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 will 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 objectives are aligned with the FTF strategy, with a focus on improving agricultural productivity, expanding markets and trade, increasing private sector investment in agriculture and nutrition-related activities, and increasing resilience of vulnerable communities and households. The project also aims to improve nutritional status, especially of women and children, through increased access to nutritious food and improved nutrition-related services. The project is being implemented by a team led by IOS Partners, Inc., in collaboration with Cultural Practice LLC, IOD PARC, CARI-SARL, and AFAR-TCT. The project has been funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Mali, and the geographic coverage includes Bamako, Mali. The reporting period for this quarterly report is October to December 2014. During this reporting period, the project team conducted several key activities, including meetings with project stakeholders, evaluation of indicators, and submission of deliverables. The project team also completed several activities, including the development of a project Gantt chart and the establishment of a 2015 impact evaluation timeline. However, the project team also faced several implementation challenges, including potential challenges and mitigating solutions, which are outlined in the project's quarterly report. The project's quarterly report provides an update on the project's progress, including the completion of key activities, submission of deliverables, and implementation challenges. The report also outlines the project's planned activities for the next quarter, including upcoming events and milestones. The project's quarterly report is an important planning and coordination 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 project's impact evaluation and quantitative population-based surveys will provide valuable information and data to support future programmatic decisions and help meet Mali's FTF reporting requirements. The project's focus on improving agricultural productivity, expanding markets and trade, increasing private sector investment in agriculture and nutrition-related activities, and increasing resilience of vulnerable communities and households will contribute to the overall goal of sustainably reducing global poverty and hunger.