Mali is a vast, land-locked country in the heart of the Sahel region. With social indicators among the lowest in the world, the country ranks 188 out of 193 in UNDP’s 2023 Human Development Index. It faces serious challenges in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 2 on Zero Hunger and improving nutrition.

The cumulative effects of armed conflict, widespread insecurity and periodic floods and drought have contributed to a progressive deterioration of livelihoods in the country.

Agriculture – mainly in the form of subsistence production – represents 80 percent of employment. However, land degradation, lack of fertilizers, post-harvest losses due to poor storage and processing capacity, and limited access to markets contribute to smallholder farmers suffering from higher-than-average poverty rates. 

Northern and central regions of Mali are grappling with high levels of hunger as the country strains under the impact of conflict, high food prices, energy challenges and the climate crisis. Around 1.5 million people face acute food insecurity, including over 2,600 people at high risk of facing catastrophic hunger (Phase 5 under the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification for measuring food insecurity). 

As of September 2024, Mali hosted over 378,000 people displaced from their homes due to violence. More than half of these (58 percent) are children for whom humanitarian food assistance is a lifeline. Already stretched thin, local communities are further strained by the arrival of 220,000 refugees.

The World Food Programme works in partnership with the Government, UN agencies and civil society organizations to provide an integrated assistance package of emergency life-saving aid and long-term resilience activities, in northern and central regions. 

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What the World Food Programme is doing in Mali

Crisis response

WFP reaches shock and crisis-affected populations with food or cash emergency assistance to save lives and protect livelihoods. WFP responds to large-scale crises, mainly linked to climate and conflict, but also to seasonal shocks.

Publications

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In focus

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Partners and donors

Achieving Zero Hunger is the work of many. Our work in Mali is made possible by the support and collaboration of our partners and donors, including:
Belgium Denmark Finland Mali Republic of Korea

Operations in Mali

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Contacts

Office

Badalabougou Est, Rue 31, Porte 26 – BP120 – Bamako – Mali
Bamako
Mali

Phone
+223 20 79 20 45
Fax
+223 222 6865
Email
wfp.bamako@wfp.org
For media inquiries
mali.communication@wfp.org
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