Mali

Situated in the heart of West Africa, Mali is twice the size of France. The year encompasses two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season, whose duration depends on climatic zone. The impact of the world cotton crisis affecting the rural economy and industrial fabric of Mali has been felt particularly in the region of Sikasso, the former focus of the country's cotton production. In addition, although the government is attempting to improve the rate of rural electrification via a national programme, the cost of energy puts a brake on rural development. Moreover, an excessive proportion of energy consumption is accounted for by biomass, essentially wood and charcoal, leading to desertification.

GERES in Mali

GERES began work in Mali in 2001, coinciding with the establishment of the decentralized service company (SSD) Yeelen Kura in Koutiala and Yorosso, in the Sikasso region of southeast Mali, to undertake electrification of rural areas.  The association has provided ad hoc support to the development of the company's activities. In 2007, GERES opened its local office in Mali, in Koutiala, one of the two districts where it works, the other being Yorosso. The two main themes of its work are:

• action research on local Jatropha-based biofuel supply chains
• access to energy to develop rural economic activities

GERES projects in Mali:

• ALTERRE - Local biofuel supply chain [Clean energy production]