The 2012 Crisis in Mali, compounded by the detrimental effects of climate change, strained the existing food production systems and capabilities of many villages. The NEF staff in Mali, all native Malians, stayed during the entire crisis. After the rebels withdrew and the internally displaced started to return to their homes, NEF began to help the locals rebuild and improve their land and livelihoods.

NEF, in partnership with USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA), worked with the local community to develop innovative solutions to restart economic activity, repair necessary irrigation infrastructure, and apply key agricultural inputs where they were needed most.