Knowledge-Based Integrated Sustainable Agriculture and Nutrition (KISAN) Project Year 1 Monthly Progress Report

The project's overall goal is to sustainably reduce poverty and hunger in Nepal by achieving inclusive growth in the agriculture sector, increasing the incomes of farm families, and improving nutritional status, especially of women and children. The project is implemented in collaboration with five Nepali organizations as subcontractors: Antenna Foundation Nepal (AFN); Development Project Service Center (DEPROSC); Center for Environmental and Agricultural Policy, Research, Extension and Development (CEAPRED); Nutrition Promotion and Consultancy Services (NPCS); and Nepal Water for Health (NEWAH). During the first year, the project will work in ten districts in the Bheri and Rapti Zones of the Mid-Western Development Region. In May 2013, Winrock International, the implementing partner of the KISAN Project, prepared and submitted approvals for and hired an additional 22 KISAN staff for central and regional positions. The Regional KISAN office in Nepalgunj is functional, and offices in the Winrock-managed districts Bardiya, Salyan, and Dang have been identified. The project has also inherited equipment from the outgoing Nepal Economic, Agriculture, and Trade (NEAT) project offices. The project is developing a single KISAN Project Policy, including standardized per diem rates, based on the Contract and USAID policies. Partners are finalizing administrative preparations such as establishing bank accounts. The delivery dates of most of the contract deliverable documents have been modified to account for delays in coordination with the Government of Nepal (GON) for activity planning. The project has made significant progress in integrating with the Government of Nepal (GON). On May 7, the USAID Mission Director officially introduced FTF and the KISAN Project to the GON. This large meeting, held in the Ministry of Agriculture Developments (MOAD), included representatives from all the concerned GON Ministries and Departments, USAID, MOAD, and Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP). KISAN is now able to officially meet with a range of GON Ministries and Departments. The project has established rapport with respective GON counterparts, and KISAN staff has met with GON staff, such as MOAD's Department of Livestock Development (DLS), Department of Agriculture (DOA), staff from Deputy Director Planning (DDG) Planning section at DOA, Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC), Seed Quality Control Center (SQCC), etc. through Kathmandu-based technical meetings and participation in talk programs. These interactions have strengthened relationships and facilitated coordination between the project and the GON. The project has also made progress in developing training packages. Winrock's Capacity building manager has coordinated closely with Component A and Component B managers to develop output-specific Component A and Component B training plans. These training plans detail the various types of trainings for both the components, and will form the basis for the customized training packages KISAN will deliver in the districts. Overall, the KISAN Project has made significant progress in May 2013, including the hiring of additional staff, the establishment of offices, and the development of training packages. The project has also made significant progress in integrating with the Government of Nepal (GON) and establishing relationships with respective GON counterparts.