Food and agricultural policy support

The project is a follow-on to 6880241 -- support for the multi-donor Cereal Market Reform Program (PRMC) -- but will broaden its focus beyond the grain market concerns of that project. The project will fund three long-term advisers: (1) an in-house USAID/M food policy advisor to participate in PRMC consultative fora with other donors and the host government and to manage USAID/M program food aid activities; (2) an in-house food policy analyst to assist the food policy advisor and undertake food security studies; and (3) a market information and food policy specialist to strengthen Mali"s market information system (SIM). The project will fund studies to examine the past and current impact of food sector reforms and lay the groundwork for future action in the food sector. Areas to be covered include, inter alia, food security income and employment linkages in rural areas, and agricultural statistics (currently in a confused state in Mali). Studies will be funded through the SIM and local and outside firms. Short- and long-term training programs for public and private sector personnel will be conducted in various disciplines and aspects of food and agricultural policy. Output targets include: better design of ongoing PRMC programs, a strengthened SIM, better reporting and action relative to food emergencies, better understanding of current production and consumption trends, an improved rice policy, and promotion of diversified income-generating activities in rural areas.