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

Mali's population is predominantly rural, with around 80% of the population depending on agriculture for their livelihoods. The country's agricultural sector holds great promise for spurring broad-based economic growth and livelihood development, particularly in the southern region, which has a subtropical climate and is an ideal location for diversified agricultural products and livestock. Recent localized successes in agricultural intensification and marketing demonstrate that with improved technologies, better water management, sustainable agricultural practices, local community engagement, and an enhanced enabling environment, Mali's agricultural potential can be fully realized to feed its population, generate economic growth, and jumpstart regional trade. However, despite being considered generally food secure year to year, Mali has high rates of malnutrition, which contribute to poor health status and diminished economic productivity. The social dynamics of gender and income distribution in the household, low educational attainment, cultural norms, access to clean water, sanitation, and use of health services all contribute to lowered health and nutritional status. Over the past six years, USAID/Mali has implemented agriculture growth activities in Mali through a value chain approach, anchored by a breadth of interventions bundled under a procurement implemented by Abt Associates, entitled Integrated Initiative for Economic Growth in Mali (IICEM). This approach was complemented by other mechanisms that addressed particular issues along the value chain. The Feed the Future (FTF) Cereal Value Chain (CVC) Activity is a key component of this effort, aiming to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the cereal value chain in Mali. The activity focuses on three main areas: improving the productivity and competitiveness of smallholder farmers, enhancing the quality and safety of cereals, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the cereal value chain. The project work plan for the FTF CVC Activity outlines the key activities and deliverables for the project, including the implementation of a population-based survey to assess the baseline situation of the cereal value chain in Mali. The survey will provide critical data on the current state of the value chain, including the productivity and competitiveness of smallholder farmers, the quality and safety of cereals, and the efficiency and effectiveness of the value chain. The project team, led by IOS Partners, Inc., includes experts from various organizations, including Cultural Practice LLC, IOD PARC, CARI-SARL, and AFAR-TCT. The team has developed a comprehensive work plan, which outlines the key activities and deliverables for the project, including the implementation of the population-based survey. The project has been funded by USAID, and the team has received excellent collaboration and facilitation of project documents and meetings from the staff of USAID/Mali, USAID Mali's Monitoring and Evaluation Accelerated Economic Growth Team, the Government of Mali, and the CVC Activity implementer - the ACDI/VOCA team. The project work plan is a critical planning tool for the ongoing effort to provide consulting services for impact evaluation and quantitative population-based surveys for USAID/Mali's FTF CVC Activity. The plan outlines the key activities and deliverables for the project, including the implementation of the population-based survey, and provides a comprehensive framework for the project's implementation.