Bani River

The Bani River is located in southern Mali and is the largest tributary of the Niger River. It is formed by the confluence of two smaller rivers, the Bagoé and Baoulé, which originate in the southwestern highlands of Mali and northern Côte d'Ivoire. From there it flows northeast through Mali's inland delta agricultural region until it joins the Niger River near Mopti.

The Bani plays an important role in the Inner Niger Delta system, a large area where waters disperse seasonally during the rainy period. The water brought by the Bani increases the annual flood level in that region, which supports rice farming, livestock herding, and fishing.

Geography and hydrology

The Bani's flow is strongly tied to the Sahel's rainy seasons. Rainfall occurs between June and September, while water levels drop sharply during the dry season. As a result, boat navigation on much of the river is restricted to certain months.

People and economy

Historic Malian towns stand on the Bani or along its course. The most notable are Djenné, known for the earthen architecture of its Grand Mosque, and Ségou, situated near the confluence of the waterways. The region's farmers and fishers depend on the flood cycle, while herders graze livestock on the land that emerges when waters recede.

Water management

The government of Mali and development agencies have built small barrages on the Bani and its tributaries to store water for dry seasons and maintain water levels year-round. These projects are linked to disputes over their effects on fish migration, boat traffic, and water distribution to downstream farmers.

Climate change and land-use changes are cited as factors affecting the volume of water in the Bani. During droughts, the Bani's reduced flow directly shrinks the extent of the Inner Niger Delta, which disrupts agricultural and fishing output.