Cereals Value Chain Impact Evaluation Inception Report

The report outlines the objectives, methodology, and timeline for conducting the Impact Evaluation of USAID/Mali's Feed the Future (FTF) Cereal Value Chain (CVC) Activity. The project aims to undertake a population-based survey in the FTF zone of influence, which includes an agriculture baseline survey in support of an ongoing impact evaluation for the CVC Activity. The impact evaluation will objectively measure the impact of the CVC Activity on various stakeholders, while helping USAID/Mali better understand the merits and possible shortcomings of the FTF value chain approach in cereals. The project will help the Mission better understand the extent to which its investments have contributed to increased, broad-based economic growth opportunities and improved food security of the targeted and ancillary beneficiaries. The findings of this agriculture baseline survey will be used to capture the current state of agriculture in the CVC zone of influence as well as a control zone outside the CVC zone of influence, allowing for continuing assessment of the effectiveness of USAID's value chain approach as a driver of inclusive economic development. The report outlines the activities undertaken during the initial start-up reporting period, summarizes the information already provided, and describes what is still required to answer the evaluation questions. The content of this document will serve as a guide to all parties involved throughout the various stages of the project cycle for conducting the Impact Evaluation of USAID/Mali's Feed the Future (FTF) Cereal Value Chain (CVC). The ongoing evaluation of the FTF CVC Activity in Mali is to conduct an impact evaluation and statistically representative population-based surveys (PBS) for the indicators in the broader FTF initiative in Mali. The impact evaluation and PBS will provide information and data to support future programmatic decisions and help meet Mali's FTF reporting requirements. This evaluation will capture the value of USAID investments in Mali and assess the effectiveness of USAID's value chain approach as a driver of inclusive economic development, allowing for more effective program implementation.