DOCSLIB.ORG

Book Chapter

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Book Chapter Book Chapter Ceramic technology between past and present : a study of Malian traditions MAYOR, Anne Abstract Ceramic studies in archaeology have long focussed only on the stylistic classication of artefacts, through space and in time, based on morphological and decorative criteria. Few researchers were interested in the technical and functional aspects. It is now accepted that a set of stylistic traits does not necessarily coincide with a certain population. Many studies have demonstrated that technical aspects, on the other hand, are closely correlated to the identity of the producer group, as they often result from an early apprenticeship within the ethno-linguistic group. The transmission of technical knowledge can also follow other social configurations, such as clan, socio-professional class, or gender. Technical elements therefore provide essential information, even if they seem difficult to access. Furthermore, all pottery is produced in a particular context and is made to be used. The artisan will therefore make technical choices that take into account environmental and cultural constraints, as well as intended use. Studying the technical variability of ceramic assemblages thus aims at understanding the artisans' [...] Reference MAYOR, Anne. Ceramic technology between past and present : a study of Malian traditions. In: Smith Livingstone A., Cornelissen E., Gosselain O. & MacEachern S. Field Manual for African Archaeology. Tervuren : Royal Museum for Central Africa, 2017. Available at: http://archive-ouverte.unige.ch/unige:97520 Disclaimer: layout of this document may differ from the published version. 1 / 1 286 Field Manual for African Archaeology. Chapter 6 CERAMIC TECHNOLOGY BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT: A STUDY OF MALIAN TRADITIONS Anne Mayor1 THEORIES MODELS INTRODUCTION Ceramic studies in archaeology have long focussed only on the stylistic classification of artefacts, through space and in time, based on morphological and decorative cri- teria. Few researchers were interested in the technical and functional aspects. It is now accepted that a set of The present The past stylistic traits does not necessarily coincide with a certain regularities population. Many studies have demonstrated that techni- cal aspects, on the other hand, are closely correlated to the identity of the producer group, as they often result Ethno- Archaeo- archaeo- logy from an early apprenticeship within the ethno-linguistic logy group. The transmission of technical knowledge can also mechanisms scenarios follow other social configurations, such as clan, socio- professional class, or gender. Technical elements there- fore provide essential information, even if they seem dif- ficult to access. Furthermore, all pottery is produced in a particular context and is made to be used. The artisan will therefore make technical choices that take into ac- count environmental and cultural constraints, as well as intended use. Studying the technical variability of ceram- ic assemblages thus aims at understanding the artisans’ OBSERVATIONS technical choices and their meanings. The technological Fig. 1. The ethnoarcheological approach, applied to the study of analysis of archaeological ceramics involves a recon- ceramics (Mayor 2011: fig. 1). struction of the different manufacturing steps following a chaîne opératoire framework (see Gosselain, this vol- ume, pp. 292-295). The main stages are clay processing, I. AN ETHNOARCHAEOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE shaping, finishing, and firing. CERAMIC TRADITIONS OF MALI In archaeology, the interpretation of ceramics usually re- As a case study, we will examine ethnoarchaeological fers to – explicitly or not – a series of knowledge built by research conducted by a team from the University of Ge- different approaches. Ethnoarchaeology (see Lyons, this neva and devoted to Malian ceramic traditions. It contrib- volume, pp. 270-274) provides explicit references that are uted to a renewal of our understanding of the history of useful for interpreting the past by studying systematically, technical systems and populations in the Niger Bend. in the present, the links between ceramics and their vari- Following a theoretical analysis that acknowledged ous meanings, as well as the mechanisms behind observed the impasse faced by archaeologists