Enhancing food accessibility and affordability in rural Mali through mobile money

This study examines how mobile money adoption influences food accessibility in rural Mali, a context marked by limited financial infrastructure and persistent food insecurity. Using household-level survey data from Koulikoro and a composite food insecurity index – the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale (HFIAS) – we apply censored Tobit regression to identify the effect of mobile money use on household food access. The results show that mobile money significantly reduces food insecurity, with users reporting lower HFIAS scores than non-users. Other key determinants include income, land ownership, and education, particularly at the university level. However, gender disparities and land tenure insecurity constrain the full benefits of digital finance. Policy responses should prioritise financial inclusion for women, formalise land rights, and expand digital remittance platforms to enhance rural resilience. Aligning mobile money expansion with broader institutional reforms can strengthen food security outcomes in Mali’s rural communities.