AKF supported the development of a dynamic, competent and sustainable civil society sector in Mali. Following a consultative process, we developed widely accepted standards for a good quality civil society organisation (CSO) and designed a self-assessment tool to measure organisations’ progress towards reaching these standards. AKF facilitated 285 CSOs across every region of Mali to complete self-assessments and supported 80 to build their capacity.
6,000
AKF has trained 6,000 farmers, half of them women, in marketing and market development
In recognition of the importance of strong relationships between government and civil society for the nation’s growth, AKF promoted better collaboration between the two sectors. This led to multiple fora at Bamako and regional levels with government officials and civil society representatives. They identified core opportunities and challenges in the relationship and devised strategies to address these. This collaboration has led to better inclusion of citizen priorities in government planning and a corresponding increase in tax recovery rates.
AKF supported the development of a comprehensive civic education curriculum, teachers’ guide and modules for use in the non-formal education sector.
Additionally, we have worked to introduce best practices on corporate social responsibility and institutional integrity in Mali. In partnership with the International Business Leaders’ Forum and Tiri, the programme has trained AKFED project companies and other organisations beyond the Network.
This programme built the capacity and competence of local health, education, agriculture, women’s and microfinance organisations, helping them to mobilise local resources to realise their objectives. AKF also helped create village organisations to address major development needs. The programme reached over 200 villages and 400,000 beneficiaries.