IDEA-NEW Quarterly Report—October-December 2014

The program's mission is to expand the licit agricultural economy in these regions, with a focus on improving market access, increasing processing capacity, and catalyzing investments into Afghanistan's agricultural sector. IDEA-NEW's activities support agribusinesses at different points of each value chain, with a priority on intensive value chain development that promotes income generation and job creation in poppy-prone areas. In 2014, the program narrowed its geographic and programmatic focus to the Eastern region and the grape, orchard crop, and vegetable value chains. Project activities are divided into three main components: 1) Strengthening Agricultural Input Suppliers; 2) Supporting Food Processors; and 3) Supporting Domestic Agribusinesses' Efforts to Import Key Inputs and Facilitate Market Entry for Regional and/or International Agribusiness Retailers. The program's geographic coverage includes Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman, Kabul, Kapisa, Panjshir, and Parwan provinces. In the first quarter of 2015, IDEA-NEW continued to implement activities per the approved Activity Plan, with a total of nine promotional, two matching grants, and one SMS grant signed with input suppliers and food processors. Field days were conducted by grantees throughout the quarter, with over 1,500 farmers, retailers, Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL) staff, and students participating. The Green Afghanistan Agriculture and Livestock Organization (GAALO) conducted 'Pesticide Safety and Safe Handling' training in Kabul and Jalalabad, training a total of 61 input supplier employees, in addition to three DAIL representatives. The Reconstruction and Social Services for Afghanistan Organization (RSSAO) also commenced and completed the classroom portion of training in 'Accounting and Marketing' during the quarter, training a total of 69 staff from input suppliers and food processors and two DAIL representatives in Kabul and Jalalabad. Delays and difficulties encountered in obtaining authorization letters for the installation of billboards from municipality offices were a key constraint identified by grantees as they worked to complete their in-kind grant contributions. Challenges in importing some equipment from neighboring countries also caused some delays in grant completion. The program's activities are divided into three main components, with a focus on strengthening agricultural input suppliers, supporting food processors, and supporting domestic agribusinesses' efforts to import key inputs and facilitate market entry for regional and/or international agribusiness retailers. The program's geographic coverage includes Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman, Kabul, Kapisa, Panjshir, and Parwan provinces, with a focus on the Eastern region and the grape, orchard crop, and vegetable value chains. IDEA-NEW's activities aim to improve market access, increase processing capacity, and catalyze investments into Afghanistan's agricultural sector. The program's implementation is ongoing, with a focus on intensive value chain development that promotes income generation and job creation in poppy-prone areas. The program's activities are divided into three main components, with a focus on strengthening agricultural input suppliers, supporting food processors, and supporting domestic agribusinesses' efforts to import key inputs and facilitate market entry for regional and/or international agribusiness retailers.