Good rains On National Mango Day in Mali, the BBC’s Celeste Hicks visits a village famous for its mango trees. The succulent fruit is one of the country’s most important crops – and is famous for its great taste across the region. Everyone agrees that the rains have been generous this year and the mango trees of Sibi are sagging under the weight of thousands of bright orange, deliciously ripe mangos. Fruitful legacy Most of the 20,000 mango trees here in Sibi were planted about 100 years ago by the village's grandfathers. Anyone in the village can apply for permission to pick the mangos in return for a contribution to the families whpictures: Mali's mangos
New markets Mali, like every country in West Africa, has been affected by the global rise in food prices, as it is dependent on imports for almost 70% of its basic goods. Small-scale farmers clearly have an important role to play in helping to make the country more self-sufficient in food. This week the women of the co-operative have a stall for the first time at the Bamako Agricultural Fair – hoping to find new markets for their products.
ReplyDeleteGood rains
On National Mango Day in Mali, the BBC’s Celeste Hicks visits a village famous for its mango trees.
The succulent fruit is one of the country’s most important crops – and is famous for its great taste across the region.
Everyone agrees that the rains have been generous this year and the mango trees of Sibi are sagging under the weight of thousands of bright orange, deliciously ripe mangos. Fruitful legacy
Most of the 20,000 mango trees here in Sibi were planted about 100 years ago by the village's grandfathers.
Anyone in the village can apply for permission to pick the mangos in return for a contribution to the families whpictures: Mali's mangos
New markets
Mali, like every country in West Africa, has been affected by the global rise in food prices, as it is dependent on imports for almost 70% of its basic goods.
Small-scale farmers clearly have an important role to play in helping to make the country more self-sufficient in food.
This week the women of the co-operative have a stall for the first time at the Bamako Agricultural Fair – hoping to find new markets for their products.