During an ordinary session held on May 2 and presided by the Head of State, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, Mali’s high council of agriculture decided to award 15% of arable lands to the youth and women.

Referring to the recently passed legislation of agricultural land, the president said he hopes “it will bring about major changes in regards to tenure of land rights, both individual and collective, and contribute to the reduction of conflicts between rural communities”. For this to become a reality, the rights of most vulnerable groups of the society have to be respected. “I am glad that women and youth are not left out as 15% of lands will be provided them to insure they become more autonomous,” the leader said.

He also showed satisfaction concerning the results of the previous agricultural season. Over the period, the nation recorded an output of 8,849,551 tons of cereals (thus 3,770,000 more than expected), 674,000 tons of cotton, 45,624 tons of red mead. Moreover, 5,664 cows were inseminated and 30,187,000 livestock were vaccinated.

Souha Touré