The export trade of Mali is based mainly on cotton. Cotton is a major cash crop in Mali and accounts for a significant portion of the country's exports. It is grown in various regions of the country, including Sikasso, Kayes, and Koulikoro. The cotton sector is an important source of income for small-scale farmers, who make up the majority of Mali's population. The cotton industry also provides employment for thousands of people in Mali, including those involved in the production, processing, and transportation of cotton. In recent years, efforts have been made to diversify Mali's exports and reduce the country's dependence on cotton, but it remains the most important export commodity.