Boosting Agricultural Productivity in Mali Through Financial Inclusion and Gender Equality

Mali is a prominent fragile and post-conflict country (FPCC) in SSA. Since independence in 1960, the country has experienced four armed rebellions, accounting for a total of 20 years. Agriculture is the mainstay of the Malian economy, and accounts for about 40% of GDP, and 75% of total employment. However, women are severely disadvantaged in Mali. Women have lower participation in education and government, and receive lower income compared to men. Also, women have lower outcomes in agricultural productivity and financial inclusion. Financial inclusion has been rising, with mobile money accounting for the substantial proportion of the increases. Mali's economic performance has been low, with slow rates of economic growth and high poverty levels. Improvements in agricultural productivity will be important for attaining sustainable development. Financial inclusion and gender equality have the potential to be critical drivers of such improvements in agricultural productivity. It is important to conduct empirical investigations to see if agricultural productivity can be enhanced through financial inclusion and agricultural productivity.