Irrigated vegetable production interventions in humanitarian emergencies: Mali country deep dive

Singh, Radhika; Minh, Thai Thi; Schmitter, Petra. 2024. Irrigated vegetable production interventions in humanitarian emergencies: Mali country deep dive. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 26p. [doi: https://doi.org/10.5337/2025.201]

In the context of Mali, a Sahelian country facing challenges of insecurity, political instability, and climate change, irrigated vegetable production (IVP) interventions have the potential to enhance resilience outcomes and reduce the vulnerabilities of households and communities by increasing incomes and improving nutritional outcomes. The recommendations for IVP interventions presented in this document are informed by an understanding of the complex sociopolitical landscape of Mali and address both challenges and opportunities.

For this study, a comprehensive research process was undertaken involving 19 key informant interviews with humanitarian organizations working in the country. These interviews were supplemented with insights from a wide range of secondary sources including journal articles and project reports. A rigorous approach was adopted to ensure the validity and reliability of the findings and recommendations.

The key recommendations presented here have been carefully crafted to improve the design and implementation of IVP interventions undertaken by humanitarian organizations in emergency contexts in Mali. These recommendations align with the SEADS (Standards for Supporting Crop-related Livelihoods in Emergencies) minimum standards and are intended to complement the SEADS guidance on tools, equipment, and other non-seed inputs as well as impact monitoring and evaluation, thus providing an assurance of quality and relevance.

First, it is important to ensure that the design, planning, and implementation of IVP interventions are contextually relevant while being focused on the unique needs of vulnerable communities. Interventions should be designed to address land access issues, especially for women and internally displaced persons. Security levels (safety risks, political instability, and conflict) should be considered when choosing water-lifting technologies, and interventions must be informed by a gender-sensitive approach.

Second, mobilizing resources and investments is crucial to complement funding shortages for IVP interventions. This can involve measures like promoting space-efficient vertical gardening, supporting domestic vegetable production to procure less expensive and more suitable seeds for local conditions, and strengthening IVP value chains by linking farmers with local seed suppliers.

Third, strengthening organizational capacity for resilience and long-term learning is recommended to enhance the delivery of impactful emergency assistance. This includes adopting a systems approach that considers the socioeconomic and environmental context of the intended intervention and sharing findings among humanitarian actors to foster a learning culture.

Finally, improving data and knowledge management is advised for impactful IVP interventions. This could involve housing all groundwater data within an NGO, promoting the ongoing mapping of suitable irrigation technologies, and ensuring that data is freely accessible to all organizations involved in agricultural interventions.

These recommendations offer a roadmap for humanitarian organizations, donors, and policymakers who aim to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of IVP interventions in emergency contexts within Mali. They provide a framework for engaging with existing policies and governance structures and contribute to creating an enabling environment for effective interventions.