Mali L4G Monthly Report: May 2015

The project began in 2014 and is implemented by AECOM International Development. The project's main objective is to increase the productivity and profitability of the livestock sector in Mali, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and pastoralists. The project is divided into four components: Livestock Production, Livestock Trade, Strengthened Local Capacities and Systems, and Enabling Environment. The Livestock Production component focuses on improving the productivity of smallholder farmers through the use of improved technologies and practices. In May 2015, the L4G team delivered a training in contour ridge farming and manure use to 29 people, including 9 women, in Koro village. The team also trained 40 village-based data collectors in the use of rain gauges to keep rainfall records in 20 villages. The Livestock Trade component aims to strengthen market linkages and access for smallholder farmers. In May 2015, the L4G team held two livestock value chain workshops, one in Mopti and another in Bankass, to draft and refine a livestock value chain map for meat production. The workshops brought together government and private sector representatives, as well as local stakeholders, to identify constraints and propose solutions to improve the performance of the livestock value chain. The Strengthened Local Capacities and Systems component focuses on building the capacity of local stakeholders to manage and implement the project's activities. In May 2015, the L4G team identified new points of contact in 30 new villages for capacity building. The team also met with the new point of contact for L4G at the Ministry of Rural Development, Dr. Mamadou Coulibaly, to build a strong partnership between MDR and L4G. The Enabling Environment component aims to create an environment that supports the project's activities and outcomes. In May 2015, the L4G team hosted a USAID implementing partners meeting to discuss Moringa production, marketing, nutrition, and potential value chain development for this agro-forestry species. The team also met with the new point of contact for L4G at MDR to build a strong partnership between MDR and L4G. The project's operations and human resources are also being strengthened. In May 2015, the L4G team received four vehicles procured and completed inspection. The project also began procurement of seeds and fertilizer for which USAID approved purchase. The team also welcomed new staff members, including Mr. Bakary Traoré, who began work as the replacement Koro coordinator on May 6.