Mali, 15 November 2007 – The Coordination National des Organisations Paysannes (CNOP) and the Association des Organisations Professionnelles Paysannes (AOPP), the two national farmers’ associations in Mali, have convinced the national government to participate in the negotiation  of the regional economic Partnership Agreement. The SNV-supported farmer unions urged the government to protect domestic production of milk, cereals and dried meat.

This result demonstrates the increasing influence of farmer’s unions on government policy in Mali. The capacity building support of SNV to both famers unions contributed considerably to the increasing self-confidence and management skills necessary to work with the government.