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Mali is one of the 5 poorest countries
in the world with 72% of Malians earning less than $1 a day. Lack of education
results in 81% being illiterate (UNHDR 2005). Development is obstructed
by abundant social, health, and economic problems.
Economic activity is largely
confined to areas irrigated by the Niger and 80% of the labor force relies
on farming and fishing to make a living. The negative effects of poverty,
disease (mostly from contaminated water), and lack of education hinder entrepreneurial
activities. Thus, many communities become dependent upon government agencies
or foreign aid.
A
significant amount of Mali’s capital and foreign exchange is spent
on large power plants, fuel and electrical distribution systems. Most areas
are not even within range of a utility. Mali is markedly plagued by limited
access to energy services and heavy reliance on traditional bio-mass. (88%
of Mali’s energy is supplied by traditional bio-mass for fuel; i.e.
wood, charcoal or animal waste.) As a result, several local conflicts over
fuelwood have broken out in numerous locations throughout Mali.
"Mali's
high level of poverty makes it one of the most compelling cases for development
assistance."
(USAID 2003) TAKE
A PHOTO TOUR OF MALI>>
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