Mali L4G Monthly Report: September 2015

The project began in 2014 and is implemented by AECOM International Development. As of September 2015, the project has made significant progress in various components. Livestock production is a key focus area for L4G. The project has distributed 13,809 kg of forage or dual-purpose seeds to 52 local Producer Organizations (POs). These seeds include millet, sorghum, Bambara nut, cowpea, and groundnut. The project has also trained 16 seed multipliers, including one woman, in Koro Cercle, and 16 seed multipliers, including three women, in Bankass Cercle. These multipliers have continued to produce forage crop seeds under the guidance of the L4G Coordinator. In addition to seed distribution and training, L4G has also focused on improving access to quality inputs and services. The project launched a model of privatized veterinary services on September 15, with 175 attendees, including the Prefets and Sous-Prefets of Koro and Bankass Cercles. This model aims to improve vaccinations, deworming, and other services for cattle, sheep, and goats in the 21 FtF communes in Koro and Bankass. L4G has also distributed 4,650 kg of NPK fertilizer on loan to 110 producers, including 72 women, and 3,500 kg of urea fertilizer on loan to 75 producers, including 64 women. L4G has also made progress in improving pastureland and water resources management. The project staff met with the Kani-bonzon Commune mayor on September 16 to discuss cattle access to water points, ongoing maintenance of structures, compliance with USAID environmental standards, and recruitment of growers for Dolique and Moringa. In the area of community literacy, numeracy, nutrition, and hygiene practices, L4G has conducted training workshops for nursery managers. Thirty-two nursery managers, including 15 women, participated in a workshop in Koro Town, Koro Cercle, on producing Moringa and forage trees. Thirty-five nursery managers, including 16 women, participated in a similar workshop in Bankass Town, Bankass Cercle. L4G has also made progress in strengthening market linkages and access. The project participated in preparatory meetings to promote the sale of 2,000 sheep in Mopti for the Tabaski holiday (Operation Tabaski). In terms of operations and human resources, AECOM L4G Engagement Manager Kim Clark visited Mali in August to support the field team in developing the Year 2 work plan and budget. The COP met with ILRI Representative, M. Amadou Fall, on September 5 to discuss L4G and ILRI collaboration in the livestock value chain. The COP also met with IESC Representative, M. Moussa Sankare, on September 12 to discuss L4G and IESC collaboration to promote credit access for vulnerable populations. Monitoring and evaluation is also an important aspect of L4G. The M&E Specialist trained 26 people from Bankass in L4G data collection, and data collection began on September 10 in Koro and Bankass Cercles. CADES consulting firm submitted a draft baseline report on three reference indicators, and L4G provided feedback and observations to guide revisions. Overall, L4G has made significant progress in various components, including livestock production, access to quality inputs and services, pastureland and water resources management, community literacy, numeracy, nutrition, and hygiene practices, market linkages and access, and monitoring and evaluation.