At present a small research project is underway to determine the best varieties of sugar cane and irrigation systems to use. It is interesting to note that the selected sugar cane variety need not only provide sugar, but also pulp to be burned in the factory to supply power for the operation. Also, there are at least 3 irrigation system being considered: drip, gravity, and pivot. Historically, water has been fed by gravity into furrows in the fields to supply water to the sugar cane. Watch out! Frogs like the water, and snakes like the frogs. Drip irrigation is much more efficient, but has significant operational overhead and costs associated with it. The pivot irrigation systems, similar to those grand circular systems in the Great Plains of the USA, are currently being tested as a possible good combination of efficiency and low management.
Depending on which firm actually signs the contract and initiates the larger project, between 400 and 12,000 new seasonable jobs could be created. Why the wide range? If the new owner decides to use significant mechanization in the fields to plant, harvest, and process the sugar cane, then not much manpower is required. On the other hand, if the new owner decides to leverage the extensive work force in Mali and neighboring countries, then the owner could need up to 12,000 employees. Again, this number can vary by season, and the change in local economy and social, educational, and health, can carry significant issues with it. When the time comes, A good interface with the local communities and the project team will be a good thing.