Fiscal Year 2011: Title II Proposal Guidance and Program Policies

The USAID Office of Food for Peace (FFP) plans to make funding available for up to one Title II non-emergency program in southern Sudan to enhance market linkages, increase productivity, and improve resiliency and risk management among pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, and farming households. The anticipated FFP funding for this program is approximately $15 million per year for up to three years, with an additional $3 million per year in complementary cash provided by USAID/Sudan, subject to availability. The geographic focus of the program will be on the state of Jonglei, which has been identified as one of the most food insecure states in southern Sudan. Proposals must demonstrate comparative need and potential for return on investment within this state, as well as within specific geographic areas within the state. The choice of livelihood group(s) to be targeted, including pastoralists, agro-pastoralists, and farming households, must also be substantiated with evidence of comparative need and potential for return on investment. The program will focus on strengthening livelihoods through a range of activities, including improved crop and livestock production techniques, water source development and rehabilitation, crop insurance and livestock protection, trade network and infrastructure development, and enhanced knowledge of market opportunities and market production among smallholder farmers and pastoralists. Proposals must also demonstrate how food will be used as a development assistance modality, either as a comparative advantage or as a means of achieving development outcomes. A response strategy for predictable shocks, such as drought and floods, is also required. This strategy should include activities that build local and state-level early warning and response capacity, and should be integrated into the proposed program's strategy to preserve development gains made in intervening years. Proposals must also identify and define trigger and response activities that take into account the timing and impact of food distributions on livelihoods and coping strategies. The program should also articulate how the livelihood strengthening activities complement conflict resolution and peace efforts supported by USAID and others in the proposed area. Proposals should also demonstrate how the program links to other U.S. investments, Government of Southern Sudan (GOSS) priorities, and state-level development priorities.