervention in Mali: (1) helping targeted community organizations to engage in democratic governance and civic action, primarily at local levels; and (2) helping to put in place an enabling environment that empowers community organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and federations to carry out civic actions and to actively participate in determining public decisions. USAID continues to encourage Mali's steps toward decentralization. USAID provides community organizations with training and technical assistance, and with limited direct support for civic action. Targeted community organizations are receiving this type of democratic governance assistance through USAID-supported private voluntary organizations. To ensure sustainability, USAID strengthens the internal democratic governance and institutional ability to undertake civic actions of local nongovernmental organizations, federations, and local community organizations. USAID is identifying, analyzing and addressing constraints in existing laws, regulations and policies affecting community organizations, larger civic action groups, and federations. USAID supports civic education campaigns on decentralization, as well as laws and policies that empower community organizations. Major beneficiaries are the people involved in community organizations at the village and the "commune" levels of local government. Key Results: 1999 represented an important milestone in the life of the democratic governance activity. Mali's first-ever local elections proceeded smoothly, in an open and transparent manner, and with a good voter turnout, paving the way for effective decentralization over the next several years. A total of 682 new communal councils, boards and mayors are now installed. In addition, GRM administrative reforms, which are taking place at the regional level, boost the decentralization process throughout the entire country. USAID's U.S. private voluntary organization (PVO) partners are working with over 1,000 community organizations in 214 communes. Democratic governance activities exceeded most of their 1999 targets and USAID-assisted community organizations consistently outperformed those community organizations not supported by USAID. Performance, measured by the percentage of target community organizations forming good partnerships with local government to deliver public services, exceeded planned levels by 26% for all target organizations (38% achieved vs. 30% planned). Women's organizations exceeded planned levels by 40% (28% achieved vs. 20% planned). Performance and Prospects: USAID's support to its U.S. PVO partners enhances training and technical assistance to community organizations to strengthen their capacity to engage in democratic self-governance and civic action. In 1999, USAID's democratic governance activity placed more attention on women's participation in political life by conceptualizing and implementing activities, such as getting out the vote radio campaigns geared toward enhancing the involvement of women in the electoral process and subsequent post electoral activities. This contributed to the highest election participation rate of women in Mali's political history. Other results are measured by the percentage of community organizations which are governed democratically as judged by a three-point index: 1) whether they use voluntary membership; 2) whether leadership is elected for a fixed term with an allowance for alternation of power; and 3) whether meetings are conducted according to the by-laws. Performance improved for both participating community organizations and women's groups. The women's groups exceeded the planned level of achievement by 15%. Although all community organizations showed an improvement over 1999, they still did not meet USAID's planned target levels. Another indicator of democratic self-governance is the "percentage of target community organizations that practice sound management within their organization". This is measured by a four-point index: 1) whether the organization is legally recognized; 2) whether there is evidence of a transparent financial management system; 3) whether the governing board is 50% literate; and 4) whether dues are collected according to the by-laws. Performance exceeded planned levels in the women's organizations by 70% (34% achieved versus 20% planned), but just missed the target for the total community organizations (19% achieved versus 20% planned). There was considerable improvement over 1998, from 5% to 19% for all community organizations and tremendous improvement among the women's organizations receiving USAID assistance, from 8% in 1998 to 34% in 1999. A final measure of democratic self-governance is the "percentage of community organizations pursuing issues with effective civic actions", as defined by a process of strategic planning and implementation. Here performance exceeded the planned target. Fifty-one percent of both the total target community organizations and the women's organizations report pursuing issues with effective civic actions. Targets were exceeded by 27% for the all community organizations (51% achieved versus 40% planned) and by 19% for the women's organizations (51% achieved versus 43% planned). While working with Malian women's organizations, USAID discovered that they tend to score higher on the internal democracy and sound management indices than groups with mixed gender membership, while tending to contact Malian government officials less frequently. When they do contact Malian government officials, women's groups are less successful at influencing decisions than the mixed gender groups. USAID will further examine the reasons for this to identify what interventions can be developed to better resolve the problem. When women exercise their rights, significant progress has been achieved. The prospects for achieving the objectives of the democratic governance activity continue to look promising. Community organizations forming good partnerships with local government in decision-making should increase to 40% by 2001. The percentage of community organizations engaged in democratic governance and civic actions is expected to increase from the present 5% to 70% by 2001. A crucial element in the ability of local community organizations to advocate at the national level is their representation by national and regional nongovernmental organizations and federations. From the current rate of 28% of targeted community organizations being represented, USAID expects an increase to 40% by 2001, leading to greater civil society influence on national policies. