Development in Mali

TSF’s integrated community development model in Mali supports villages in a number of ways to help them achieve self-reliance. This process, driven by the communities and their decentralized authorities, makes a significant contribution to reducing poverty and the inequalities it creates. By establishing functional socio-economic infrastructures, strong village institutions and a fund to support local initiatives, change is fostered in a sustainable manner.

Reproductive health and rights

TSF improves access to quality services through the construction and refurbishment of maternity wards and community health centres. Medical and administrative staff are supported, and traditional birth attendants are provided with guidance. Through networks of peer educators and wide-ranging awareness campaigns, TSF promotes sexual health, nutrition, family planning and the prevention of violence. The trust built through this tailored process also makes it possible to address certain topics that remain sensitive and taboo. This holistic approach also includes access to safe drinking water and the adoption of essential hygiene practices.

Financial inclusion

TSF supports financial inclusion by setting up self-managed village savings groups and establishing local service points at the heart of rural communities. This participatory approach has led to the creation of Bélédougou Niéta Finance SA, a microfinance company formed through the gradual involvement of several villages. Through a representative board of directors, the professionalisation of service points and the modernisation of management tools, TSF is sustainably improving access to financial services whilst supporting local entrepreneurs in developing income-generating economic activities.

Entrepreneurship

TSF supports the local economy by nurturing rural entrepreneurs and providing tailored technical support. Through TSF’s Yombé Richard Toé Vocational Centre, vocational training is strengthened and supports the creation of village cooperatives to facilitate access to markets. By selecting and training women and men entrepreneurs, and then supporting the implementation of their business plans, TSF contributes to the emergence of sustainable and self-reliant economic activities.

Literacy and access to education for girls

To promote educational success and the empowerment of girls, TSF invests in school facilities, libraries and literacy centres that are accessible to everyone. The team also supports school attendance through merit-based scholarships and community advocacy encouraging girls to stay in school. Extensive literacy campaigns and the training of certified instructors strengthen the life and professional skills of young people and adults. Finally, annual sports tournaments contribute to their personal development and social cohesion within the villages.

Food security, nutrition and community resilience

TSF strengthens food security, nutrition and resilience by promoting local crops, the transition to organic farming and community-led stock management through grain banks and collective market gardens. Through the “Grain d’Espoir – Jigiya” initiative, which emerged from dialogue with farmers, TSF is establishing village cooperatives and developing inclusive economic models. Women’s nutrition committees raise awareness of dietary diversification, local foods and healthy cooking practices, thereby helping to reduce malnutrition in a challenging climatic and economic context.

Local governance

TSF helps to set up village associations and cooperatives and trains their members in project management. Based on a horizontal partnership, this hands-on support enables communities to freely evaluate the tools and infrastructure put in place, thereby stimulating social mobilisation and fostering innovations that originate from the villages themselves. This approach is supported, where necessary, by a multidisciplinary advisory committee whose expertise in governance, gender, public health and research informs strategic directions and enhances the relevance of interventions. Furthermore, the organisation of biannual farmers’ forums strengthens ties with local communities.