Annually Updated Value Chain Advocacy Plan as part of the VCDP Including Top Advocacy Priorities Maize (FY 2011)

The project focuses on the maize value chain, which is a critical component of the region's agricultural sector. The project is implemented by Abt Associates Inc. in collaboration with ACDI/VOCA and CARANA Corporation. The project's context is characterized by the absence of a regional professional organization for the maize value chain. However, a regional inter-professional committee, the Comité Interprofessionnel des Céréales du Burkina (CIC-B), has been established to coordinate the development of a regional professional organization for the cereal sector in West Africa. The CIC-B has been actively engaged in promoting the maize value chain through various activities, including the organization of regional meetings, participation in international forums, and the development of a regional advocacy plan. The regional advocacy plan, which was established in June 2009, aims to promote the free exchange of cereals and cereal products between West African countries. The plan focuses on reducing restrictions on the export of cereals, which are often applied unofficially in several countries in the region. The plan involves three main activities: (1) defining the problem, (2) developing an argumentative framework and organizing meetings, and (3) conducting advocacy activities during regional events. The first activity involves collecting and analyzing information on the problem of restrictions on cereal exports in West Africa. This will involve synthesizing existing information and conducting further research to identify the root causes of the problem. The second activity involves developing an argumentative framework to demonstrate the negative effects of restrictions on cereal exports on food security. This will involve collecting and analyzing data on the impact of restrictions on cereal exports on food security and developing a set of messages to be used in advocacy activities. The third activity involves conducting advocacy activities during regional events, such as the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) meetings. The project's objectives are to promote the free exchange of cereals and cereal products between West African countries and to reduce restrictions on cereal exports. The project's activities are expected to contribute to the development of the maize value chain in West Africa and to improve food security in the region. The project's activities are expected to take place over a period of 10 months, from October 2011 to June 2012. The project's budget is estimated to be $X, which will be used to support the implementation of the project's activities. The project's outcomes are expected to include the development of a regional advocacy plan, the reduction of restrictions on cereal exports, and the improvement of food security in West Africa. The project's stakeholders include the CIC-B, the regional inter-professional committee, the West African countries, and the international organizations involved in the project. The project's success will depend on the effective collaboration and coordination among these stakeholders. The project's methodology involves a combination of research, analysis, and advocacy activities. The project will use a range of data collection and analysis tools, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, to collect and analyze data on the problem of restrictions on cereal exports in West Africa. The project will also use a range of advocacy tools, including media campaigns, public awareness campaigns, and lobbying activities, to promote the project's objectives. The project's expected outcomes are to contribute to the development of the maize value chain in West Africa, to improve food security in the region, and to promote the free exchange of cereals and cereal products between West African countries. The project's success will depend on the effective implementation of the project's activities and the collaboration and coordination among the project's stakeholders.