Why do periodic floods of the Niger River help agriculture in Mali?

Periodic floods of the Niger River are vital to agriculture in Mali because they deposit rich alluvial soils along the river's banks and throughout its central inland delta. These nutrient-rich deposits significantly enhance the fertility of the land, which is otherwise largely arid and poor in quality outside of the river valley.12

In addition to providing fertile soil, the seasonal flooding creates essential pasture for livestock. The combination of these favorable soil conditions and the availability of water makes the Niger valley a critical agricultural region for the country, supporting the cultivation of various subsistence and commercial crops.213