Climate change increases conflict in MaliCEFR B1
22 Jan 2026
Adapted from Peace News, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Bob Brewer, Unsplash
The UN Sustainable Development Group describes Mali as one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change. From 1970 to 2020 Mali experienced at least 40 major climate shocks. The group reports that drought affects around 400,000 people each year and reduces crop revenue by USD 9.5 million annually.
According to the UN group, declining soil fertility and degraded grazing lands have pushed farmers into traditional herding routes. This expansion has led to violent clashes between farmers and herders, and violent extremist groups have exploited those tensions to recruit, especially young people. Women are also affected because they must travel farther for fuelwood and water, and face higher risks of gender-based violence when conflicts grow.
Successful responses include improved early warning systems, training that combines scientific methods and traditional knowledge (for example, assisted natural regeneration and land and water management), and revived traditional forest laws. Local initiatives and businesses aim to boost agricultural jobs to reduce rural exodus and offer alternatives to recruitment.
Difficult words
- vulnerable — easily harmed by danger or change
- climate shock — a sudden major harmful weather eventclimate shocks
- drought — long period with little or no rain
- soil fertility — how healthy soil is for growing plants
- degraded — made worse or damaged over time
- herder — person who cares for and moves animalsherders
- recruit — to get people to join a group
- early warning system — a set of alerts to warn about dangerearly warning systems
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could improved early warning systems help families in Mali? Give one or two reasons.
- Do you think creating more agricultural jobs can reduce recruitment by extremist groups? Why or why not?
- How can combining scientific methods and traditional knowledge help restore land and water?
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