when interpreting regularities. Technological analyses therefore often rely ancient artefacts, due to a lack of understanding of eth- on ethnoarchaeology (fig. 1), and other approaches such nographic realities, the MAESAO team from the Univer- as experimental archaeology or archaeometry. These sity of Geneva, led by Alain Gallay and Eric Huysecom, methods are varied and borrow elements from cultural launched a broad ethnoarchaeological project in Mali to anthropology as well as analytical tools from the natural understand the relationships between ceramic traditions sciences (see Livingstone Smith and de Francquen, this and ethnic groups (Gallay et al. 1998). We will summa- volume, pp. 173-179). rize what was learned through this research, which was carried out from 1988 to 2011, in order to explain how to 1 University of Geneva, Switzerland. obtain data that can renew our understanding of the past. A. Mayor. Ceramic technology between past and present 287 POUNDING IN A CONCAVE FORM HOLLOWING AND DRAWING OF A LUMPSUPERIMPOSITION MOLDING OVER A AND DRAWING OF CONVEX FORM LARGE RINGS PHASE 1 PHASE 1 PHASE 1 PREFORM PHASE 1 PREFORM PREFORM PREFORM OR OR OR PHASE 2 BASE + BODY PHASE 2 BASE PHASE 2 BASE PHASE 2 BODY PHASE 2 BASE + BODY R R R c c PHASE 3 BODY PHASE 3 BODY PHASE 3 BASE PHASE 3 BODY c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c OR OR PHASE 4 BODY c c c c c c PHASE 3 RIM PHASE 4 RIM PHASE 4 RIM PHASE 5 RIM PHASE 4 RIM R R R PHASE 5 BASE PHASE 5 BASE PHASE 6 BASE Fig. 2. Schematic ‘chaines opératoires’ for the four main shaping techniques practiced in the Niger Bend (Mayor 2011: fig. 3). 288 Field Manual for African Archaeology. Chapter 6 SPATIAL INSERTION OF SETTLEMENTS AND Tombouctou DYNAMICS OF INTERETHNIC RELATIONS Songhay migration Site (or site Identity of Identity of Site location in space) function ceramic inhabitants relation to Contacts with the Songhay, producers settlement borrowing and transformation territory by the Peul and northern Somono 16° Functional theme of ceramics Lake Débo P2 P4 Somono endogamous network from the ‘water people’ Percentage of traditions P1 plateau de Bandiagara P3 Shaping techniques Contacts with the Mossi Firing atmosphere and the Songhay, borrow- ing and transformation Decorating techniques Diafarabé (traditions A+B) Height H Ceramic traditions Djenné Max. diameter M r e ig Potter tools N Opening diameter O Contacts with the Bwa, borrowing Macroscopic technical and transformation (Dogon, tradition D) O/M index marks Bambara N H/M index Bani migration Shape of foot W E Traces of use and and body S 13° 100 KM wear Degreasers A.M. 2005 Moulding over concave form Special Moulding over convex form adjustments Clay colours Hollowing of lump of clay on bowl Hollowing of lump of clay on mould Pounding on diagonal weave Food residues Decorations Pounding on straight weave Pounding on fired clay mould Pounding on wooden mould Pounding on unfired clay mould DESCRIPTION OF MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS 6° 5° 4° 3° Fig. 4. Current distribution of shaping techniques and historical movements of populations responsible for their development (Mayor Fig. 3a. Diagram showing the links between selected relevant descrip- 2011: pl. 5 modified.) tive features and interpretations in terms of the spatial integration of settlements and the dynamics of inter-ethnic relations (Mayor 2011: fig. 59.) Production of ceramics Certain ceramic traditions are characterised by a manner of working and P1 aesthetic properties that reflect the ethnolinguistic identity of producers Consumption of ceramics P2 Recipients in a dwelling unit reflect the identity of the inhabitants P3 Dimensions of recipients reflect their function Spread of ceramics The spatial distribution of a ceramic tradition reflects the structure of P4 the producer group’s population Fig. 3b. Examples of regularities linking material facts with inter- pretation, and structuring the research. 