Mali

Mali is one of the hottest places on Earth, with land stretching far into the Sahara desert.

Most people live in the south, but there are still many nomadic groups in the northern deserts. An ethnically diverse population, Malians are known for their colourful robes, virtuosic music culture and strong storytelling traditions.

Four out of five people rely on farming for a living, despite most of the country having very little rain and frequent droughts. Half live in poverty, and finding water is a constant concern. This has improved in recent years – three in four people now have clean water – but only three in ten people have a decent toilet.

The Government has committed to provide everyone in Mali with these essentials by 2030. Without them, people can’t live dignified, healthy lives. With them, they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty, and change their lives for good.

We have the commitment, experience, resourcefulness and connections to help achieve this. For example, we share innovative, low-cost technologies with nomadic groups, resolve conflicts around water use, and promote good hygiene through art and traditional storytelling.

With recent political unrest and irregular rainfall, the solutions we choose need to fit with wider plans to tackle these complex issues. By partnering with others, we put clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene at the heart of improvements in education, health, environment and food security.

In Mali’s fragile environment, stable, long-lasting services are vital. We are working with our partners and local people to build their skills so they can keep facilities working, day after day, whatever the changing climate brings. Together we can achieve our goal within a generation.