Responding to Laudato Si through Sustainable Shea Production and Resilience Building in Touba, Diocese of San, Mali.
Climate change significantly impacts resource-dependent countries like Mali, particularly in semi-arid areas such as Touba, where access to safe drinking water is scarce. Less than half of the population has access to potable water, leading to widespread waterborne diseases. Women bear the burden of fetching water over long distances, and agricultural activities, including market gardening, suffer during dry seasons. To address these challenges, ICMICA Africa launched the project “Responding to Laudato Si through Sustainable Shea Production and Resilience Building in Touba, Diocese of San, Mali.” The initiative aligns with Pope Francis’ call for environmental stewardship and community rebuilding. Key objectives include strengthening rural advocacy for environmental protection, mobilizing communities to safeguard shea tree plantations, and enhancing shea butter production as a livelihood for women. The project also trains farmers to improve cultivation and organize for better market control.
A major component of the project is improving access to clean water, and capacity-building sessions for 25 couples from Prakuy and Kènè, with Prakuy. Recognizing that access to water as a fundamental human right, the project aims to build resilience and promote sustainable livelihoods in this semi-arid region of Mali.
Distribution of 200 seedlings to the beneficiaries
After the kick off ceremony, each participant received 04 species of fruit trees (a total of 200 seedlings) to be planted in their respective gardens. The species distributed were: Acacia, mango, teak, and lemon.
During the session on Laudato Si and the concept of the common good, Father Gregoire Keita guided participants in understanding the principles of community rebuilding, identifying behaviors and cultural practices that weaken social cohesion, and recognizing the benefits of belonging to a strong community. He also emphasized the importance of caring for one another in line with Laudato Si.
Thissession helped participants understand climate change, its causes, and its effects on human lives. Participants were made aware of behaviour that harms the environment, Identify the resources affected by climate change. Identify local resources threatened by climate change.
Environmental protection and gender equality
Participants learned about the gender contribution to environmental degradation and restoration. They were taken through the concept of gender equality and its importance in daily life. They were made to understand the will/intention of God in creating man and woman and the importance of equitable parenting and the male-female alliance in household life.
Introduction to sustainable shea production techniques
Participants were taught about the life cycle of the shea tree, and how to produce shea seedlings. They acquired practical skills to improve the yield and quality of shea nuts, and their use. Through this training, participants understood the role of sustainable shea farming in sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Shea nursery demonstration
As part of a project to improve access to drinking water for the People of Prakuy village of Prakuy, commune of Koumbia, cercle of Yorosso, region of Koutiala.
This project team confirmed that the initiative arrived at a crucial time when the community is greatly in need of capacity building in environmental conservation and climate change mitigation. Beneficiaries are optimistic about receiving further support to implement the next phase to amplify the project’s impact on the community and ensure sustainability. All the stakeholders are grateful for the experience.