Challenges and roles of grassroots community organisations in decentralised governance: a case study of Mali’s Office du Niger zone

Decentralisation in Mali began in the 1990s, to strengthen local participation and community autonomy. However, this process is facing major challenges, particularly in the Office du Niger area, where tensions over natural resource management and structural inequalities are limiting its effectiveness. In this context, grassroots community organisations play a crucial role in supporting local governance, although they face significant constraints. This study examines the challenges and roles of these organisations in decentralised governance, focusing on their contributions to the inclusive and sustainable management of local resources. Based on semi-structured interviews and direct observations, the study draws on the perceptions of 40 local stakeholders, including leaders of local organisations, elected representatives and decentralised government departments. The results reveal that grassroots community organisations suffer from a lack of financial and human resources, a shortage of technical training, and internal divisions that hinder their collaboration. Despite these limitations, they play an essential role in advocating for the equitable management of resources, the provision of basic services, and the empowerment of women and young people. This article highlights the potential for grassroots community organisations to transform local dynamics and promote sustainable development. However, it also highlights the urgent need to strengthen their capabilities and autonomy to maximise their impact in a governance context marked by growing socio-economic tensions. This article was published open access under a CC BY-NC-ND licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ .