WASHINGTON, November 14, 2024 - The World Bank has approved a $150 million International Development Association (IDA) credit to help Mali improve access to basic services and address the needs of communities in at-risk areas.
The Community Resilience and Revitalizing Access to Essential Services Project (called “Malidenko” in Bambara) will use a community-driven development (CDD) approach to deliver basic services in fragile areas to strengthen the link between the state and citizens. This approach emphasizes social inclusion and a participatory approach to communities – including the most vulnerable – in the planning process, resource management, and implementation of subprojects in partnership with local authorities. Malidenko will also strengthen the resilience of beneficiary communities and social cohesion by capitalizing on community structures, local knowledge and relationships with traditional leaders, as well as the desire for peace and reconciliation. The project also includes capacity building on climate-related issues and climate-responsive infrastructure to improve the resilience of beneficiary communities to associated crop risks.
“Malidenko will be critical for the beneficiary regions facing security and climate risks that need to rapidly improve services and economic opportunities to foster social cohesion,” said Clara de Sousa, World Bank Country Director for Mali. “The CDD model is widely seen as an appropriate approach to strengthen resilience and prevention in conflict-prone areas, increase community involvement in local development, and foster community ownership of projects and social cohesion.”
Malidenko will benefit 1.84 million people living in the six beneficiary regions, 57 communes, and 850 villages who will have access to improved basic services. In addition, the project includes specific measures to facilitate the inclusion of vulnerable groups, including poor women, youth, internally displaced persons, and persons with disabilities.
