Paris, France - Foreigners are dominating the race for the acquisition of agricultural lands in Mali with some 450,000 hectares of land waiting to be allocated to them, a source close to the government told PANA here Thursday. According to the source, the foreigners are, however, awaiting final approval of their applications. The source said the foreigners are demanding farm lands in choice areas like those located along the River Niger which are known for their fertility. According to an independent study, nearly 585,000 hectares of agricultural lands have already been shared out by Mali to foreign investors, including Malibya Agriculture, Illovo, Huicoma, GDCM as well as Saudi and Chinese farmers.

The Malian authorities have also withdrawn about 290,000 hectares from foreign investors, who did not honour their commitment made at the time of the transfer of the lands.

Mali is, like Ethiopia, Madagascar and Mozambique, one of the African countries most confronted with the phenomenon of mass acquisition of agricultural lands by foreign investors.

Pana 24/06/2011