Feed the Future Uganda Agricultural Inputs Activity Quarter Report: October- December 2015

The goal of the Activity is to increase the use of high-quality agricultural inputs in Uganda through increased availability of high-quality inputs in Feed the Future focus districts and decreased prevalence of counterfeit agricultural inputs. The Activity uses a facilitative approach, identifying and leveraging market forces to accelerate change within the agricultural inputs supply chain, to ensure sustainability and scale. The program focuses on increasing the availability of high-quality inputs, decreasing the prevalence of counterfeit inputs, and promoting the use of e-verification systems. In the first quarter of Year 4, the Activity achieved several key results. A total of 515 private enterprises, producer organizations, women's groups, trade and business associations, and community-based organizations received USG assistance, which is 51% of the annual target. Additionally, 342 individuals received USG-supported short-term agricultural sector productivity or food security training, representing 23% of the Y4 target. The Activity also invested $53,100 in participating seed and chemical companies for e-verification and $39,900 from seed companies to enhance farmer awareness of improved and drought-tolerant varieties. A total of 6,211 beneficiaries were reached as a result of USG assistance, representing 52% of the annual target. Furthermore, 92 agro-input messages were disseminated by stakeholders through different channels, mainly through radio, representing 37% of the annual target. The Activity also implemented or is in the process of implementing several initiatives to decrease the prevalence of counterfeit agricultural inputs. The UNBS e-verification system and national education campaign were launched in November, and 11 companies (seeds and agro-chemicals) have signed up to participate in the coming season. A second private sector service provider is also offering e-verification services. Anti-counterfeit coalitions have been formed in 11 of the Activity districts, and representatives of 11 districts participated in an exposure visit to Tororo to learn about strategies for implementing local byelaws or regulations to curb the problem of counterfeits in their area. Overall, the team implemented or is in the process of implementing 34 out of 45 planned activities in the first quarter of Year 4. The Activity has also made significant progress in promoting the use of e-verification systems. A total of $53,100 was invested by participating seed and chemical companies for e-verification, and $39,900 from seed companies to enhance farmer awareness of improved and drought-tolerant varieties. The Activity reached 6,211 beneficiaries as a result of USG assistance, representing 52% of the annual target. The Feed the Future Uganda Agricultural Inputs Activity is a critical component of the Feed the Future initiative, which aims to reduce poverty and improve food security in Uganda. The Activity's focus on increasing the availability of high-quality inputs and decreasing the prevalence of counterfeit inputs is essential to achieving these goals.