The Institut d'Economie Rurale (IER), established in 1960, is a research institution whose mission is to contribute to agricultural productivity through research endeavors more responsive to the needs of rural areas, preserve natural resources, increase food security and farmers' incomes and ensure sustainable rural development through the rural development sector, the engine of economic growth.
The main IER intervention areas are:
     •Integrated rural and decentralized development
     • research and development for sustainable agriculture
     • Training
     • Farm Credit
     • Gender and Development
     • management of natural resources
     • development of rural enterprises (SMEs)
     • Organization of Producers
     • the agricultural sectors
     • animal nutrition, soil analysis, water and plants, food analysis, food technology
     • The Geographic Information System, mapping and analysis
     • biodiversity and environmental studies.
To achieve this mission, the ERC has created six Regional Centers for Agricultural Research (CRRA) across the country (Kayes, Sotuba, Sikasso, Niono, Mopti and Gao) operating in the field through nine stations, and thirteen substations. Research activities of the IER are also conducted among producers and among rural development agencies.
The institute has also partnered with national and international organizations such as users, universities, NGOs, research centers, agricultural services, agro-industries and the private sector.
The IMR runs a scientific library, a documentation center and an information and training center.