A pioneer partnership
The ICA was established in November 2022 with the support of the Malian public authorities, business champion SCS Internationale, and 2SCALE . The alliance aims to address the challenges of access and marketing of quality vegetables in Mali. SCS, a leader in the import-export of fruit and vegetables, is committed to supplying the urban market of Bamako with fresh and healthy vegetables, with a supply base of 15,000 local producers. Their ambition is to create an ecosystem where quality, sustainability and prosperity go hand in hand.
Prerequisites for Replication
The originality of the ICA in Mali lies in its inclusive and participatory approach. By bringing together different players in the vegetable value chain, the alliance creates a collective dynamic in favour of high-quality standards. The membership of the ICA implies active support for a quality guarantee benchmark and a collectively defined trajectory plan. This approach fosters transparent governance and shared responsibility which are essential elements for the long-term success of the alliance.
To replicate this model successfully, it is crucial to carry out a thorough assessment of sectoral needs, to capitalise on existing local initiatives and to mobilise the commitment of public institutions. The key lies in creating an ecosystem where stakeholders share a common vision, benefit from effective governance and are motivated by appropriate incentives. Strong and diverse stakeholder engagement is also essential to ensure the viability and sustainability of the alliance.
Results and future prospects
The initial results of the ICA in Mali are promising: Thus far, it has 81 committed stakeholders, a ‘healthy vegetables’ label under development, a validated trajectory plan and, an autonomous committee in place. The alliance benefits from strong institutional support and active collaboration with input suppliers for the test phase. These achievements testify to the transformative potential of the alliance and its ability to catalyse systemic change in the Malian vegetable farming sector.
In conclusion, ICA in Mali represents an inspiring model of multi-stakeholder collaboration for vegetable quality. With its emphasis on community engagement, transparency and shared responsibility, the alliance is paving the way for a positive transformation of the agricultural sector in Mali. As we look to the future, it is imperative to support and strengthen initiatives such as these to ensure the food security, sustainability, and prosperity of farming communities in Mali and beyond.
