Cotton growers haven’t received payments for months, creating financial hardship and jeopardizing future production.
Many cotton cooperatives, particularly in rural areas like Defina, haven’t been paid for their 2023 harvest. This financial strain threatens the livelihoods of countless farmers who have long been the backbone of Mali’s economic development, especially in cotton-growing regions. Frustration is mounting, with calls for the resignation of the CMDT’s Managing Director, seen as responsible for resolving the crisis.
Cotton is Mali’s second-largest export, crucial for national income. (Gold remains the top export.) However, 2023 cotton exports fell significantly (29%) short of initial forecasts, further worsening the situation. Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara urged the CMDT to prioritize paying farmers before the Tabaski holiday. Timely payments are seen as essential to encourage continued cotton production and regain Mali’s previous position as Africa’s leading producer. (Benin currently holds that title.)
Mali’s cotton production crisis threatens both farmers’ well-being and national economic stability. Economists emphasize the urgency for authorities to take action, ensuring payments and boosting production. Only decisive steps can help Mali reclaim its position as a leading cotton producer in Africa.
This rewrite condenses the original article while maintaining key points. Unnecessary details like distances and specific cooperative numbers are omitted for clarity.