1 A. Mayor. Ceramic technology between past and present 289 Such a goal demands that specific methodological require- Following the qualitative study of ethnographic data ments be observed during field surveys: and the first implementation of archaeological testing on - An extensive strategy: in order to understand the ce- locations with a varying degree of temporal and spatial ramic traditions of a region a wide geographical area must association, (e.g., Huysecom 1996), it was necessary to be covered, and enquiries must be made in many villages, re-examine the archaeology of the Niger Bend in the light with potters and customers from diverse socio-cultural of information about current ceramic traditions. The idea backgrounds. The idea is to approach the complexity of re- was to develop a new understanding of the history of ality and to get an accurate picture of technical boundaries. technology and populations (Mayor, 2011; Mayor et al. - A restricted objective: with limited time and resourc- 2005). This involved the adoption of three complemen- es, a consequence of the previous requirement is that one tary approaches (see Stahl, this volume, pp.250-252). must restrict oneself to the study of ceramics and of the elements that contribute to their understanding. This re- A. The ethnoarchaeological approach quires discipline, in order to put aside
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Algeria–Mali Trade: the Normality of Informality
    101137 DEMOCRACY Public Disclosure Authorized AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ERF 21st ANNUAL CONFERENCE March 20-22, 2015 | Gammarth, Tunisia 2015 Public Disclosure Authorized Algeria–Mali Trade: The Normality of Informality Sami Bensassi, Anne Brockmeyer, Public Disclosure Authorized Matthieu Pellerin and Gael Raballand Public Disclosure Authorized Algeria–Mali Trade: The Normality of Informality Sami Bensassi Anne Brockmeyer Mathieu Pellerin Gaël Raballand1 Abstract This paper estimates the volume of informal trade between Algeria and Mali and analyzes its determinants and mechanisms, using a multi-pronged methodology. First, we discuss how subsidy policies and the legal framework create incentives for informal trade across the Sahara. Second, we provide evidence of the importance of informal trade, drawing on satellite images and surveys with informal traders in Mali and Algeria. We estimate that the weekly turnover of informal trade fell from approximately US$ 2 million in 2011 to US$ 0.74 million in 2014, but continues to play a crucial role in the economies of northern Mali and southern Algeria. Profit margins of 20-30% on informal trade contribute to explaining the relative prosperity of northern Mali. We also show that official trade statistics are meaningless in this context, as they capture less than 3% of total trade. Finally, we provide qualitative evidence on informal trade actors and mechanisms for the most frequently traded products. JEL classification codes: F14, H26, J46. Keywords: informal trade, Algeria, Mali, fuel, customs. 1 The authors would like to thank Mehdi Benyagoub for his help on this study, Laurent Layrol for his work on satellite images, Nancy Benjamin and Olivier Walther for their comments and Sabra Ledent for editing.
    [Show full text]
  • Mali Enhanced Market Analysis 2019
    FEWS NET Mali Enhanced Market Analysis 2019 MALI ENHANCED MARKET ANALYSIS JUNE 2019 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Chemonics International Inc. for the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET), contract number AID-OAA-I-12-00006. The authors’Famine views Early expressed Warning inSystem this publications Network do not necessarily reflect the views of the 1 United States Agency for International Development or the United States government. FEWS NET Mali Enhanced Market Analysis 2019 About FEWS NET Created in response to the 1984 famines in East and West Africa, the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) provides early warning and integrated, forward-looking analysis of the many factors that contribute to food insecurity. FEWS NET aims to inform decision makers and contribute to their emergency response planning; support partners in conducting early warning analysis and forecasting; and provide technical assistance to partner-led initiatives. To learn more about the FEWS NET project, please visit www.fews.net. Disclaimer This publication was prepared under the United States Agency for International Development Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) Indefinite Quantity Contract, AID-OAA-I-12-00006. The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States government. Acknowledgments FEWS NET gratefully acknowledges the network of partners in Mali who contributed their time, analysis, and data to make this report possible. Recommended Citation FEWS NET. 2019. Mali Enhanced Market Analysis. Washington, DC: FEWS NET.
