Imperialism In Mali

Mali, a large country in Africa, stretches from the north at the Sahara desert all the way south to the Niger and Senegal River Basins (Africa Atlas). There are five lakes: Lake Débo, Lake Faguibine, Lake Sélingué, Lake Gossi, and Lake Manantali. Lake Faguibine is one of the largest in West Africa (Africa Atlas). Mali is 1,240,192 square kilometers and also has diverse climates (Drakenberg). Towards the north, there is little rain and a lot of desert (Drakenberg). Nearing the south, the rain amount increases up to 1400 millimeters (Drakenberg). This is also where the most fertile land is and where, not surprisingly, the most populated places are. These populated areas are causing environmental problems through air, water, and land. The major one is degradation. Degradation is, more or less, the …show more content…
Because livestock can’t always have water to drink, they die. Mali, therefore, is not able to export their livestock for money. The French taking over Mali didn’t help their cause today. The French took over their income and pushed taxes (Imperialism in Mali). Cotton production was increased and this took over more precious land (Imperialism in Mali). To control crops, especially cotton, fire is used to burn them and this leads to more degradation (Africa Atlas). Therefore, the imperialism of the French caused this problem even more so.

Though the French didn’t help Mali, they are trying to make a difference now. pour la relance durable du Mali (PRED) is an organization created to try and provide useful supplies to Mali (Drakenberg). PRED is focused on helping to provide energy for roads and buildings, security for food, investments in administrative services, and access to basic health, water and education services (Drakenberg). The group has helped Mali feel more comfortable and they are focused on reducing degradation (Drakenberg). Still, nothing can save what damage has already been