IPR/IFRA - Rural Polytechnic Institute, Mali

The Rural Polytechnic Institute (Institut Polytechnique Rural de Formation et de Recherche Appliquée), more than a century old, is an important higher education institution in the fields of agriculture, livestock and forestry in Mali. It is one of the oldest institutions of Higher Agricultural Education and Research of the sub-region. IPR's mission is to ensure: the training of agricultural engineers, livestock scientists and water and forest specialists; training of senior technicians in agriculture, livestock, water and forestry and rural engineering; promotion of scientific and technological research; training of rural development executives and young graduates; and education of rural communities. The vision is to combine specialization and versatility; maintain parity between theoretical training and practical training; to be in adequacy with the work situation and the fundamental challenges of the Sahel in order to succeed in the fight against desertification and in the restoration of ecological balances. Key areas of expertise include agronomy, livestock, water and forestry and rural engineering, economics and social sciences, agroforestry and partnership development with farmers, research institutions and NGOs. Research foci are spread across several fields such as plant biotechnology, varietal selection, integrated pest management, soil science, fertilization, management, medicinal plants, new energies (bio-gas, bio-fuels), animal nutrition, agroforestry, economic and social sciences.

Role in the project

IPR is involved in WP2, WP3, WP4, WP5, WP6 and WP7.

Key persons involved

• Prof. Dr. Sidiki Gabriel Dembele: WPs 4, 5, 6 and 7
• Prof. Dr. Famagan Oule Konate: WPs 2 and 3
• Dr. Hawa Coulibaly: WP6 in Mali
• Dr. Aliou Badara Kouyate: WPs 4 and 6
• Dr. Maïmouna Tour: WPs 2 and 3