Herou Alliance: Building an Inclusive Agroforestry Value Chain

Story By Linda Makau,

In the heart of Mali, where the challenges of poverty, climate change, desertification, soil erosion, malnutrition, and food insecurity converge, Rokiatou Traoré stands as a beacon of hope and determination. As a dedicated green entrepreneur, Traoré’s commitment to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is unwavering, and her work is making a significant impact on her community and beyond. Her passion is particularly focused on empowering women and youth, recognizing their crucial role in fostering sustainable development.

Traoré’s journey into sustainable entrepreneurship began with her co-founding of Herou Alliance alongside her late husband. This venture is not just a business; it is a mission-driven initiative aimed at creating an inclusive value chain centered around agroforestry products, notably Moringa. Moringa, often referred to as the “miracle tree,” is renowned for its nutritional and medicinal properties, making it an ideal crop for addressing malnutrition and promoting health. The vision of Herou Alliance is both ambitious and transformative. By 2030, Traoré aims to establish a network of millions of women Moringa producers, plant 10 million Moringa trees, and export Moringa-based products globally. This initiative not only focuses on environmental sustainability but also on economic empowerment, providing women with the means to generate income and improve their livelihoods.

Despite the scale of these goals, Herou Alliance has already achieved significant milestones. Nearly a hundred women Moringa producers have been trained, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to cultivate and process Moringa products. Over 20,000 Moringa trees have been planted in the Koulikoro region, contributing to reforestation efforts and combating desertification. Additionally, Herou Alliance has successfully exported a diverse range of organic Moringa products to more than seven countries, showcasing the global demand for these nutritious and sustainable products. At the core of Traoré’s efforts is a firm belief in the power of women and youth to drive sustainable development. By focusing on these groups, she addresses the systemic inequalities that often hinder progress in rural communities. Training women to become Moringa producers not only empowers them economically but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration. This inclusive approach ensures that the benefits of the Moringa value chain are shared widely, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Traoré’s dedication to empowering women is rooted in her understanding of the unique challenges they face. In many rural areas, women are the primary caretakers of their families and play a crucial role in agriculture. However, they often lack access to resources, education, and markets. By providing training, resources, and market access, Traoré is helping to break down these barriers and create opportunities for women to thrive. Climate change is a pressing issue in Mali, with rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns threatening agricultural productivity and food security. Traoré’s work with Moringa is a powerful response to these challenges. Moringa trees are known for their resilience and ability to grow in arid conditions, making them an ideal crop for regions affected by desertification and soil erosion.

By planting millions of Moringa trees, Herou Alliance is not only restoring degraded lands but also sequestering carbon and improving soil health. This contributes to climate change mitigation while simultaneously enhancing the resilience of local communities. The cultivation of Moringa also provides a sustainable source of income for farmers, reducing their reliance on unsustainable practices and promoting long-term environmental stewardship.

Global Impact and Recognition

The impact of Traoré’s work extends beyond Mali’s borders. The export of Moringa-based products to international markets highlights the global demand for sustainable and organic products. This not only provides economic benefits to local producers but also raises awareness about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the potential of agroforestry products. Traoré’s efforts have garnered recognition and support from various organizations and stakeholders. Her commitment to sustainability and empowerment aligns with global development agendas, attracting partnerships and collaborations that further amplify the impact of Herou Alliance. These partnerships are crucial in scaling the initiative and reaching the ambitious goals set for 2030.

Herou Alliance has successfully partnered with 1,000 women and young people across 25 Malian villages to plant a substantial 80,000 Moringa trees, contributing significantly to local reforestation and community development.

UNCCD Land Heroes award

Following the prestigious UNCCD Land Heroes award presented to the Prime Minister, Herou Alliance under the stewardship of  Mrs. Traoré was honored to offer 100 Moringa plants each to Mali’s 29 ministers and the President, totaling 3,000 trees. In collaboration with the UNCCD, they are actively fundraising to expand their Moringa initiative to 100,000 trees in partnership with local communities. To date, they’ve achieved a milestone of 16,000 Moringa trees planted in Mali and Burkina Faso, complemented by 5,000 Baobab trees. As they prepare for COP26 in Riyadh, they aim to garner global support for their mission.

Rokiatou Traoré’s journey is a testament to the power of will and determination. Her belief that “Nothing is impossible to achieve with an unwavering will” drives her to overcome challenges and pursue her vision relentlessly. Her story is an inspiration to many, demonstrating that sustainable development is not just a distant goal but a tangible reality that can be achieved through dedication and collaborative effort. Implementing Moringa tree planting programs faces hurdles including limited local expertise, resource scarcity (seeds, funding, water), inadequate infrastructure, complex regulations, and constrained market access. Addressing these challenges is crucial to maximizing the plant’s benefits for communities.

In a world where the challenges of sustainable development often seem insurmountable, Rokiatou Traoré’s work shines as a beacon of hope. Her dedication to addressing critical development issues in Mali, empowering women and youth, and promoting sustainable practices is creating lasting change. Through Herou Alliance, she is not only transforming her community but also contributing to global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. As Traoré continues her journey, her unwavering will and innovative approach serve as a powerful reminder that sustainable development is within reach, one Moringa tree at a time. By 2030, they aspire to plant 10 million high-nutrient trees in degraded lands, empowering 150,000 women and youth in rural and urban settings. Their ultimate goal is to integrate tree-based foods into the daily lives of millions globally. Additionally, they are committed to fostering youth leadership by actively involving them in COP negotiations to shape future climate policies

To gain more insight into Rokiatou Traoré’s inspiring journey and vision, you can watch this informative video: Rokiatou Traoré – Herou Alliance.