Self supply in Mali: early steps towards an innovatory approach

The introduction of a new concept cannot be rushed. It is necessary to go through a process in which stakeholders have the opportunity, at various stages, to assess its relevance to them as members of government or local administration and, most of all, as endusers. Mali was one of the first countries to start this process with respect to Self Supply in rural water. The experience there has helped define the process and gives encouraging signs for its potential This paper looks at the progress thus far, the response at grassroots and national levels and plans for the future, but also identifies some of the challenges that need to be tackled.