    [Show full text]
  • Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet: Mali
    May 2021 Climate, Peace and Security Fact Sheet Mali Dormino UN Photo/Marco Photo: RECOMMENDED ACTIONS: Mali is characterised by short-term climate variability, and is vulnerable to long-term climate change due to high exposure to the adverse effects The UN Security Council (UNSC) should task the United Nations of climate change, but also high population growth, diminished resilience Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali and multiple violent conflicts. Mali is forecast to become hotter with (MINUSMA) with incorporating climate, peace and security more erratic rainfall, impacting seasonal regularity and increasing the risks as a higher-order priority in its mandate. MINUSMA should risk of droughts and floods. Moreover, conflict, political instability and report to the UNSC on climate security, its effects on the mission weak government institutions undermine effective adaptation to climate mandate, and actions taken to address these problems. change. The UNSC should encourage MINUSMA to work with UN • Climate change may impact seasonal regularity and jeopardise Environment Programme (UNEP) to appoint an Environmental natural resource-based livelihoods. Livelihood insecurity can Security Advisor for prioritising climate, peace and security risks interact with political and economic factors to increase the risk within MINUSMA and for coordinating effective responses with of conflicts over natural resource access and use. the rest of the UN system, the Malian government, civil society, international and regional partners. The Advisor should support • Conflict, agricultural development and changing environmental capacity-building for analysis, reporting and coordinating conditions have affected migratory livestock routes, pushing responses to climate, peace and security risks – particularly in herders into areas where natural resources are under pressure the Malian government and MINUSMA divisions that regularly or shared use is not well defined.
    [Show full text]
  • France's War in Mali: Lessons for an Expeditionary Army
    CHILDREN AND FAMILIES The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and EDUCATION AND THE ARTS decisionmaking through research and analysis. ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE This electronic document was made available from www.rand.org as a public service INFRASTRUCTURE AND of the RAND Corporation. TRANSPORTATION INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS LAW AND BUSINESS Skip all front matter: Jump to Page 16 NATIONAL SECURITY POPULATION AND AGING PUBLIC SAFETY Support RAND SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Browse Reports & Bookstore TERRORISM AND Make a charitable contribution HOMELAND SECURITY For More Information Visit RAND at www.rand.org Explore the RAND Corporation View document details Limited Electronic Distribution Rights This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law as indicated in a notice appearing later in this work. This electronic representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for non- commercial use only. Unauthorized posting of RAND electronic documents to a non-RAND website is prohibited. RAND electronic documents are protected under copyright law. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of our research documents for commercial use. For information on reprint and linking permissions, please see RAND Permissions. This report is part of the RAND Corporation research report series. RAND reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity. C O R P O R A T I O N France’s War in Mali Lessons for an Expeditionary Army Michael Shurkin Prepared for the United States Army Approved for public release; distribution unlimited For more information on this publication, visit www.rand.org/t/rr770 Published by the RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, Calif.
    [Show full text]
  • Mali Refugee and IDP Settlements
    Mali Gross Cell Product in 1990 Chronic Complex Emergency: Mali The Northern Region of Mali has been in high rates of conflict since 2011-2013, but has previously suffered chronic armed and fatal political violence. The continued uprisings of the Mouvement National de Libération de l’Azawad (MNLA) have lead to persistent conflict in the states. The MNLA’s overall goal is secession of the Northern region of Mali. This region has also hosted Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and the Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO) for several years. Along with this chronic nature of political violence, the northern part of Mali is subject to high rates of natural disasters occurrence. This region has been economically and politically marginalized by southern governments, leading to chronic under-development in a country where 50% of the population lives on less than $1.25 a day. Conflict GDP Timbuktu Gao Kayes Mopti Segou Bamako Sikasso Mali Natural Disasters from 2000 to 2011 Gross Cell Product (1990, 1995 US $) PPP Mali Refugee and IDP settlements Western Sahara Ethnic Geography (number of ethnic communities in each district) Environmental Disasters Main_Towns 0 - 35 000 000 Western Sahara # Refugees & IDPs Settlements 35 000 000 - 79 000 000 79 000 000 - 142 000A 0l0g0eria 0 75 150 300 Miles 142 000 000 - 231 000 000 Algeria 231 000 000- 480 000 000 Mauritania Mauritania # Kidal Timbuktu Mali Mali Gao # Nagara Gao # # # Niger ##Techibe Niger Kayes Mopti Aite#Aouru ## # SameKayesTambakara Segou Senegal Senegal Bamako Burkina Faso Burkina Faso # # Sikasso Faragouaran Sikasso# Loulouni Guinea Nigeria Guinea Benin Nigeria Benin Ghana Sierra Leone Ghana Togo Côte d'Ivoire Togo Côte d'Ivoire Sierra Leone 0 100 200 400 Miles Liberia Liberia 0 75 150 300 Miles Number of Natural Disasters Drought, Flood and Flash Flood 3 4 - 5 6 7 8 - 9.
