For the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), CDM served as program manager for a pre-feasibility study in Mali that evaluated the technical, environmental, economic, and institutional aspects of proposed investments in irrigated agriculture. As the lead firm on a diverse, 40-member team—including experts in irrigation, roads, agriculture, fish ponds, environmental issues, and social concerns—CDM was responsible for overall management, project coordination, budget monitoring, and quality assurance. The team assessed a wide range of factors to determine the suitability and value of the potential irrigation program, including:
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Forecasted benefits
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Technical feasibility, particularly water availability and hydraulic capacity
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Infrastructure and agriculture support services
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Cost and schedule
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Environmental and social impacts
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Institutional arrangements
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Financial feasibility
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Economic and poverty impacts
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Project risks and sustainability
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Implementation options
Mali is a landlocked country that draws water from the Niger River for agricultural irrigation. Based in part on the findings of this study, the Mali investment memo was approved by the MCC, a key step on the road to finalizing the MCC "compact" for Mali. If approved for MCC funding, the program will help ensure efficient and sustainable expansion of existing irrigation systems.