Description

The MERIT program aims to strengthen the resilience of poor rural populations in southern Mali by combining the promotion of low-emission energy (bioenergy, photovoltaic kits, improved cookstoves) with sustainable land management (access to groundwater, market gardening, and integrated crop-livestock farming). Its intervention strategy relies on disseminating environmentally and socially appropriate technologies and practices, mobilizing local communities, supporting farmers, livestock breeders, and agro-pastoralists, and establishing national institutional and strategic frameworks. The program seeks to contribute to food and nutritional security, reduce rural poverty, and improve soil productivity, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and diversifying energy sources for rural households.

Objectives

• Enhanced Food Security Improve the availability and quality of food through resilient farming and livestock systems. • Accessible Renewable Energy Disseminate low-emission energy solutions (biodigesters, solar power) to rural households. • Sustainable Land Management Promote water, soil, and market garden management practices to enhance productivity. • Social and Gender Inclusion Ensure that at least 50% of beneficiary households are women and 30% are young people, to empower them.