MC Niger_ECOUT FY15 QR2 Jan-March 2015

The program targets agro-pastoralists affected by food insecurity, with a focus on improving their nutritional status and building their resilience to future shocks and stresses. During the reporting period (January – March 2015), the program achieved significant milestones. A total of 958 farmers, 93% of whom were women, received training in gardening techniques. Additionally, 580 beneficiaries received training on low-cost alternatives to biological and chemical pest and disease control, while 776 beneficiaries were trained on techniques of soil and natural regeneration, including composting and farmer-managed natural regeneration (FMNR). The program also facilitated access to microcredit through an established warrantage system, with 5 of 5 selected villages successfully implementing the pilot warrantage activity. Microcredits corresponding to the value of 17.4 tons of stored agricultural products were disbursed to 386 beneficiaries, totaling 3,186,630 XOF (US$ 6,373) or 80% of the value of stored products as determined by local market prices. Furthermore, the program trained 224 community engineers and 4,519 beneficiaries on how to make animal multi-nutritional blocks and straw treatment with urea and salt. Monitoring of the health and adaptation of distributed red goats from Maradi showed a good adaptation rate of 91%. The program also conducted weekly surveys of primary markets in Ouallam and Dingazi communes to monitor the availability, quantity, quality, and prices of main food commodities. The ECOUT program aims to increase the resilience of agro-pastoralist communities to future shocks by supporting community-driven projects to rehabilitate pastureland and increase water efficiency through Food for Work (FFW) activities. The program will also contribute to the recovery and increased resilience of farmers in Ouallam department by providing training on climate-smart techniques and providing vouchers to purchase improved agricultural inputs. In terms of program activities, the ECOUT program achieved several outcomes during the reporting period. A total of 8,000 households benefited from food for work activities, receiving food through a voucher system. Three rounds of unconditional cash transfers were distributed during the 2014 lean season, benefiting 4,941 households. Additionally, 4,400 households received vouchers to purchase goats, with 4,392 households receiving vouchers for the purchase of does and 554 bucks being distributed. The program also trained field agents and beneficiaries on animal health, breeding, milk production, animal settlement infrastructure, herd management, and the making of multi-nutritional blocks. A total of 6,495 beneficiaries were trained, with 3,603 women, 3,436 men, and 364 youth participating. Trainings are still ongoing to reach all of the beneficiaries of goats in all the villages targeted by the program. The ECOUT program also conducted community-level nutrition messaging and behavior change activities related to essential nutrition actions (ENA) and household dairy consumption. A total of 115 outreach workers and 16 health workers were trained on malnutrition prevention tools and sensitization techniques. Nutrition caravans were organized in targeted villages to disseminate messages about healthy eating and nutrition practices.