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None anticipated. Other Donor Programs: Other donors and international financial institutions actively involved in democratic governance activities include the United Nations Development Program, France, Germany, the European Union, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada and the World Bank. Principal Contractors, Grantees or Agencies: USAID's development partners include: CARE, Cooperative League of the USA(CLUSA), Save the Children USA, and World Education. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1997) Actual (1998) Actual (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Percentage of total target community organizations forming good partnerships with local government in services delivery: 21% 30% 38% 40% 60% Percentage of target community organizations expanding development services and activities: 38% 51% 56% 60% 65% Percentage of target community organizations having sound management practices: 5% 19% 41% 40% 60% U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Mali TITLE AND NUMBER: Improved Access to and Facilitated Use of Information, 688-004 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $1,200,000 (DA) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $1,500,000 (DFA) STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2002 Summary: The information and communication activity improves access to, and facilitates the use of, development information through the Internet and private community radio. The activity expands dissemination of existing information by: (1) promoting open, liberal policies in the information and communication sector; (2) increasing the number of Malians who obtain and use current development information; and (3) enhancing modes of communication. Access and capacity to utilize information is limited in Mali. Telecommunication systems are underdeveloped, mass media approaches have only just begun to spread throughout the country, literacy rates are low, access to official data is limited, and national libraries do not exist. Malians need rapid access to development information that is useful, well-organized, and applicable to their lives. USAID undertook a telecommunications policy analysis, which identified no significant policy barriers to access and use of development information. The Government of the Republic of Mali (GRM) encourages a liberal policy on radio broadcasting and freedom of the press. The GRM is applying a liberal communications policy that has encouraged private sector involvement in the distribution of Internet services. The activity builds on USAID's Leland Initiative efforts to bring the Internet to Mali by helping private sector entities to provide on-site Internet access and by developing users' capacity to more fully exploit the Internet's multiple resources. The Information Resources Center established at USAID also enhances access and promotes Internet use through demonstrations focused on solving development problems. Malian citizens at all levels of civil society will benefit from greater Internet access and utilization. USAID provides management training to community radio station staff and representatives of the federation of private radio stations. USAID provides selected community radio stations with spare parts and maintenance equipment. To enhance sustainability, USAID is helping community radio stations develop broadcasting programs that responds to people's needs. Environmental radio programs were developed and broadcast that addressed local environmental interests and concerns. Key Results: This activity continued to exceed the annual performance targets set for 1999. The estimated total number of Internet accounts grew to 2,800, representing a 40% increase compared to the number of existing accounts last year and is 60% greater than anticipated. The activity has now begun the process of connecting the University of Mali to the Internet, and is working with the Ministry of Communications and the Ministry of Plan to reduce customs duties on computer equipment. Rather than the planned seven partners in 1999, the number of USAID Mali partner institutions connected to the Internet with USAID's assistance expanded to 15 partners in 1999, exceeding expectations by 114%. Information dissemination capacity rapidly expanded with the 27% increase in the number of FM radio frequencies allocated to private broadcasting stations. Performance and Prospects: The need for the Information Resource Center has been reduced by the emergence of numerous private Internet kiosks and cybercafes. Nonetheless, USAID continues to provide hands-on Internet demonstrations, research assistance and short-term training. In 1999, over 250 training and demonstration sessions were conducted for partners and students. There is every indication that the Internet sector is ready for further expansion. Thirteen firms have applied for licenses to become Internet service providers. By the end of 2000, many of them will have been licensed to operate in Mali. The Information Resources Center should receive over 3,500 visitors by 2001. Also, 2000 will be the year that the nascent University of Mali becomes fully on line, with on-site Internet access for students, teachers and researchers. Also planned is selection of partner organizations (e.g. nongovernmental organizations, local associations, federations, etc.) to receive on-site Internet access and connection of selected secondary and primary schools, ensuring access in wider areas of the country. By 2001, USAID expects that there will be at least six new Internet service providers, over 4,000 Internet accounts, and full Internet access in at least 15 secondary cities in Mali. Further, at least ten local nongovernmental organizations and associations will have on-site Internet access. USAID provided five computers and designed an Internet connection for women parliamentarians of the Malian National Assembly. The information and communication activity also assisted the Ministry of Communications with the