Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II: FY19 Quarter 1 Performance Report

The project employs an integrated buyer-led and market systems approach to engage diverse market actors at multiple leverage points. The project has three interconnected sub-purposes: improving capacities for market participation, improving market linkages, and improving governance and the enabling environment. To achieve these sub-purposes, Harvest II works with buyers, producers, and other actors to increase financial and business capacity, stimulate the use of market information to inform business decisions, and expand financial opportunities. The project also engages other market actors, including financial institutions, input supply companies, and other private sector firms, to strengthen coordination across value chains and increase investment in the sector. In the first quarter of FY19, Harvest II focused on several key activities. Under Sub-Purpose 1, Improved Capacities for Market Participation, the project conducted major activities in three key intervention areas (KIAs): training and capacity building, market information systems, and financial services. Challenges and learning from these activities included difficulties in reaching some target groups and the need for more effective communication with project stakeholders. Under Sub-Purpose 2, Improved Market Linkages, Harvest II worked with buyers and producers to build trust and form mutually-profitable commercial partnerships (CPs). The project also engaged other market actors to strengthen coordination across value chains and increase investment in the sector. Challenges and learning from these activities included difficulties in establishing trust among market actors and the need for more effective coordination mechanisms. Under Sub-Purpose 3, Improved Governance and Enabling Environment, Harvest II partnered with government entities, the private sector, and civil society organizations to strengthen opportunities for advocacy and public-private dialogue. The project also helped build government capacity to address stakeholder constraints and foster inclusive horticulture sector growth. Challenges and learning from these activities included difficulties in engaging some government entities and the need for more effective communication with project stakeholders. Cross-cutting issues, including gender and youth, environment, and coordination efforts, were also addressed in the first quarter of FY19. Harvest II worked with government entities, other projects, and stakeholders to strengthen coordination and ensure effective implementation of project activities. Grants management, communications, and monitoring, evaluation, and learning were also key areas of focus during this quarter. Overall, Harvest II made significant progress in the first quarter of FY19, with several key activities and achievements reported. However, challenges and learning from these activities highlighted the need for more effective communication, coordination, and engagement with project stakeholders.