Mali Cereal Value Chain Project FY18 Quarterly Report (April -– June 2018)

The Feed the Future Mali Cereals Value Chain (CVC) project implemented several interventions to achieve this goal. Technology development, dissemination, management, and innovation were key components of the project's strategy. The CVC project worked with local organizations to develop and disseminate new technologies, including improved irrigation systems and crop varieties. Access to quality inputs increased during the quarter, with the CVC project providing farmers with high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs. The project also established demonstration plots to showcase the benefits of using these inputs. Economically viable irrigation systems expanded, with the CVC project supporting the development of new irrigation systems and the rehabilitation of existing ones. Soil and water management techniques improved, with the project providing training and support to farmers on conservation agriculture practices. Market-driven, value-added products were promoted during the quarter, with the CVC project working with farmers to develop new products and improve their marketing skills. Sustainable farm-to-market linkages and access to markets strengthened, with the project establishing new market channels and improving the quality of products. Post-harvest handling and processing improved, with the CVC project providing training and support to farmers on proper handling and processing techniques. Effective aggregation of production was established, with the project supporting the formation of producer organizations and improving their capacity to aggregate and market their products. The resilience of vulnerable communities and households increased during the quarter, with the CVC project implementing interventions to improve their livelihoods. Income streams diversified, and asset-building strategies were employed, with the project providing training and support to farmers on new income-generating activities. Drought-resilient cropping systems were adopted at scale, with the project promoting the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties and conservation agriculture practices. Appropriate food storage facilities were made available, with the project providing training and support to farmers on proper food storage techniques. Community literacy, numeracy, and nutrition practices improved, with the project implementing programs to improve the education and nutrition of community members. Local capacities and systems were reinforced during the quarter, with the CVC project working to improve the capacity of local organizations and institutions. Local organizations developed the capacity to receive funds from USAID, with the project providing training and support to help them manage these funds effectively. The capacity of producer groups and water user associations improved, with the project providing training and support to help them manage their resources and make informed decisions. Financial services were strengthened, with the project working with local financial institutions to improve access to credit and other financial services for farmers. The capacity of public sector service providers was also strengthened, with the project providing training and support to help them improve their services to farmers.