Pro-ARIDES trajectory no. 3 focuses on “Sustainable management of land, water and other natural resources through mechanisms for the peaceful and collective use of resources”. It aims to achieve “Improved land tenure and sustainable use of natural resources” by strengthening the capacities of farming and (agro-) pastoral households, improving decision-making and accountability of public/traditional institutions, and improving service delivery and natural resource management by governments (communities) and local institutions. It mainly targets farming and (agro-) pastoral households (impact groups), as well as land and water management committees, customary authorities, public services and land and water management bodies, and regional and local authorities.
Mali, like other Sahelian countries, faces challenges linked to climate change, land degradation and water resources, all of which are sources of conflict. Action research studies highlight that the governance of natural resources and land is characterized by a pluralism of legal and customary land tenure systems. Despite modern law, customary land tenure in rural areas continues to serve as a means of securing agricultural production, livestock breeding, fishing and food security. Hence the importance of the role played by local customary institutions, which have become a source of social and human capital for resolving conflicts linked to the management of natural and land resources by local communities and territorial authorities. Hence the positioning of the Pro-ARIDES program in support of the community approach initiative, which has been documented to improve the inclusive and sustainable management of natural resources and land. The involvement of grassroots communities in natural resource management is an important factor in the appropriation and acceptability of innovations and contributions.