Impact Evaluation and Quantitative Population-Based Surveys for USAID/Mali’s Feed the Future (FTF) Cereal Value Chain (CVC) Activity

The project aims to undertake an impact evaluation of the CVC Activity and conduct statistically representative population-based surveys for indicators within the broader FTF initiative in Mali. These activities provide information and data to support future programmatic decisions and help meet Mali's FTF reporting requirements. The FTF strategy in Mali uses a value chain approach to increase economic opportunities and focuses development interventions on three core value chains: sorghum/millet, rice, and livestock. These value chains are key to Mali's development and overall food security, as the majority of the population relies directly upon these staple foods for their livelihood and food security. The FTF strategy has an overall goal of sustainably reducing global poverty and hunger through two inter-related objectives: inclusive agriculture growth and improved nutritional status, especially of women and children. The project's impact evaluation aims to assess the effectiveness of USAID's value chain approach as a driver for inclusive economic development, allowing for more effective resource allocation and better targeted management decisions. The evaluation will capture the value of USAID's investments in Mali and provide information and data to support future programmatic decisions. The project's population-based surveys will provide statistically representative data on indicators within the broader FTF initiative in Mali. The project's geographic coverage includes Bamako, Mali, and the reporting period is April to June 2015. The project has been funded by the USAID, and the prime implementing partner is IOS Partners, Inc. The subcontractors/subawardees include Cultural Practice LLC (CP), IOD PARC (IOD), CARI-SARL, and AFAR-TCT. The major counterpart organizations are the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Mali. The project's program description outlines the objectives and immediate results (IRs) necessary for achieving the FTF goal. The IRs include improved agricultural productivity, expanding markets and trade, increased private sector investment in agriculture and nutrition-related activities, and increased resilience of vulnerable communities and households. The project's program description also outlines the overall goal of sustainably reducing global poverty and hunger through inclusive agriculture growth and improved nutritional status, especially of women and children. The project's implementation progress for quarter 5 is outlined in the quarterly report, which includes key activities, submitted deliverables, challenges and mitigation strategies, integration of cross-cutting issues and USAID forward priorities, and planned activities for the next quarter. The report also includes a list of acronyms, a table of contents, and annexes.