Agricultural Development and Value Chain Enhancement Project (ADVANCE) FY16 Quarterly Report – Q3

The project began in 2014 and is implemented by a consortium of organizations, including the Association of Church-Based Development Projects (ACDEP), PAB Consult, TechnoServe, and ACDI/VOCA. The project's primary objective is to increase agricultural productivity and market access for smallholder farmers in Ghana. To achieve this goal, ADVANCE focuses on three key sub-purposes: increased agricultural productivity in targeted commodities, increased market access and trade of targeted commodities, and strengthened capacity for advocacy. In the third quarter of FY2016, ADVANCE reached 46,249 individuals, including 49.32% women and 45,971 smallholder farmers. Of these smallholder farmers, 5,516 are members of producer organizations. These figures bring the overall FY16 achievement to 73,797 smallholder farmers, representing 94.61% of the FY16 target of 78,000. Through these individuals, ADVANCE reached out to 42,045 rural and 37,753 vulnerable households during the quarter. A total of 40,720 individuals benefited from trainings in Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs), numeracy, Farming as a Business (FaaB), and outgrower business management (OBM) among others. ADVANCE also supported 538 outgrower businesses (OBs), other private enterprises, and farmer-based organizations. The project's technical delivery is focused on several key areas, including demonstration sites and GAP trainings, farmer mentor programs, ICT outreach for production technologies dissemination, improved access to inputs/equipment, outgrower business management, business development services, input dealer business development program, and crop insurance. Additionally, ADVANCE is working to increase market access and trade of targeted commodities through initiatives such as the North Ghana 6th Annual Pre-season event, market linkage development, lead firm competitiveness, trade association support, and community-based market systems strengthening. The project's gender program is also a key component, with a focus on outgrower business management and women's leadership and entrepreneurship. The program aims to improve women's access to land, improved technologies, and business development services. The environment support program is also an important aspect of ADVANCE, with a focus on general compliance, improving agrochemicals management, and climate smart agriculture. Overall, ADVANCE is making significant progress in achieving its objectives and targets, with a strong focus on improving agricultural productivity and market access for smallholder farmers in Ghana.