Small-scale irrigation schemes are schemes identified and realised with the implication of local communities. The project supports the National Programme for Small-scale Irrigation (PNIP) focussing on the development of the irrigable agricultural potential in the Dogon country and in Koulikoro, along with offices in Ouélessébougou and the Inner Delta (in the regions of Mopti and Timbuktu). The project aims at increasing agricultural production through small-scale irrigation and ensuring improved market access, thus contributing to improved food security and employment generation on Mali.

The following activities are planned within the project:

• Construction of hydro-agricultural schemes (HAS), for example micro dams, village level irrigated perimeters, ponds and small market gardening perimeters;
• Consolidation and / or rehabilitation of HAS;
• Construction and / or rehabilitation of village access roads;
• Construction of storage facilities;
• Construction of protection works for HAS and the environment, including anti-erosion measures, such as water spreading weirs, stone rows and reforestation measures;
• Provision of agricultural equipment and inputs (troughs, wagons, motor pumps, diesel, inputs, etc.);
• Mobilisation of and support to the population, including farmer’s organisations, during all project phases, focussed on the productive use of infrastructure;
• Production of thematic maps with impact data in GIS, and for the Inner Delta, monitoring of activities and results using remote sensing (satellite images).

The project adopts a co-management approach for all activities. The implementation units are managed together by a national and an international coordinator (principle of co-management).