Strengthening rice farmers in conflict zones by tapping market potential of local rice

About the partnership

Mali

Staple Crops

Status:

Active

Domestic demand for local rice is steadily increasing over the past years, both from the consumer market as well as the institutional markets. Over the past years, Soprotilad has insufficiently exploited this market potential by focusing mainly on the institutional market. Different institutional clients like the Red Cross, and World Food Program (WFP) are the main clients of Soprotilad and constitute over two thirds of its market. The inclusive business idea for this partnership is to better tap into the growing consumer demand in Mali for local rice, thereby diversifying its market and also offering a competitive, local rice product to Malinese consumers, therewith creating more stability, income for farmers and job creation in vulnerable regions in Mali like Timbuktu and Mopti.

About the business champion

SOPROTRILAD (Société de Production et de Transformation du Riz dans la zone du Lac DEBO) is a company involved in the production, dehusking and distribution of white rice. The company has a production unit in Niafounké (Timbuktu region) and is currently setting up a second unit in Mopti. To increase the supply of paddy rice to its processing untis, the company has implemented an "inputs for paddy" strategy in its sourcing areas to help farmers become more productive and supply more rice. The regions of Timbuktu and Mopti have the perfect growing conditions for rice production. Unfortunately, the capacity of the population to exploit this potential is reduced due to insecurity.

Key Interventions

Financial inclusion of farmers

Integration of women and youth and the strengthening of their capacities

Introduction of good agricultural practices and innovations

Implementation of the marketing and distribution strategy