Unpaid Farmers in Mali's Cotton Crisis: Endangering Economic Stability
Mali’s cotton growers face severe financial hardship due to months of unpaid wages, jeopardizing future production and creating widespread economic instability.
Many cotton cooperatives, especially in rural areas like Defina, have not received payments for their 2023 harvest. This financial strain threatens the livelihoods of countless farmers who have long been the backbone of Mali’s economic development, particularly in cotton-growing regions. Frustration is mounting, with calls for the resignation of the CMDT’s Managing Director, who is seen as responsible for resolving the crisis.
Cotton is Mali’s second-largest export, vital for national income, with gold being the top export. However, 2023 cotton exports fell significantly, 29% short of initial forecasts, worsening the situation. Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara has urged the CMDT to prioritize paying farmers before the Tabaski holiday. Timely payments are essential to encourage continued cotton production and help Mali regain its previous position as Africa’s leading producer, a title currently held by Benin.
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.
