USAID DEC
Soil degradation was attributed to intensive farming practices and inadequate crop rotation, while limited market access hindered farmers' ability to sell their produce at competitive prices.
30 pages

Abstract
The training programs emphasized the importance of composting, crop rotation, and conservation agriculture to improve soil fertility and reduce erosion. The plots also served as a platform for farmers to share knowledge and best practices. This suggests that women in these households were more receptive to new agricultural techniques and more likely to adopt sustainable practices. However, the high cost of irrigation equipment hindered the widespread adoption of this practice. The evaluation also found that the program had a positive impact on household food security, with 75% of participants reporting improved access to nutritious food. The program's success can be attributed to the combination of agricultural training, infrastructure development, and market linkage facilitation. The program's geographic focus was on Eastern Province, where soil degradation and limited market access were most pronounced. The program's timeframes were set for a three-year period, with the first year focused on implementation and the second and third years dedicated to evaluation and scaling up. The program's recommendations include the need for continued support for farmer training programs and infrastructure development, as well as the establishment of a market information system to facilitate market access for farmers.
Classification
USAID DEC