Assessment of Flood and Drought Impacts on Agriculture and Population in Mali

The project aims to assess the impacts of floods and droughts on Mali’s agriculture and population. Through data collection, spatial analysis, and economic impact assessments, we seek to develop predictive models that support early warning systems and policy recommendations. The ultimate goal is to equip local governments, NGOs, and stakeholders with the tools to mitigate risks, improve resilience, and safeguard livelihoods.

Floods and droughts pose significant threats to agriculture and populations in Mali. The increasing frequency and intensity of these natural hazards result in severe economic losses, food insecurity, and forced migration. Understanding the impact of these disasters on vulnerable communities and agricultural systems is critical to developing effective mitigation and adaptation strategies.

There is an urgent need for a comprehensive risk assessment to identify at-risk populations and infrastructure, model flood heights, and assess the economic impact of drought on crop yields. Additionally, understanding migration patterns due to climate change and natural hazards is essential for policymakers to develop sustainable adaptation plans. Without timely intervention, agricultural losses and displacement will continue to rise, exacerbating poverty and instability in the region.

To achieve these objectives, the project will undertake: Data Collection: Using satellite imagery and demographic databases to assess hazard exposure. Spatial Analysis: Utilizing GIS tools to overlay population and crop data with hazard maps. Economic Impact Assessment: Estimating financial losses due to floods and droughts based on historical crop prices. Migration Trends Analysis: Analyzing displacement patterns to predict future forced migration trends. Modeling & Reporting: Conducting climate simulations and producing a final report to inform decision-making.

The project will collaborate with international and local organizations, including research institutions, governmental agencies, and NGOs working on disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. Key partners may include satellite data providers (Copernicus, UNEP GRID), GIS experts, and local policymakers to ensure that research findings are effectively integrated into practical solutions.

This project will provide a data-driven foundation for disaster preparedness and risk reduction strategies in Mali. By integrating scientific research with practical policy recommendations, it will help local communities adapt to climate risks, safeguard agricultural productivity, and reduce forced migration. The findings will also contribute to broader global resilience efforts, serving as a model for similar initiatives in other climate-vulnerable regions.

his project stands out due to its comprehensive, data-driven approach to assessing flood and drought risks in Mali. By integrating high-resolution satellite imagery, GIS-based spatial analysis, economic impact assessments, and migration trend modeling, it offers a holistic view of the challenges faced by communities. Unlike traditional risk assessments, this project not only identifies hazards but also evaluates their socio-economic consequences, making it highly actionable for policymakers and stakeholders. The International Centre for Natural Hazards is uniquely positioned to implement this project due to its extensive experience in disaster risk analysis, geospatial technologies, and climate change research. Our multidisciplinary team includes GIS experts, data scientists, and risk analysts specializing in climate-related hazards. Our strong network of research institutions and stakeholders enhances our ability to deliver impactful, sustainable solutions.