Agricultural Cooperative and Members’ Resilience in Kita and Yanfolila Cercles of Mali

The study examined the role of agricultural cooperatives in strengthening the
resilience and social fabric of rural communities in the Kita and Yanfolila regions of
Mali. Using a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, data was collected from
149 participants, including cooperative members and non-members, through
structured surveys and focus group discussions. It explored the challenges faced
by farmers, the benefits of cooperative membership, the dynamics of social
cohesion within these cooperatives, the nuances of inclusion, and conducted a
comparative analysis between cooperative members and non-members. The
communities in Kita and Yanfolila faced multiple adversities that significantly
affected their resilience, livelihoods and overall well-being. Drought emerged as the
most serious problem, affecting the entire population and underscoring its profound
impact on agriculture and welfare. Flooding was also a significant threat,
exacerbating food insecurity. While terrorist activities and COVID-19 seemed less
pressing due to their limited occurrence or awareness at the time, vigilance and
awareness remained key. The study highlighted the myriad benefits of cooperative
membership and how it empowered members through agricultural training, access
to resources and financial stability. In particular, cooperatives have been
instrumental in addressing water scarcity and ensuring sustainable access through
initiatives such as boreholes and pumping equipment, thereby increasing
agricultural productivity and food security. The study also highlighted the key role
of cooperatives in fostering social cohesion, promoting conflict resolution and
serving as networking platforms. Members praised cooperatives for providing
emotional and material support in times of need, disseminating conflict
management techniques and promoting transparent, collective decision-making
processes. However, there was a noticeable gap in perceptions between
cooperative members and non-members regarding the role of cooperatives in
conflict resolution. Non-members were less confident, possibly due to a lack of
exposure or understanding of cooperative mechanisms. Inclusivity emerged as a
key issue, with discussions highlighting the challenge of extending benefits to non members, which could lead to feelings of exclusion. Income disparities between
members and non-members further exacerbated issues of social cohesion. The
study also highlighted the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, revealing
disrupted supply chains, reduced incomes, increased unemployment and
heightened food insecurity in rural communities. Despite this, agricultural
cooperatives stepped up by disseminating information, distributing essential
supplies and promoting hygiene practices.