Madagascar Livestock Expansion and Stability Program Quarterly Report FY16-Q1

The program aims to support households in building and maintaining their livestock assets to increase household and community resilience to shocks and stressors. The program is targeting 20,000 people in Ankazomanga, Maroarivo, and Beahitse communes of southern Madagascar. The LIVES team is comprised of a Country Director, LIVES Program Manager, Accountant, M&E Specialist, a Livestock Specialist, three Field Agents, and a driver, with technical support from Land O'Lakes Global and Regional teams. The program has three intermediate results (IRs): IR 1.1 Animal husbandry practices improved, IR 1.2 Livestock asset base expanded, and IR 1.3 Access to animal health services increased. During the period under review, the program implemented several activities, including preparing a work plan, conducting sensitization and courtesy visits, completing three assessments, developing a Performance Monitoring and Evaluation Plan, and launching a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the supply of ruminants and poultry. The program also prepared to launch several field activities, including training 3 extension agents, creating and structuring 49 farmers groups, identifying and training 49 Livestock Leaders Farmers (LLFs), identifying 24 Community Livestock Workers (CLWs), and purchasing 5600 animal ID tag kits. For the next quarter, the program will continue to strengthen the capacity of livestock farmers through trained LLFs, start up the animal fund service within willing farmers groups, and identify the best approach and strategy to lead the water points' rehabilitation. The program will also identify suitable animal suppliers and distribute codified and healthy animals to prioritized beneficiaries. The program has made significant progress in preparing for the implementation of its activities, including the formation and structuration of 49 farmers groups, the identification and training of 49 LLFs, and the purchase of animal ID tag kits. However, the program faces challenges, including the limited time available for the water point assessment and the need to prioritize the technical training of farmers to prepare them to receive animals. The program's focus on improving animal husbandry practices, expanding the livestock asset base, and increasing access to animal health services is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of the target population and increase their resilience to shocks and stressors. The program's progress and challenges will be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure that it achieves its objectives and makes a meaningful contribution to the development of the target communities.