{"id":8654,"date":"2024-12-18T15:46:47","date_gmt":"2024-12-18T15:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cordaid.org\/en\/?p=8654"},"modified":"2025-03-12T14:40:27","modified_gmt":"2025-03-12T14:40:27","slug":"youth-driving-sustainable-development-in-mali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cordaid.org\/en\/news\/youth-driving-sustainable-development-in-mali\/","title":{"rendered":"Youth Driving Sustainable Development in Mali: Entrepreneurship Meets Ecology"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Accountable Local Governance Program (PGLR+) champions innovative, sustainable solutions in regions grappling with environmental crises and high youth unemployment. The journey of Harouna Traor\u00e9, a young Malian entrepreneur, exemplifies this vision: blending good governance, job creation, and environmental conservation.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Programme participant Harouna Traor\u00e9 produces eco-friendly charcoal from organic waste. Photograph: Amadou Keita<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In central Mali\u2019s S\u00e9gou region, where deforestation and reliance on wood charcoal threaten the environment, Harouna Traor\u00e9 saw an opportunity. With technical training and seed funding from PGLR+, Harouna launched a business producing eco-friendly charcoal from organic waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transforming Waste into Opportunity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

‘As a student at the University of S\u00e9gou, I was inspired to tackle the challenges of waste management and deforestation. Waste piles plagued my hometown, while firewood and charcoal grew scarce due to environmental degradation. I realised I could clean my city and fight climate change by turning household waste into charcoal,’ Harouna explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using peanut shells and agricultural residues, Harouna\u2019s eco-charcoal offers a sustainable alternative, reducing deforestation and environmental damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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‘In areas like S\u00e9gou and Timbuktu, this fund has created 120 jobs, showcasing the potential of inclusive local governance.’<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Impact at a Glance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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  • Job Creation:<\/strong> Harouna\u2019s enterprise employs four young people, providing vital income and reducing unemployment in the community.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Environmental Benefits:<\/strong> The initiative promotes renewable resources, combats deforestation, and lowers carbon emissions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Community Awareness:<\/strong> Harouna\u2019s team provides education on the benefits of eco-charcoal, encouraging sustainable consumption habits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Scaling Local Solutions for Greater Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Souleymane Traor\u00e9, Project Officer at Cordaid, says, ‘The PGLR+ programme\u2019s innovation fund empowers young people aged 18 to 35 by supporting diverse ventures, including electronics repair, horticulture, aquaculture, and craftsmanship. In areas like S\u00e9gou and Timbuktu, this fund has created 120 jobs, showcasing the potential of inclusive local governance.’<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    PGLR+: Building Trust and Cooperation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Funded by the Dutch Embassy in Mali and implemented by Cordaid and partners, PGLR+ works to rebuild trust between local authorities and communities. By addressing real needs, the programme bridges gaps and strengthens collaboration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Our Vision for Sustainable Food Systems<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Cordaid envisions a world where food systems deliver economic, environmental, and social benefits for all. By revitalising rural economies, protecting ecosystems, and enhancing resilience, we aim to tackle food insecurity and poverty at their roots. Collaboration with community organisations, government agencies, private partners, and civil society ensures we address today\u2019s challenges while preparing for tomorrow\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Watch this video about our work in Mali:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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