Empowering Women Cooperatives in Rice Cultivation through Seed Production in Rural Mali

Members of Blendio cooperative in a rice field. (Photo credit: AfricaRice)

Despite the crucial role of women in rice production in rural Mali, they remain in the second plan in the field. They are mostly confronted with constraints which slow down their development in the sector. Rural women in Mali have limited access to productive resources such as land, equipment and agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seeds that are resistant and tolerant to climatic stresses compared to men. They are always dependent on their male counterparts to have these resources.

The baseline study of the AICCRA project revealed that the rural community in Mali, and women in particular, face difficulties in accessing good quality seeds and are unaware of varieties that resist to the effects of climate change. Their awareness and adoption are particularly low for CSA practices related to improved seed (especially flood, drought-tolerant varieties), and mechanization (especially motorized transplanters, seeders, and threshers).

In response to these constraints, AfricaRice, through the AICCRA project, supplied basic seed varieties to eight (8) groups of women and young seed producers. Some groups have been in production for a long time, while others are just starting out. These varieties were chosen by the cooperative according to the needs of the community. They are resistant to the local ecology and climate. This will enable them to sell the improved varieties of seed to the community and avoid buying seeds from other sources. These varieties will contribute to improving local production through their high yields. They are appreciated for several reasons, including their resistance to climatic variability, their profitability and their non-requirement for the use of a lot of fertilizers, as well as consumer appreciation. Farmers affirmed that seed production has helped to improve their rice-growing techniques.

This activity not only benefits the community, but also the seed producers. They have reported significant profits from seed production. The cooperative in Siramana, for example, produces the seed and deposits the profit in the cooperative's account. The profit is then used to buy fertilizer and to support members and other women farmers in the village in the form of credit, reimbursable after the harvest. Blendio cooperative members are now getting involved in raising small ruminants with the benefit gained from seed production.

As of today, they sell a kilo of seed for 500 Fcfa, against 250 Fcfa for paddy. This clearly proves that efficient seed production increases women's income and ensures food security. More than 8 surroundings villages buy improved seed from the cooperative, including rice growers in the village of Blendio. As a result, farmers in Blendio have access to rice seeds that are resistant to climate change. They believe that seed production has brought several benefits. These benefits include improved incomes for farmers, reduced dependence on the market for seeds, and a reduction in the rural exodus of young girls.

Supporting women’ groups in seeds production by providing them with climate adapted seeds is one of the best strategies to enhance rice production. This will facilitate the availability of the quality of improved seeds by the communities in general and women in particular. It also contributes to the empowerment of women's groups and promote sustainable rice production and at the same time to improve their revenue and assure food security in Mali.