Siemenpuu Jatropha project main activities

The main activities of the project were:

Baseline studies & quantification of existing and potential uses (economic, environmental and social) of jatropha in three regions of Mali, namely Kayes, Koulikoro and Sikasso);

Demonstration projects including design, implementation and management of projects that demonstrate best practices in the cultivation and multiple uses of jatropha and 2 Jatropha multi-task energy platform installations (in Tabakoro & Didieni - a 3rd installation was made possible by the German section of UNIFEM awarding the project a prize to extend activities);

Design and implement a promotional campaign that disseminates the results of demonstration activities and baseline studies to community-based development organizations (emphasis on rural women’s groups), local, regional and national government agencies and decision makers; a national seminar for dissemination; and international organizations supportive of energy for sustainable development.


Development of planting techniques

MFC has established a database of the Jatropha resource in Mali, as well as developing best practices for planting of Jatropha both from seed and from cuttings (left, right & centre).

Techniques for selection & preparation of seed, as well as for cuttings, and planting conditions have been optimised (left, right & centre).

Sensitisation of local populations in advantages of Jatropha cultivation and training in planting techniques (left); young Jatropha plants used to make a living hedge to protect food crops against animals and protect soil against erosion (right & centre).



Training in soap making - an important income generating activity for rural women

Jatropha sediment from pressed oil, the starting material for soap production (left); mixing the sediment with other ingredients required (centre & right).

The liquid soap mixture is then poured into casts (left); left to set, then turned out (centre); MFC team sensitises rural populations in Kita (right & below left).

Installation of Jatropha multi-task energy platforms (village of Tabakoro)

Installation of Jatropha press (left); installation of grinding mill (centre); the village chief comes to visit the installation team on the site (right).

The generator installed provides public lighting and lighting of key buildings in the village (left); installation of cable for lighting in a building (centre); the platform building (right).

The platform installation in Tabakoro (left); resortissants (people from the village but who work in urban centres) assist with many of MFC's projects (centre); the batteries can now be brought to charge in the village instead of being transported 7km to the nearest battery charging station (right).