FY2021 Quarter 2 Progress Report: Feed the Future Kenya Livestock Market Systems Activity Expanding Economic Opportunities Award (AA1)

The project focuses on expanding and diversifying viable economic opportunities in the livestock market systems, with a particular emphasis on private sector engagement, local partnerships, and empowering communities for inclusive and transformational development. The project has made significant progress in the second quarter of FY2021, with key highlights including the successful facilitation of five co-creation meetings between USAID/KEA Mission Director and the five LMS county governors. These meetings focused on coordination efforts and updates from the joint work plan between LMS and county governments. Additionally, the project facilitated the development of Cooperative Strengthening Strategies for the five LMS counties, with the aim of improving cooperatives' efficiency in business operations and access to service providers. Despite the challenging context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has continued to support market system development initiatives, reaching a total of 4,231 individuals and bringing the total number of individuals reached since the project inception to 38,730. The project also supported a vaccination program against Rift Valley Fever disease in Isiolo County, vaccinating a total of 161,774 livestock. The project's qualitative impact is evident in the strengthened collaboration between LMS and county governments, as demonstrated by the joint work plans and implementation plans endorsed by the counties. The project's focus on county-led programming and implementation has also led to increased ownership and accountability among county governments, with joint work plans reviews to be conducted by LMS and counties. The project's quantitative impact is also significant, with a total of 38,730 individuals reached since the project inception. The project's support for market system development initiatives has led to improved livelihoods for pastoralist communities, with increased access to markets, services, and information. The project's vaccination program against Rift Valley Fever disease has also had a positive impact on the health and productivity of livestock in Isiolo County. The project's progress on gender strategy is also noteworthy, with a focus on empowering women and youth in the livestock market systems. The project's activities have targeted women and youth, providing them with training and support to improve their livelihoods and increase their participation in the market systems. The project's environmental mitigation and monitoring efforts are also commendable, with a focus on reducing the environmental impact of the project's activities. The project has implemented measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable land use practices, with a focus on protecting the natural resources of the project area. Overall, the Feed the Future Kenya Livestock Market Systems Activity, Expanding Economic Opportunities Award (AA1), has made significant progress in the second quarter of FY2021, with a focus on expanding and diversifying viable economic opportunities in the livestock market systems. The project's qualitative and quantitative impact is evident, with strengthened collaboration between LMS and county governments, increased ownership and accountability among county governments, and improved livelihoods for pastoralist communities.