In central Mali, communities are living through a combination of insecurity, armed violence, and the growing impact of climate change. These pressures have severely limited people’s ability to farm and earn a living. Many farmers can no longer reach their distant fields because of insecurity, and even the land close to their homes is becoming harder to cultivate due to changing weather patterns.
Livestock had become the last reliable source of income and food. It provides meat and milk, supports household finances, and is essential for plowing fields. A recent fire destroyed much of this livestock, leaving families without their primary means of survival and pushing them further into food insecurity.
Despite these challenges, the ICRC continues to support affected communities with a mix of emergency assistance and longer‑term resilience efforts. We distribute improved seeds, vaccinate livestock, support income‑generating activities, develop vegetable‑farming projects, and build water points to ensure access to safe water. These initiatives help families stabilize their livelihoods, but the needs remain significant.
Together with the Malian Red Cross, we are also responding to urgent humanitarian needs. As of May 2026, in the central regions we have:
- Vaccinated more than 56,000 animals against sheep and goat plague (PPR), supporting approximately 750 farming and herding families.
- Provided essential household kits to more than 750 families, with over 650 receiving cash assistance to purchase food.
Your support helps us reach communities facing some of the most difficult conditions in the Sahel and ensures we can continue delivering assistance where it is needed most.