establishment of their on-site Internet access. On the policy side, the activity was instrumental in convincing the Ministry of Plan and the Ministry of Communications to recommend reduction of customs duties on computer and radio broadcasting equipment from the previous 67% tariff to a 5% tariff. The activity also played a key role in the various conferences on the privatization of the national telecommunications company to ensure that the Internet service division of that Malian company was liberalized. The private radio sector in Mali is rapidly expanding. There are currently 148 private, FM radio frequencies allocated, compared to 117 last year, an increase of 27%. The number of radio station producers, communication specialists and development professionals trained in technical, managerial and sectoral topics was 260, which exceeded expectations by 4%. In future years, the community radio sector will continue to expand, with an ever-increasing use of radio as the premiere medium for disseminating local and commune-based information. The recognition of the importance of radio-and with it the increased awareness of the value of radio messages and the need to pay for services-will result in a more self-sustainable sector, with users paying reasonable fees for broadcasting messages. By 2001, USAID expects that over 75% of Mali's population will have access to a local, community-managed private radio station. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None anticipated. Other Donor Programs: To expand Internet services, USAID is collaborating with Canada and other donors, whose efforts focus on financing telecommunications infrastructure to enhance availability nationwide. In the community radio sector, several donors joined USAID to create an inter-donor coordination committee to ensure positive synergy and to avoid duplication of services. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID's development partners include five private Internet service providers and several local private voluntary organizations, as well as GreenCom and Pathfinder Foundation, both U.S. Private Voluntary Organizations. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1997) Actual (1998) Actual (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Improved community radio coverage by population served: 45% 64% 68% 70% 72% Improved access to information through connecting selected institutions to Internet: 0 9 24 29 31 Increased numbers of Internet users: 1,000 2,000 2,800 3,000 3,500 Rural communities gaining access to information via radio: 0 220 480 670 870 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file) ACTIVITY DATA SHEET PROGRAM: Mali TITLE AND NUMBER: Development in the North, 688-005 PLANNED FY 2000 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $2,800,000 (DA), $700,000 (CSD) PROPOSED FY 2001 OBLIGATION AND ACCOUNT: $3,719,000 (DFA) STATUS: Continuing INITIAL OBLIGATION: FY 1998 ESTIMATED COMPLETION DATE: FY 2003 Summary: The Development in the North activity supports the people of the three northern regions of Mali in acquiring the capacity and confidence to maintain stability through broad-based and sustainable local development. The activity will strengthen civil society's ability to operate as an effective partner with government in planning and decision-making, increase economic activity and income, and increase availability and access to basic social services. The stability of the regions is dependent on the reintegration of northern ex-combatants and refugees into Mali as productive elements of civil society, and is important to U. S. interests in peace and economic development. Mali's three northern regions of Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal make up two-thirds of Mali's surface area, but only 10% of Mali's population lives there. A harsh climate, shortage of water, high transport costs, limited sources, lack of infrastructure, and few basic social services result in poor agricultural productivity and limited economic activity in northern Mali. The rebellion of 1990-1995 curtailed development and displaced thousands of people, decreasing the already low standard of living. For sustainable development to occur, the people of the North must be committed to and capable of participating in the political, social and economic development of the three regions. In collaborative efforts with other donors, USAID/Mali is developing the capacity and confidence building among the people of the North to undertake broad-based and sustainable local development. USAID has concentrated on three priorities: (1) helping civil society become an effective partner with central and local government in development planning and decision-making; (2) ensuring that economic activity and income from productive sectors are increased significantly; and (3) assuring that the availability of and access to basic social services (education and health) approach parity with southern Mali. USAID supported activities include: (1) management training of community organizations, associations, government officials and elected representatives; (2) improvements in small irrigation, livestock, micro-finance, and environmental protection; and (3) development of community schools, community health centers, and potable water resources for humans and livestock. Major beneficiaries will be the general population of the three northern regions, estimated to be about 1 million residents. Key Results: In 1999, USAID took the lead in building a solid foundation for partnerships among the various actors involved in the implementation of its program. USAID held workshops in northern Mali at Timbuktu, Gao and Kidal to introduce its activities to potential beneficiaries, to local authorities and development partners. The highlight of these events was the formation of three regional steering committees that will institutionalize the precepts of participatory planning and monitoring in each of the targeted areas. The members of the committees include representatives from local authorities, local elected bodies, USAID-supported private voluntary organizations (PVO), other donors and development partners, USAID/Mali, and the Commission for the North. In 1999, the steering committees reviewed and approved the annual performance reports and work plans submitted by