    [Show full text]
  • The United Nations Foundation Team Traveled to Bamako, Gao, And
    The United Nations Foundation team traveled to Bamako, Gao, and Timbuktu from September 16-26, 2018, to learn more about the United Nations Integrated Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). During our visit, we met with more than 50 UN officials, civil society groups, Western diplomats, and international forces including leadership in MINUSMA, Barkhane, and the G5 Sahel Joint Force. Below you will find our observations. Background The landlocked country of Mali, once a French colony and a cultural hub of West Africa, was overrun in January 2012 by a coalition of Tuareg and terrorist groups moving south towards the capital of Bamako. At the time, the Tuareg movement (MNLA) in northern Mali held legitimate grievances against the government and aligned itself with Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) and Ansar Dine (Defenders of Faith), the Islamic militants and jihadists in the region. Simultaneously, a mutiny of soldiers launched a military coup d’ etat led by Captain Amadou Sonogo, who took power from then President Amadou Toumani Touré and dissolved government institutions, consequently leading to a complete collapse of institutions in the northern part of the country. This Tuareg movement declared Kidal, Gao, and Timbuktu an Independent State of Azawad by April 2012. However, soon after, the Tuareg move- ment was pushed out by the jihadists, Ansar Dine and Movement for Oneness and Jihad in West Africa (MUJAO).1 In the early days of the conflict, the UN and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) put together a power-sharing framework which led to the resignation of President Toure. Dioncounda Traoré was subsequently appointed interim President and a transitional government was established.
    [Show full text]
  • GAO-14-518, Combating Terrorism: U.S. Efforts in Northwest Africa
    United States Government Accountability Office Report to the Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate June 2014 COMBATING TERRORISM U.S. Efforts in Northwest Africa Would Be Strengthened by Enhanced Program Management GAO-14-518 June 2014 COMBATING TERRORISM U.S. Efforts in Northwest Africa Would Be Strengthened by Enhanced Program Management Highlights of GAO-14-518, a report to the Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate Why GAO Did This Study What GAO Found Events in northwest Africa—such as al Nearly half of the funds allocated for the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb’s Partnership (TSCTP) since fiscal year 2009 have been disbursed, but TSCTP seizure of territory in Mali in 2012 and program managers are unable to readily provide data on the status of these Boko Haram’s near-daily attacks in funds. As of late 2013, U.S. agencies reported disbursing nearly $140 million of Nigeria—have underscored concerns the approximately $288 million allocated for TSCTP between fiscal years 2009 that the region is vulnerable to the and 2013. Mali, Mauritania, and Niger were the top three recipients of bilateral spread of violent extremism. TSCTP, a funding. Although the Department of State’s (State) Foreign Affairs Manual and U.S. multiagency counterterrorism federal standards for internal control note that effective internal management effort begun in 2005, led by State, and requires financial information for planning, programming, and performance primarily coordinated with USAID and evaluation, TSCTP’s program managers do not routinely collect and assess data DOD, focuses on strengthening partner countries’ counterterrorism capabilities on the status of funding for TSCTP, such as the amount of funds unobligated.
