The SSE Programme - Review of the Grasshopper Control project in Yelimane Cercle, Mali

Abstract

The Strømme Foundation's project in Yelimane has received funding through the SSEProgramme since 1986. The main objectives of the SSE-Programme is to contribute to environmental rehabilitation and food security in the Sahel countries that were seriously struck by drought in the 1980's. After a period of phasing down SF's contribution (both funds and manpower) to the SNPV, SF has decided that they will withdraw from the project by 1997. SF will undertake a evaluation of the project during Autumn 1997.

It was in this context that Noragric wanted to review the project, both to obtain an impression of the achievements made, approaches chosen and the potential impact on SSE-Programme objectives. In addition it wanted to assess the phasing out procedures and the sustainability of the activities. Noragric also hoped to contribute with inputs to the forthcoming evaluation.

A Noragric team, comprising Sidsel Grimstad (Noragric SSE-Coordinator) and Kari Fiskvatn (Consultant Entomologist) visited Mali from the 8th to the 18th of February. (The complete Terms of Reference for the review is attached in annex 1).

The teams local contacts during the review were: Mr. Pablo Sbertoli, Regional Director of SF, Mr. Boubackar Dicko, Project Manager for the Yelimane project, Mr. Chissoko, Acting Director for SNPV and Mr. Kone, Regional Officer for SNPV in Yelimane. Apart from that we had meetings with the local administration, farmers and brigades in the Niogoumera area. (A complete itinerary and list of people met is given in annex 2).

Due to logistical problems the stay in the field was only of 2 days, which is short in order to obtain an overview of the different institutional aspects of the project. This also resulted in a limited area was visited. However, the team had in-depth discussions with Mr. Sbertoli and Mr. Dicko in Bamako and as additional background information the team studied annual reports, mission reports, Mr. Dicko's memoires and related scientific publications. The complete list of documents reviewed is found under references.