In Mali, the analysis of site monitoring on cultivated areas over two assessment periods—the first two weeks of August 2024 as compared to 2023—shows a dangerous and vulnerable situation due to the massive loss of farmland. This was determined by Tree Aid, a leading international non-governmental organization driving climate resilience and sustainable development across Africa.
 
In 2024, severe rain and floods affected 64,500 people across Mali and caused tragic loss of life and severe damage to agriculture and infrastructure. As a result, the junta declared a national disaster throughout August and September.
 
At first, the rain brought great joy, heralding the end of the dry season, during which we had experienced a heat wave. However, with each successive downpour, the roads turned into rivers and villages became deluged.
 
Brother Dembele, an evangelist in charge of the rice farm project, said: “This year, the weather is terrible in Mali and the whole world. Seeing my rice farm waterlogged has caused my blood pressure to shoot up. Some donors supported us, and we invested in a large portion of land, about three hectares [about 7.4 acres]. We believe we will have a harvest of 150 to 200 bags of rice. All our resources are gone, and we are unsure if we will farm again.”

The stress and shock of the flooding have greatly affected Brother Dembele and others. I took the brother to the hospital, where he was treated and slowly recovered from his shock. Some people lost their lives due to heart attacks because they could not withstand the situation.
 
The severe downpours also interrupted schooling, postponing their scheduled opening from October 1 to November 4 because most of the displaced people were sheltered in the school buildings. Please pray for the farmers and all the people of Mali, especially so they may know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

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