Commodity chain : Baobab - Mali
- Country :
- Mali
- Production area :
- North-East of Bamako (Banamba, Sirakorola, Koulikoro, Kolokani)
- Start date of the Organic Fair Trade program :
- 2007
- Number of recipients :
- More than 1,000 families
- Crop :
- Baobab grain harvest
- Surface area :
- 9,000 ha (22,000 acres)
Background History of the Project
In 2007, based on the relationship established with the Office of the Niger Higher Valley (OHVN) for the biological agriculture of sesame, Huilerie Emile Noël suggested to add value to the grains of baobab, the magical tree. Technicians of the Office were thus able to discover the manufacturing processes of oil from these grains.
Local Partners
300 women producers engaged in the sesame project in cooperation with Huilerie Emile Noël and OHVN.
Context
Production areas are subjected to the harsh climate of Sahel (low pluviometry, high temperatures – 30°C/86°F). Following the collapse of cotton due to the competition of the US and of India, some 20 years ago, sesame appeared as a profitable crop, suitable for the area. The BIO EQUITABLE project, which started in 2001 with sesame, has expanded to cover grains of the baobab tree.
Stakes
The baobab chain will increase agricultural productivity of bush villages. The value added to the fruits, which contain the grains, is in line with a strategy of diversification of revenues for women. The objective of Huilerie Emile Noël is to keep increasing the market opportunities for this oil.
Program Description
One of the major advantages of the baobab tree is that it does not need the same preparation as sesame. Harvesting, which occurs in February, occurs at a time when there is no other crop (mil, sorgo, sesame, corn). The purchase of a mill by OHVN for the village of Katiola, allows women to save time on the preparation of the flour needed to obtain oil. Women producers of sesame in turn receive assistance from technicians of OHVN and from village leaders.
Emile Noel has committed itself to the full pre-financing of the purchased grains. Prices are calculated for each season in cooperation with the presidents of producers associations and village leaders. The price is fixed below international market prices but remains higher than those of the traditional markets.
In cooperation with the Office, Emile Noël implemented a Geographical information system (GIS) which manages traceability of sesame, shea and baobab. The tool allows for a statistical follow up of productivity and for the production of a land register for villages.
Managers of the Office are now thinking of implementing biological areas on lands where sesame, baobab and karate are grown.
Companies engaged in this Commodity Chain
