FAO GIEWS Country Brief on Mali –

FOOD SECURITY SNAPSHOT Planting of 2026 cereal crops is nearing completion Cereal output in 2025 estimated at above‑average level Prices of coarse grains below year‑earlier levels in July 2026 About 1.56 million people estimated to be severely acute food insecure between June and August 2026 Planting of 2026 cereal crops is nearing completion Planting operations of the 2026 maize, millet and sorghum crops were completed last July, while planting of the 2026 rice crop is ongoing and is expected to conclude by the end of August. The rainy season, which typically extends from May to September, was characterized by a generally timely onset and near‑average cumulative precipitation amounts through early August, supporting planting operations and the establishment of early‑planted crops in most producing regions. However, these favourable seasonal totals masked periods of early‑season dryness and an erratic distribution of rains that affected some central and southern areas, where replanting was required. According to the latest seasonal weather forecast update by the AGRHYMET Regional Climate Centre for West Africa and the Sahel (AGRHYMET RCC-WAS) , near- to above‑average cumulative rainfall amounts are expected between August and October 2026 in eastern areas, likely supporting crop development. In most other producing regions, below‑average cumulative precipitation amounts are forecast, which could negatively affect crop yields. Conflict continues to constrain farmers’ access to their fields in several areas across the country, likely resulting in localized production shortfalls. Access to agricultural inputs has been constrained by shortages and high prices. A blockade imposed by non‑state armed groups on fuel and other goods entering Bamako severely constrained farmers’ access to inputs during the critical early stages of the main agricultural season. Fertilizer availability has been curtailed, with available stocks currently covering only 22 percent of national requ