AVANSE Quarterly Report Q1, FY 2019 (October 2018 – December 2018)

The program is sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by DAI Global, LLC. Agricultural productivity is a key focus area for AVANSE, with the program seeking to increase yields and improve the quality of crops such as rice, cacao, and plantain. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, AVANSE implemented various activities to achieve this goal, including farmer training programs, provision of inputs, and support for irrigation systems. For example, in the rice sector, AVANSE provided training to over 1,000 farmers on improved agricultural practices, resulting in a 20% increase in yields. In the cacao sector, AVANSE supported the establishment of a cooperative, which enabled farmers to access better prices for their produce. Watershed stability is another critical component of AVANSE, with the program seeking to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, AVANSE implemented activities to promote sustainable land management practices, including the establishment of contour farming and terracing systems. These efforts resulted in a 15% reduction in soil erosion in the target areas. AVANSE also focuses on strengthening agricultural markets, with the program seeking to improve access to markets and increase the income of farmers. In the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, AVANSE implemented activities to support the development of agricultural value chains, including the establishment of a market information system and the provision of training to farmers on market access. These efforts resulted in a 25% increase in the income of farmers in the target areas. In addition to these key focus areas, AVANSE also places a strong emphasis on environmental compliance and monitoring and evaluation. The program has established a robust monitoring and evaluation system to track progress and identify areas for improvement. AVANSE has also implemented measures to ensure environmental compliance, including the development of an environmental mitigation and monitoring plan. Overall, AVANSE is making significant progress in achieving its objectives, with improvements in agricultural productivity, watershed stability, and agricultural markets. The program's focus on environmental compliance and monitoring and evaluation ensures that its activities are sustainable and effective in the long term.