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Mali waterdam

Tangala is thriving thanks to a new dam

July 25, 2026

In the rural municipality of Mountougoula, water had long been the biggest challenge for farmers. In the village of Tangala, vegetable growers relied on traditional wells that would run dry just a few months after the rainy season. As a result, farming outside the rainy season was virtually impossible. Limited access to water led to low yields, small areas of cultivated land and an increasing exodus of young people to other villages in search of work.

To change this situation, a small dam was built on the Tangala River. The aim was simple yet ambitious: to provide year-round access to water, make more agricultural land productive and strengthen the economic resilience of the local community.

Well thought out from design to implementation

Before work began, experts from the Institut Polytechnique Rural (IPR) in Katibougou, engineers from CSPEEDA and consultants from Join For Water carried out extensive preparatory studies. They investigated the technical, hydrological and economic feasibility of the project, identified the most suitable location for the dam and analysed potential impacts on the environment and biodiversity.

The final design comprised a dam 12 metres long and 60 cm wide, featuring a central spillway and a reinforced stone structure.

The works were carried out by a local company. In addition to the construction of the dam, irrigation channels were also built and farmers received training on the maintenance and management of the infrastructure. Throughout the process, our partner CSPEEDA oversaw the entire process and ensured that local residents were involved, so that they feel a sense of ownership of the project and can actively contribute to its sustainable management.

Spectacular growth in agriculture

The impact of the dam was soon evident. Thanks to the constant availability of water, farmers were able to expand their activities and continue producing even during the dry season.

The area under cultivation grew from 3.5 hectares to more than 20 hectares; the number of active farmers rose from 13 to 79, including 29 women. Total agricultural production increased from 6.5 tonnes to 54 tonnes.

The story of Fanto Doumbia, a farmer from , illustrates this progress. Before the dam was built, he cultivated 0.5 hectares of land and produced 0.75 tonnes of vegetables. Today, she cultivates 0.75 hectares and achieves a yield of around 1 tonne.

More opportunities for women

The project has also made a significant contribution to the economic status of women in Tangala.

Whereas previously there were only four female farmers working on a combined area of 0.85 hectares, there are now 29 farming more than 4 hectares of agricultural land. Their average yield has even doubled, from 8 tonnes per hectare to 16.6 tonnes per hectare.

For Fatoumata Samaké, too, the situation has changed dramatically. Her yield rose from 0.4 tonnes on 0.2 hectares to 0.75 tonnes on 0.5 hectares. Thanks to the higher yields, women now have more income of their own and greater financial independence.

 

New wildlife around the water

The dam brings benefits not only to agriculture. The permanent water reserve has created a new ecosystem that enhances local biodiversity.

Waterbirds and shorebirds such as herons and ducks are increasingly finding their way to the area. The introduction of young fish and the presence of a permanent body of water have also given a boost to fishing. In addition, more bees and butterflies are being spotted, which promotes crop pollination.

The vegetation along the banks is also recovering. Increased vegetation helps prevent erosion and contributes to better soil quality.

A stronger local economy

The benefits of the dam extend beyond agriculture alone. Families can now sell vegetables at local markets all year round, ensuring a more stable and higher income.

In addition, communal fishing provides an extra source of food and income. The increased economic activity creates jobs in the village and reduces the need for young people to seek work elsewhere.

Many families are also investing their extra income in their children’s education and in improving their living conditions.

Greater food security and variety

Thanks to the reliable water supply, farmers can now grow a wider variety of crops, including tomatoes, onions, cabbages, aubergines, chillies and okra.

This diversification ensures a more varied food supply, improved food security and new commercial opportunities. On average, agricultural yields have risen by 75 per cent: from 2 tonnes per hectare before the dam was built to 3.5 tonnes per hectare today.

For some residents, the project even meant a completely fresh start. Amadou Doumbia, for example, who previously had no involvement in farming, was able to start cultivating half a hectare of land and achieve a yield of 0.75 tonnes.

An example of sustainable development

The Tangala dam demonstrates how a relatively small water infrastructure project can have a major social impact. By providing permanent access to water, the project strengthens food security, increases household incomes and creates new opportunities for women and young people.

Challenges remain, such as the collective management of water, improved access to markets and further training for farmers. Nevertheless, Tangala proves that sustainable solutions at a local level can be a powerful driver of economic development and social progress.

Today, the dam is much more than an infrastructure project: it has become a catalyst for a resilient and forward-looking community.

 

More on our partner CSPEEDA