    [Show full text]
  • Autumn Migration of Juvenile Short-Toed Eagles Circaetus Gallicus from Southeastern Spain
    Autumn migration of juvenile Short-toed Eagles Circaetus gallicus from southeastern Spain Diego Pavón1,*, Rubén Limiñana1, Vicente Urios1, Alejandro Izquierdo2, Beatriz Yáñez3, 4 5 Miguel Ferrer & Alejandro de la Vega Pavón D., Limiñana R., Urios V., Izquierdo A., Yáñez B., Ferrer M. & de la Vega A. 2010. Autumn migration of juvenile Short-toed Eagles Circaetus gallicus from southeastern Spain. Ardea 98: 113–117. This study provides the first description of autumn migration routes of juvenile Short-toed Eagles Circaetus gallicus tagged in southeastern Spain. Three nestlings were tagged with Argos/GPS satellite transmitters, of which two reached their wintering grounds in Mali, close to the Inner Niger Delta. Onset, duration and routes of migration differed between the two individuals, but both eventually settled in approximately the same area (c. 170 km apart). The win- tering grounds were located more than 2500 km away from the breeding sites, although the birds covered some 3800–4700 km to reach the wintering area. The observed differences in migration strategies may be related to juvenile ea- gles migrating, or not, in mixed flocks with adults; the latter depart earlier from the breeding grounds and follow a more direct route to the wintering grounds. Key words: Circaetus gallicus, migration speed, migratory routes, raptors, satellite tracking, wintering grounds, GPS 1Grupo de Investigación Zoología de Vertebrados, CIBIO, Universidad de Alicante, Apdo. correos 99, Alicante E-03080, Spain; 2Centro de Recuperación de Fauna Santa Faz,
    [Show full text]
  • Niger Basin Authority (NBA) Is an Intergovernmental Organisati on Responsible for the Joint Management of the River and for Sustainable Development of the Basin
    Niger Document elaborated in October 2018 Basin Nexus Profi le INTRODUCTION The Niger River Basin (NRB) in West and Central Africa covers a of uncertainty in planning resource use. Over 70% of the basin’s total area of 2.13 million km2 and its acti ve basin is home to over populati on live in areas where food security depends on unre- 130 million people throughout nine countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, liable rainfall and highly variable inter-annual and intra-annual Cameroon, Chad, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. river fl ows and agriculture is currently by far the largest sector, Seven of the nine basin countries are among the 20 poorest coun- employing 80% of the populati on. Signifi cant poverty levels and a tries in the world, with large income dispariti es in the richer basin high dependency on small-holder agricultural producti on persist countries. In fact, all 9 riparian states are in the bott om third of the in the region [1]. 189 countries according to the UNDP’s Human Development Index A sound integrated and transboundary management is necessary (2018), with 5 in the last 15. Most of them face rapid populati on to address these challenges and to promote development in the growth (an esti mated annual average of 3.2%) and urbanisati on basin. This pressing issue is highlighted by the Sustainable Devel- (currently 64% of the populati on is rural but by 2025, urban pop- opment Goals (SDGs) indicators. While progress is being made ulati on is expected to account for more than half of the people) within the basin, 30% of the populati on sti ll do not have access to in a vulnerable environment characterised by pockets of politi cal an improved water source, 75% do not have improved sanitati on instability, insecurity and diffi cult climati c conditi ons.