implementing private voluntary organizations, and continue to monitor the overall progress towards achievement of the development in the North objectives. These steering committees were an effective vehicle for much needed improvement of donor coordination. Performance and Prospects: The activity is embarking on the transition from relief (i.e., food distribution, assistance to returned refugees) to sustainable local development (i.e., income generating activities, cereal production, community-based education and community-based health care). To achieve the objective, USAID has focused on three results: (1) strengthening targeted local community organizations to enable them to work closely with local development partners and authorities; (2) expanding economic opportunities to increase households' income; and (3) increasing access of the local population to basic heath care, basic education and potable water to promote households' welfare. Although implementation only started since July 1998, the Development in the North activity is on track and has met all expectations for 1999. During 1998, USAID's PVO partners were mainly engaged in the recruitment of personnel, equipment procurement, conducting information campaigns, and the identification of potential sites for program interventions. The major objective of continued peace in the North, shown by no cases of armed rebellion being reported, was met in 1999. For the moment, Mali is enjoying a period of peace and stability nationwide. Before the inception of the Development in the North activity, USAID contributed $2 million to the Repatriation and Settlement of Ex-Combatants Program (PAREM). The Government of the Republic of Mali and the United Nations Development Program jointly carried out PAREM. The purpose of PAREM was to disarm the rebel soldiers and finance their request for income generating activities. PAREM has financed 868 projects for 9,511 former rebel soldiers. By all accounts, the PAREM activity was instrumental in strengthening Mali's peace process. The period of peace and stability has been somewhat tarnished by repeated cases of vehicle robberies. While these robberies are not linked to any rebellion, if continued, they could potentially undermine the ability of development partners in the field to implement their activities. USAID has played an active role in lobbying all partners and donors to work more closely together to solve this problem. Using development assistance funds, USAID supported income-generating activities (IGAs) initiated by its PVO partners. In late 1998, USAID's PVO partners began to establish and renovate selected community schools. The development of these community schools in northern Mali has proven to be a lengthy process. Key steps in northern Mali community school development included: (1) conducting information campaigns to stimulate demand for education; (2) reviewing of applications and conduct of feasibility studies to assess whether minimal requirements for the viability of a school are met by the community; (3) creation and training of school management committees; (4) construction of school facilities; (5) procurement of equipment for the class rooms; and (6) recruitment and training of teachers. Using development assistance funds, USAID's PVO partners who are in charge of community school development are making significant progress, with the first community schools starting educational operations late in 1999. With child survival and diseases funding, ten wells for potable water were completed during the last six months of 1998. Completion of such a record number of water wells in such a short time was made possible because the implementing partner, Action Against Hunger, had technical staff and equipment already involved with these northern communities under support established from other donors. Additionally, 25 more water wells were built in 1999. Over the next three years, the following achievements are expected. No new cases of armed rebellion reported: It is anticipated that Mali will continue to enjoy a period of peace and stability in the North during the next three years. As the Malian government and development partners maintain and reinforce their presence in the northern regions and initiate development interventions, economic opportunities will expand and the likelihood of a renewal of armed rebellion will be drastically reduced. Income generating activities created: USAID's PVO partners' will support: 437 small income generating activities during the next three years. Activities to be initiated include gardening, small shops, and handicraft production. Schools created or renovated: In the next three years, 42 community schools will be created and 12 existing schools will be renovated. Community schools will be encouraged to enforce parity between girls and boys. Water points created: 88 water wells will be constructed in the next three years (20 at community schools). The choice of the sites will continue to be done in close consultation will all concerned parties. Possible Adjustments to Plans: None Anticipated. Other Donor Programs: A close partnership with Malian governmental bodies is essential for success, as is the people's confidence in the commitment of their government to the affected community's well being. Locally elected bodies, the key ministries of health, basic education, and agriculture are all participants in this program. Collaboration and close coordination with other donors, especially the World Food Program, the United Nations Development Program, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and bilateral organizations active in the north, are already underway. Principal Contractors, Grantees, or Agencies: USAID's development partners include: Action Against Hunger, AFRICARE, CARE and World Vision. Selected Performance Measures: Baseline (1998) Actual (1999) Target (2000) Target (2001) Cases of armed rebellion: 0 0 0 0 Number of income generating activities created: 9 76 222 326 Schools created/renovated: 0 10 38 57 Water points constructed/renovated: 10 35 73 98 U.S. Finance Table (Microsoft Excel file)

:  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  What's New : FOIA Requests : Privacy Policy : Email This Page : Plug-ins : FAQs : Help Desk : Contact Us : Site Map Last Updated on: January 17, 2001