Blog #8 - Sydney Gray

 

Mali has a population of over 19 million people, including 13 national languages and dozens of different ethnic groups (The World Factbook, 2018). It is easy to assume that there is a large variety of interests and characteristics within this country, which may cause problems. Mali has been experiencing instability and conflict and the government has struggled to keep the civilians under control.  “A coup in 2012, ensuing military intervention in the north, and regular uprisings by rebel and extremist groups throughout the country have left the nation of about 19 million people vulnerable” (Reid, Kathryn, 2020). Conflict in Mali continues as violence between armed groups and state forces are rampant. After 8 years from the initial rebellion, attacks and ethnic killings are routine, with large swaths of the country still outside of government control (Al Jazeera, 2020). Mali’s president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, was recently forced to resign due to mass protests, alleged corruption and worsening security. Economic hardship in Mali is long-term and nationwide (Peace Direct, 2020). With the absence of effective state authority, poverty, religious militancy, and conflicts over resources, this divided nation is finding it almost impossible to maintain peace and security. 

Mali’s large geographical area and severely low-income status makes maintenance of its infrastructure a major challenge. Mali is a country in Africa that depends heavily on regional infrastructure and transport corridors. According to the World Bank, the cost of producing power in Mali is among the highest in the region, with the result that only around 17 percent of the population has access to electricity, much lower than in other low-income African countries.

Agriculture is the cornerstone of Mali’s economy and helps with their economic growth and opportunity. Many of their food is self-sustained, which can be both beneficial and harmful. About 80 percent of the population depends on agriculture to feed themselves and their families. Mali has had help from organizations to teach them how to use advanced technology to help with their agriculture. According to Feed the Future, in 2018, they helped nearly 390,000 people use improved technology or management practices, like irrigation and erosion control, on over 186,000 hectares. They have also introduced technologies that reduce dependence on the weather, such as irrigated gardening and rice production. Although Mali struggles with poverty, organizations are taking the time to help provide them with technology that can aid in their economy’s growth.

Overall, Mali is a country that has struggled to come together as a nation due to reoccurring issues. Mali is one of the poorest countries in Africa and many families are desperate to even just get food on their table and feed their families. They are tremendously lacking in keeping up with technology advancements, but others are trying to help. Mali has a shortage of trained scientists and technicians and relies heavily on foreign assistance. A major factor that plays into this is the country’s lack of education. Their adult literacy rate is only 35%, with the male literacy rate being 46% and for females it is only 25%. This shows a big gap between the sexes and is another reason as to why the nation is so divided. Mali has the 5^th lowest literacy rate, and it is a huge problem when looking at the country as a whole.

Works Cited

Al Jazeera. “Mali's Deepening Crisis: Key Questions Answered.” Mali News | Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera, 25 June 2020, www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/mali-deepening-crisis-key-questions-answered-200625184413160.html.

Authors/Editors: et al. “Mali's Infrastructure: A Continental Perspective.” Policy Research Working Papers, 2020, elibrary.worldbank.org/doi/abs/10.1596/1813-9450-5688.

Reid, Kathryn. “Mali Conflict Explained: Facts, FAQs, and How to Help.” World Vision, 19 Aug. 2020, www.worldvision.org/disaster-relief-news-stories/mali-conflict-facts.

“Mali.” Feed the Future, 8 May 2020, www.feedthefuture.gov/country/mali/.

“The World Factbook: Mali.” Central Intelligence Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/print_ml.html.