    [Show full text]
  • Mali: Timbuktu, Gao and Mopti
    ACAPS Briefing Note: Mali Displacement Briefing Note – 19 June 2015 Key Findings Mali: Timbuktu, Gao Anticipated Most new IDPs are in host communities, putting further and Mopti scope and pressure on already stressed households. scale Internal Displacement It is unclear if more displacement is likely. Some IDPs have returned home, but more displacement could occur if the planned signature of the peace agreement (20 June) is Need for international Not required Low Moderate Significant Major delayed and fighting resumes. assistance X Insignificant Minor Moderate Significant Major Expected impact X Priorities for Shelter and NFIs: IDPs are in need of waterproofs tents or humanitarian local materials for shelter construction and of NFI intervention Food: Most IDPs are surviving thanks to aid from neighbours, Crisis Overview who are themselves usually very poor. The IDPs are in urgent need of food assistance. The number of people displaced in 2015 grew by 37% between April and June. By 1 Protection: the number of attacks on villages has multiplied June, 59,565 new internally displaced persons had been reported across the regions of since May. Timbuktu (54,441), Gao (3,041) and Mopti (2,083), since the surge in clashes in northern Mali in April. Insecurity worsened after pro-government forces captured Humanitarian Deterioration of the security situation and hostilities continue to Menaka in Gao region on 27 April, and the announcement that a peace accord was constraints hamper humanitarian access in the north of Mali. At least 14 expected to be signed on 15 May 2015. humanitarian organisations had to temporarily suspend activities or relocate staff between February and April 2015.
    [Show full text]
  • Adaptation to Climate Change in the Upper and Middle Niger River Basin
    Adaptation to Climate Change in the Upper and Middle Niger River Basin River Basin Snapshot Draft for Discussion May 2010 Adaptation to Climate Change in the Upper and Middle Niger River Basin Acknowledgements KfW Entwicklungsbank would like to thank the author Martin Kerres for writing the report as well as Dr. Manuel Schiffler for initiating and supervising the basin snapshots. This report would not have been possible without the financial support of the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Numerous persons enriched the quality of the document through their precious support. I would like to particularly thank Martin Bostroem, Dr. Jörg Dux, Dr. Dieter Gomer, Stefan Lechner, Karen Möhring and Jozias Pieterse of KfW Entwicklungsbank for their valuable contributions. The document was further improved through excellent comments and support by Patrick Fallis and Dr. Peter Pieck and of Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). I especially thank Amal Talbi of the World Bank and Ibraheem Ali of the Niger Basin Authority (NBA) as well as Franca Schwarz and Dr. Sara Ines Vassolo of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) for contributing with their thorough and priceless experience and knowledge. Stefan Zeeb Head of Division Competence Center Water and Waste Management 2 Adaptation to Climate Change in the Upper and Middle Niger River Basin Content Part one: Water resources and Climate ................................................................................. 7 The
    [Show full text]
  • Mali Water Resources Profile Overview
    WATER RESOURCES PROFILE SERIES The Water Resources Profile Series synthesizes information on water resources, water quality, the water-related dimen- sions of climate change, and water governance and provides an overview of the most critical water resources challenges and stress factors within USAID Water for the World Act High Priority Countries. The profile includes: a summary of avail- able surface and groundwater resources; analysis of surface and groundwater availability and quality challenges related to water and land use practices; discussion of climate change risks; and synthesis of governance issues affecting water resources management institutions and service providers. Mali Water Resources Profile Overview Total renewable freshwater resources are well above the average in sub-Saharan Africa and most renewable water supplies are from surface water. Half of all water resources originate outside Mali, including the Niger and Senegal Rivers, which can impact domestic water security and freshwater availability varies significantly by region and across seasons, contributing to significant water shortages in some parts of the country, particularly in the northern Saharan and Sahelian zones. According to the Falkenmark Indexi and SDG 6.4.2ii, Mali is not experiencing national level water stress, as total renewable water resources per person (6,472 m3) is above the water availability stress threshold and abstraction rates (8 percent) are below the 25 percent water stress threshold set by the Food and Agriculture Organization. The duration and severity of droughts are expected to increase while hotter temperatures will raise evaporation rates and reduce overall surface water supply. The highly variable inter-seasonal and inter-annual flow of the Niger River, combined with more frequent and severe droughts, have reduced dry season water availability in central and eastern Mali.
    [Show full text]