Management of Fall Armyworm (FAW) in Maize for Smallholder Farmers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The project is funded by USAID and implemented by Land O'Lakes Venture37, in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and Villa Crop Protection. The project's geographic focus is on the former provincial areas in DO2 (Corridor 1: southern Katanga and Corridor 2: Kasai Occidental and Kasai Oriental/Lomami) and the majority of TO3 (South Kivu and Tanganyika, formerly northern Katanga). The project's main objective is to manage FAW in maize for smallholder farmers in the DRC. To achieve this, the project focuses on three key components: sustainable and cost-effective Integrated Pest Management (IPM) technologies, increased adoption of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) IPM practices, and improved policies and systems for GAP IPM deployment. The project also conducts a maize value chain analysis, which involves assessing the entire process of maize production, from planting to marketing. During the first year of the project, from October 18, 2019, to September 30, 2020, the project team conducted several technical activities, including remote data collection for the maize value chain analysis, finalization of the media agencies inventory and communication plan, and update of the Strategic IPM and Communications Strategy. The team also completed important administrative tasks, such as registration, procurement, and human resources management. The project team conducted five field assignments in the project target provinces of Haut-Katanga, Tanganyika, Kasaï Oriental, Lomami, and Sud Kivu. These assignments aimed to collect field data to complement remote interviews for the maize value chain analysis and to support IITA's Research and Adaptation Team Leader in establishing the Coordinated Activity Areas (CAAs) at INERA's Kipopo and Kanyameshi stations in Haut Katanga, and Mulungu and Bishibiru stations in Sud Kivu. The project team also accelerated administrative, human resources, procurement, monitoring, and evaluation tasks after the Gombe Commune loosened travel restrictions due to COVID-19. The team completed important technical activities, such as finalization of the gender analysis, preparation of the Year 2 Gantt Chart, and update of the AMELP second version addressing USAID MEL comments. The project's next steps for the second year include priority technical activities, such as the implementation of sustainable and cost-effective IPM technologies, increased adoption of GAP IPM practices, and improved policies and systems for GAP IPM deployment. The project will also continue to conduct monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning activities to assess the project's progress and impact. The project has faced several challenges and constraints, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected the project's implementation and progress. However, the project team has shown resilience and adaptability in response to these challenges. The project has also learned several lessons, including the importance of flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing circumstances, and the need for effective communication and collaboration among project stakeholders. The project's implementation is overseen by the project's management team, which includes the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, and other key staff members. The project also has a strong partnership with the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Ministry of Agriculture, and other key stakeholders. The project's progress and impact will be closely monitored and evaluated to ensure that it achieves its objectives and makes a meaningful contribution to the management of FAW in maize for smallholder farmers in the DRC.