FIER II is the second vocational training project, Integration and Support to the Entrepreneurship of Young Rurals. It is initiated by the Government of Mali and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). It aims to support the economic inclusion of rural youth in various value chains with high potential, by supporting their economic activities along the sectors (agricultural and non-agricultural). The project aims to promote rural entrepreneurship and the economic integration of young people in agricultural value chains and non-agricultural subsectors.

FIER II aims to reach 60,000 beneficiaries over time, including young rural women and men aged 15-40, including 2% of people with disabilities. These individuals must reside in villages where information and awareness sessions will be held on the project's objectives, potential beneficiaries, action strategy and support mechanisms.

The FIER II project is intended only for young rural men and women aged 15 to 40 years individually or collectively.

FIER II is initially involved in the former FIER intervention areas comprising the Kayes, Kita, Koulikoro, Ségou, San, Sikasso, Bougouni and Koutiala regions. It could extend to other parts of Mali.

To be selected, the young rural person must be between the ages of 15 and 40. He must reside in the village of intervention of the project, be enlisted by a Targeting and Guidance Operator who can be an NGO responsible for animation in his village.

Young women and men are the only targets of the project. They must reside in rural areas.

The project is interested in rural youth with or without experience. For those without experience, technical and vocational training is provided by type of project and field.

Yes, financing can be individual or group (association, cooperative, etc.).

The project provides a grant to the Decentralised Financial Structures (DFS) partners who in turn lend to young people. There is a funding mechanism to do so.

The average cost for income-generating activities (AGR) is 500 000fcfca, i.e. 10% of the beneficiary's contribution, 40% of the grant FIER II and 50% of the SFD credit, and the average cost for implementing a Micro Rural Enterprise (MER) project is 3 000 000fcfa, i.e. 10% of the beneficiary's contribution, 30% of the grant FIER II and 60% of SFD credit.

The loan from the SFD must be repaid. This ensures the sustainability of the scheme for local economic activity and the development of the youth project.

All young project promoters receive technical and entrepreneurial training (financial education and simplified business management).

Enrolment is done with the Targeting and Guidance Operators who will provide information about the project in the villages. Forms must be completed.

The necessary documents are the identity documents in force in Mali (mandatoryly the biometric card or the NINA card).

There is no deadline but guidance can be provided by the Operators and facilitators at the level of each village.

The selection takes place after information and awareness by the Targeting and Orientation Operator in the villages. The duration ranges from three months to six months.

Any economically and potentially profitable activity related to Agriculture and related trades can be financed.

There are no priority projects. Any supporting project in the field of agriculture and related trades proposed by the young person is eligible.

An existing project may be financed provided that the holder meets the criteria requested. One of the objectives is the development of economic activities towards sustainable enterprises.

The project idea may be modified before the development of the business plan by the specialist providers. Once developed, the project cannot be modified. It is submitted to the Regional Selection Committee and then to the SFD Credit Committee. After approval by these bodies, it can be funded by the SFD.