The Environment and Agriculture

by John Bidwell, Segou, Mali

The size of the community has a direct impact on water use. An increase in the number of people puts more strain on the wells and pumps. The introduction of pumps in the past 20 years has provided a steadier supply of clean water. The environment also plays a big role. A poor rainy season is always cause for serious concern. And there is the ongoing problem of erosion. Sudden rains wash away valuable topsoil. The pumps can help in the years of little rain, and the villagers are constructing low stone walls to combat erosion.