Mali, as the 12th poorest country in Africa, has faced persistent poverty for many years, which significantly impacts its literacy rate.
Poor education facilities across the country have led to poverty across Mali, and as poverty heightens, the level of education deteriorates further.
Current Literacy Statistics
School enrollment is currently at 67%, and across the country, the adult literacy rate is 38.7%. This is one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, as the global average stands at 86%.
When Mali became independent from France, only 7% of Malians were literate in French. This figure shows that the level of education needs to be higher, which means that facilities need to be improved and the level of teaching must be higher.
Causes of Low Literacy
Several factors contribute to the low literacy rate in Mali, including poverty, malnutrition, and conflict.
Read also: Analyzing Literacy in Egypt
Poverty and Malnutrition
As the 12th poorest country in Africa, Mali has remained poverty-stricken for many years. The average wage in Mali is $1.25 per day, and more than half of the population currently lives below the international poverty line. This contributes to Mali being one of the least developed countries in the world. The average life expectancy of adults in Mali is 55, due to malnutrition and the lack of access to clean water.
Mali faces many issues involving its climate and landscape. Two-thirds of Mali is desert, meaning that immediately, droughts become a serious issue. With poor soils, millions find it difficult to grow the crops they need, and due to low wages, they are unable to buy what their family demands. As a result, malnutrition becomes a leading issue and is the main factor of poverty in Mali.
Conflict
The current conflict is adding to the problems revolving around poverty in Mali as over half a million families are affected. As the conflict continues, Malians are fleeing to neighboring countries in seek of asylum. As people are moving away from Mali, they are not earning enough money to provide their families with what they need. Families continue to live in poverty as food shortages continue to be an issue.
Efforts to Improve Education
Increased spending on primary education, especially for children in rural areas and girls, has had the unintended effect of overtaxing the secondary school system.
The United Nations World Food Programme is aiding Mali by providing nutritional support to those who still live there. In 2013, around 125 thousand people were provided with food support in the north of the country. Others in the south are also aided while they work on community-building projects.
Read also: Zimbabwe's Literacy Rate
At the end of their primary schooling, students may take entrance exams for secondary school admissions, called the diplôme d’étude fondamentale (Fundamental Studies Diploma or DEF).
The University of Bamako, also known as the University of Mali, is a 1990s aggregation of older institutions of higher education in the Bamako area. Its main campus is in the neighborhood of Badalabougou.
What Is The Education System In Mali? - African Roots And Routes
Statistical Overview
The following table summarizes key statistics related to education and literacy in Mali:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Adult Literacy Rate | 38.7% |
| School Enrollment | 67% |
| Global Average Literacy Rate | 86% |
Read also: Progress of Female Literacy in SA
Popular articles:
tags: #Africa
