Malawi AG Diversification Activity Q1Y1 Report: October 2016 - December 2016

The Activity seeks to increase the competitiveness of high-value, nutrient-rich value chains through support for agricultural enterprises, and increased access to markets and finance. It also aims to foster inclusive and sustainable growth of Malawi's agricultural sector, and improve the nutritional status of women and children under five through a proven nutrition-sensitive approach of layering agriculture and nutrition behavior change interventions in rural communities. During the first quarter of the Activity, which spanned from October 2016 to December 2016, several key milestones were achieved. The Activity's start-up phase involved mobilizing staff, brainstorming with key partners, and identifying office space. Recruitment of key staff and procurement of project equipment were also completed. The eight districts of Balaka, Lilongwe Rural, Machinga, Mchinji, Ntcheu, Dedza, Mangochi, and Blantyre Rural were identified as zones for early intervention. Under Outcome 1: Increased Incomes and Employment, the Activity engaged potential partners in the value chain, including the Agricultural Commodity Exchange (ACE). Building on communication platforms, rapid inventory of Village Savings and Loans (VSL) groups was conducted, and interviews for the Outcome 1 position were held. Under Outcome 2: Improved Climate Resilience, strategic meetings were held with the USAID-funded PERFORM project to identify Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) options to integrate and scale out in the Machinga district. A review of evaluation reports on the INVC project and studies from USAID projects was also conducted to identify entry points on building the resilience of smallholder farmers. Under Outcome 3: Improved Nutrition, the Activity held meetings with key stakeholders, including USAID, Tiwalere, and the Ministry of Agriculture. A literature review was conducted to inform the message development for promotion in the Zones of Influence (ZoIs). Under Outcome 4: Women's Empowerment, stakeholder engagement meetings were held with key gender sector stakeholders, including the Ministry of Gender and UN Women. A draft Gender Analysis Framework was developed, and recruitment for two Regional Gender Coordinators was initiated. The Activity also made progress under Cross-Cutting Themes, including the development of a Communications Strategy and the production of a two-page briefer. Weekly and monthly reports were drafted and submitted accordingly. The Activity Monitoring and Evaluation Plan (AMEP) was drafted alongside the Collaborating, Learning and Adaptation Plan (CLA). Overall, the first quarter of the Activity laid the foundation for the implementation of the project's objectives and outcomes.