July–August 2025 | Mali
The fruit tree seedlings from the nursery in Farako, financed by the Climate Fund, now play a central role in local reforestation projects in Mali.
As part of the multi-year agreement with Naturefriends International, 2ADIB-MALI / Naturefriends Mali organised two fruit tree planting campaigns this summer in Abaladougou-Kenieba and Diaramana in the Koutiala region.
PROJEKT
REPORT
Abaladougou-Kenieba, located approximately 130 km from Bamako near the Guinean border, was selected for its strategic importance and engagement potential.
A preparatory coordination meeting was held on 30 June ensuring the effective organization of logistics and activities. A team of six members of Naturefriends Mali travelled to the site, where they led the tree planting initiative in collaboration with students and staff from EL HADJI AMADOU KEITA Elementary School.
A total of 200 fruit trees were planted within the school courtyard:100 mango trees and 100 orange trees.
Upon arrival the team met with the school’s two principals and teachers to explain the objectives of the initiative. A sensitization session followed, led by Moussa TRAORÉ and Mamadou SOGOBA, president respectively treasurer of Naturefriends Mali, delivering educational messages on:
- The importance of environmental protection
- The impact of climate change on human life and ecosystems
- The importance of community and youth involvement in tree planting
- Encouragement to adopt eco-friendly behaviors
This session reinforced the role of young people as key actors in environmental stewardship.
After the lunch break, the programme continued with tree planting, in which all participants enthusiastically took part. Practical tips were also provided on how to care for young fruit trees and keep them healthy.
Fruit Tree Planting in Diaramana
Following the successful event in Kenieba, the planting campaign extended to Diaramana, located in the Koutiala region, 400 km from Bamako. A planting day was held on Saturday, 23 August at LYCÉE PRIVÉ KALIFA SOGOBA, with the active involvement of the Naturefriends Diaramana branch.
A total of 100 fruit trees were delivered and planted at the school, comprising cinnamon apple, mango, orange, and guava trees from the Farako Nursery.
The day brought together a diverse group of participants, including:
- A representative of Naturefriends Mali
- The members of the Naturefriends Diaramana branch
- A local arborist
- Students and youth from the community
The local branch president, Adama SOGOBA, conducted brief interviews with five persons (including two students), exploring their views on the usefulness of fruit trees and climate change challenges.
At the end of the planting campaign, the representative of Naturefriends Mali emphasised the importance of trees: they provide shade, supply valuable fruit as a contribution to a healthy diet, beautify the school grounds and make an effective contribution to combating desertification and mitigating the effects of the climate crisis.
Adama SOGOBA concluded the event with a message of gratitude and encouragement, urging participants to “love the trees as the most effective means to fight desertification”. Afterwards, the participants went home feeling proud and satisfied because they had made an active contribution to a good future.
The fruit tree planting initiatives in Kenieba and Diaramana, combined with the ongoing work at Farako Tree Nursery, demonstrate the strong commitment of Naturefriends Mali to climate justice, youth engagement, and sustainable development.
We thank all partners, donors, and volunteers who made these actions possible!
Donations are still very welcome so that the successful initiative around the Farako tree nursery can continue!
You can donate here: https://climatefund.nf-int.org/en/donate/
More about this project: https://climatefund.nf-int.org/en/farako/