Ice selling has become a source of income for many women through our women’s empowerment program in Malinke.

We gave microloans to four women in our church, and they bought refrigerators to sell ice cubes and popsicles. Depending on the region, a package of ice costs 200, 300 or 400 CFA1 francs (Mali’s local currency), putting it at the same level as a kilo (2.2 pounds) of corn, the staple food. The high price of ice is driven by climate change and the nationwide lack of electricity.

Human activities, such as charcoal production and tree cutting, have been our region’s leading cause of climate change. The problems began when a nationwide power company failed to keep up with growing demand after accumulating millions of dollars in debt during the junta2 rule. Thus, many people need other means of electricity, such as solar panels or electric generators, but do not have the means.

No electricity means no internet, cold water, or food preservation, causing many inconveniences. Many people are forced to sleep on their rooftops because of the high temperatures. One neighbor told me, “We do not go to bed until 2:00 or 3:00 a.m. when the temperature is low.” Students find it challenging to study at night because of little or no electricity, affecting their education. The temperatures can reach as high as 46°C (115°F), making it unbearable and affecting people’s health, especially older people and infants. Many people suffer from dizziness and die. People have to pour water on themselves to cope with the heatwave. Recently, about 150 people died in different hospitals as a result.

I had the opportunity to speak with Alhassan, an ice vendor whose story is poignant. He has to travel a considerable distance of 45 to 65 km (28 to 40 miles) to purchase ice cubes. The long journey and the associated costs mean that he has to sell his ice for 300 CFA francs to cover the fuel expenses and make a modest profit to support his family. His plea for the government to address the electricity problem is a testament to the daily challenges he and many others like him face.
Please pray for wisdom and courage for the authorities and relief and endurance for the people of Mali.

1 Franc of the Financial Community of Africa
2 A political or military organization that seizes power by force, thus ruling over a country.

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