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In order to intensify the adoption of improved technologies in priority agricultural value chains in Mali and the sub-region, CORAF/WECARD strengthened the capacities of actors from 12 implementing agencies of the West African Productivity Program (PPAAO) from August 03 to 06, 2016 in Ségou located 240 Km north of Bamako the capital of Mali.

Strengthen experience sharing, advocacy and collaboration between implementing agencies involved in facilitating the transfer and adoption of the technologies and innovations generated. The aim is to facilitate the exchange of research activities, methodologies and learning resources in Communication for Development (COMDEV).

According to Dr. Aly Kouriba, national coordinator of PPAAO/WAAPP, at the opening ceremony, "this training course will enhance the performance of the information and communication system shared by the various public and private services and NGOs responsible for extension".

The challenge today for the PPAAO-Mali coordination unit remains the updating of its national communication plan and a 2016 annual communication action plan.

To meet this challenge, the trainers, Dr Anatole KONE and Lola AKOMATSRI from CORAF/WECARD, developed specific, practical modules for participants from implementing agencies, who learned about a wide range of methods and tools, including ICTs and social media, Communication for Development to optimize the impact of development initiatives, promoting multi-stakeholder dialogue, informed decision-making and collective action.

In the field, participants also familiarized themselves with techniques focusing on mobilizing rural producers and disseminating improved agricultural technologies to boost productivity. Learners visited the national potato production platform in the commune of Niono in the Office du Niger zone. Thanks to support from PPAAO, the innovation platform, which brings together 54 producer groups, has been able to meet 12% of the national production capacity for potato seed. This success story is all the more impressive given that the platform has set up an endogenous financing mechanism based on revenues generated by sales, in order to build cold rooms for seed conservation.

Participants also visited the Assétou DIARRA rice processing unit in the town of Niono, where PPAAO has introduced high-yielding rice varieties. Today, the rice is husked and labeled "Mah Diarra", and consumers are delighted with its affordable price. Exclusive supplier from the Office du Niger to the capital, a kilogram is sold at 400 F cfa throughout the year.

At the end of the training session, the communication managers involved in implementing the PPAAO-Mali were given the task of creating a virtual platform for exchange and collaboration, to ensure synergy in development-oriented communication actions.