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 and studies was 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, to share and discuss priorities. 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. Under Outcome 5: CDCS Priorities for Integration Advanced, meetings were held with USAID collaborative partners to advance CDCS priorities for integration. Cross-cutting themes, including Communications Strategy and Monitoring and Evaluation, were also addressed. The Activity's Communications Strategy was developed and submitted to USAID for approval, and a number of activities were implemented, including the production of a two-page briefer and the branding of staff signatures.