Ousmane Sow: Declining rural incomes intensify urbanization in Mali

Urbanization in Mali is intensifying due to climatic factors and declining incomes in rural areas, stated Ousmane Sow, Permanent Secretary of the Greater Metropolitan Agglomeration of Bamako (Mali), at an event within the framework of WUF13 in Baku, Report informs.

According to him, the growth of urbanization in the country is directly linked to the deterioration of living conditions in rural areas, particularly due to drought and the shortening of the agricultural activity period.

"The reason for the growth of urbanization is that peasants are leaving villages and moving to cities. Why? Because of drought: agriculture no longer provides income. The rainy season lasts 3–4 months, and between seasons people are left without work," he noted.

Ousmane Sow emphasized that, as a solution, the development of suburban agriculture is planned, which will allow the population to earn income during the off-season and reduce pressure on cities. This measure, he said, also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 1 (no poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger), and SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy).

He added that the growth of water consumption amid urbanization leads to an increase in wastewater volumes, which requires systemic solutions in the infrastructure sector. In this regard, the construction of five treatment plants and five waste disposal sites is planned.

These measures, he noted, are also aimed at achieving SDG 6, related to ensuring access to clean water and sanitation.