Learning Platform on Seed Resources Between Farmers and the University in Kambila, Mali

Abstract

Family-based agriculture continues to be the principal food source in Africa generally and Mali in particular. Seeds and knowledge about seeds also impacts the wellbeing both of rural communities and universities themselves. Notwithstanding, the two communities rarely dialogue and power relations are very unequal. In general, farmers’ strategies for the conservation and valorization of seeds are very marginalized, especially those of women farmers. Notwithstanding the strong presence of women in the agricultural chain, their efforts, knowledge and know-how are kept silent in scientific debates, research and decision-making spheres. This capitalization study illustrates a partnership research of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Bamako, that used the pedagogic approach of 'Learning Platform for Community Service' to give greater voice to the women of the rural community of Kambila in Mali. This methodology allows the building of shared paths and convergence of knowledges between rural and university communities, improved knowledge of the realities of agricultural production in Mali, including its unequal gender dimension, and proposals of possible solutions.  

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