Monthly Feed the Future Report Mali Cereal Value Chain Project

The project's main objective is to improve the cereal value chain in Mali, focusing on rice, millet, and sorghum. Initial assessments identified key challenges, including limited market access and soil degradation. In April 2014, the project participated in the National Cereals Fair in Segou, which brought together over 300 participants from various regions of Mali. The fair aimed to improve linkages between producer organizations and cereal buyers, resulting in the creation of a list of potential cereal sellers and buyers, identification of business opportunities, and commercial transactions. A total of 7,550 tons of cereals were sold during the fair, indicating the availability of stocks in production areas. The project also hosted a visit from ACDI/VOCA's vice president, who met with project staff and partners to discuss contractual arrangements and possibilities for strengthening the project's intervention capacity at the field level. The visit provided an opportunity for staff and partners to exchange information and ideas, highlighting their commitment to implementing a successful project and achieving results. A four-day workshop was held in Sikasso with all project staff and partners to improve their understanding of the approved Annual Work Plan and Performance Monitoring Plan. The workshop resulted in the development of an action plan per Intermediate Result, outlining responsibilities and deadlines for implementation. The project also established contact with approximately 30 female-producer cooperatives in lowland rice to provide functional literacy courses for women rice producers. The project signed a subcontract with INAGEF to start the CVC baseline study, and funds were released for this purpose. Meetings were held with IOS partners to ensure smooth collaboration and avoid duplication with their contract. A subcontract with CMDT-NWF is in preparation to re-launch its former soil conservation/soil fertility management program in FtF priority intervention areas near Koutiala. The project also received technical assistance on financial services and financial intermediation from a project partner. The objective of this mission is to support the team in facilitating the mobilization of credit for the coming production season and to make an inventory of credit and investment needs of identified value chain actors. A detailed activity plan for CVC's own financial services staff will be outlined. The project's activities are focused on improving the cereal value chain in Mali, addressing key challenges such as limited market access and soil degradation. The project's efforts aim to increase the availability of cereals in production areas, improve the livelihoods of farmers, and enhance the overall food security in Mali.