Feed the Future Senegal Nafoore Warsaaji FY21 Q3 Report

The program's primary focus was on developing commercial transactions at horticultural hubs in preparation for the Tabaski holiday. This period was also marked by the emergence of new COVID-19 variants, posing a threat of a third wave in Senegal. The program's implementation strategy centered on three key areas: developing aggregation models to facilitate value chain finance and marketing, innovation in horticultural finance, and improving access to inputs, technology, and support services for horticulture. The aggregation model, anchored by Bay Seddo, La Banque Agricole (LBA), the Délégation à l'Entrepreneuriat Rapide des Jeunes et des Femmes (DER-FJ), and l'Agence de Régulation des Marchés (ARM), achieved significant results, with the purchase of nearly 1,967 MT of onions and 600 MT of potatoes valued at FCFA 505,230,000 ($1,010,460). This aggregation enabled nearly 2,500 small producers to access new commercial outlets at competitive prices. Innovation in horticultural finance was another key area of focus. By building relationships between collateral management firms and horticultural producers, Nafoore Warsaaji enabled the mobilization of more than FCFA 861 million ($1,722,000) in secured loans. These loans facilitated the purchase of 1,976 MT of onions and 600 MT of potatoes by Bay Seddo and covered operational costs for the potato seed production pilot program. The program also facilitated the launch of innovative financing mechanisms, which will improve access to credit and boost private investment in the sector. The program's implementation was successful, with the Nafoore Warsaaji horticultural hubs starting to take shape and yield results. The development of aggregation models and innovation in horticultural finance have significantly improved access to commercial outlets and credit for small producers. The program's efforts to improve access to inputs, technology, and support services for horticulture are ongoing, with a focus on developing commercial partnerships and organizing horticulture hubs. The program's geographic focus is on Senegal, with a specific emphasis on the Casamance region. The program's implementation is guided by a theory of change that aims to improve the productivity and profitability of small-scale horticultural producers in Senegal. The program's overall goal is to increase the income and food security of small-scale horticultural producers in Senegal, with a focus on women and youth. The program's implementation is being monitored and evaluated through a range of indicators, including the number of small producers accessing commercial outlets, the value of horticultural products sold, and the level of credit mobilized. The program's progress is being reported quarterly, with a focus on highlighting successes and challenges. The program's overall impact will be evaluated through a comprehensive impact assessment, which will be conducted at the end of the program's implementation period.