The unique aspect of the training we provide is we are fully committed to the long-term results of the communities we connect with. Not only do we understand the needs of the farmers we work with, but we understand those needs can change over the years as knowledge builds, problems arise, environmental changes, and more. One example of a groups’ evolution over ten years takes place in Katibougou, Mali. 

Amadou Diaby, the President of Katibougou Farmers’ Cooperative, invited Mali Representative Bara Kassambara to visit his farm. Together they reflected on the immense progress he has made with his own production as well as the knowledge that has been passed to others in the cooperative. During the visit in November 2021, it marks over ten years of working with Farmer-to-Farmer and Amadou can’t thank the organization enough for milestones that have been accomplished. 

Milestones Over the Last Ten Years

Before Working with Farmer-To-Farmer: Amadou was a goat farmer with basic knowledge of aspects to his farming production. At the time he was raising 24 dwarf goats consisting of 5 bucks and 24 does with a production yield of two liters of milk and a buck could be sold between $30-35. He saw the possibility of increasing his production with the help of trainings that focused on milk production, feeding techniques, business skills, breeding, and more. The training would not only increase his own production but also the success of others within the cooperative that can be passed to the whole community. 

First Assignment: The training took place in August of 2019 with Founder and President, Judy Moses. The assignment focused on, “Improved Small Ruminant (Sheep and Goat) Milk Production,” where Amadou was impressed by the professionalism, devotion, and love for small ruminants that was expressed by Judy and the Farmer-To-Farmer (F2F) program. From there the cooperative was able to work with the F2F program to assist in connecting volunteers with the needs of the farmers. 

Continued Training: After the first successful training, Amadou’s cooperative planned five more assignments based on the needs of farmers in Katibougou with the F2F program. There was immense interest in the trainings and Amadou expressed to members the advantages of joining to increase their own production. The different trainings focused on everything from goat farming, organizational capacity building, and entrepreneurship development. 

Goat Breeding Program: As a well-rounded program, there was the ability to increased breeding practices by the donation of several improved goat breeds. The donation consists of local breeds that are acclimated to the climate as well as the needs of the farmer and training to assist in the proper breeding methods. Depending on the practice of the farmer, the goat is bred to increase their meat or milk production along with selling the small ruminant for a higher amount. 

Today:  Amadou is now the very proud owner of 150 goats of the improved breed. The goats produce 5 liters of milk for $1 a liter and he is able to sell around 50 animals between $100-200. His increased income has provided him with the ability to hire a herder and support their family—a huge accomplishment that would not have been possible before the training. In addition, Amadou’s two sons were taught how to castrate and now they provide services to other breeders for $0.50 per animal. 

Moving into the Future

Amadou is forever grateful for the opportunities that F2F has provided to the cooperative, his farm, and the whole community. He continues to work toward improving his goat farming techniques such as synchronizing kidding to further increase breeding practices with 30 kids all born within a week time frame. As always he advocates others, especially youth, about the importance of taking advantage of the training—age shouldn’t determine when someone should learn new skills. 

“You truly make a difference for us, and we are extremely grateful!” – Amadou Diaby 

Infographic of the goat farming timeline with Amadou Diaby.