MONTHLY REPORT MARCH 2017 FEED THE FUTURE MALI CEREAL VALUE CHAIN PROJECT

In Sikasso, two new POs were registered in February 2017, including one in Zanferebougou with 79 members and another in Kadiolo with 143 members. These POs collectively own a total area of 415 hectares in millet and sorghum. The CVC Mopti Regional Coordination team participated in the FUSCOCYN General Information Meeting on February 27, 2017, in Mopti. The meeting mobilized 230 leaders of the FUSCOCYN, and CVC contributed to the meeting with presentations on the project and its cereal value chain approach, as well as the project's intervention strategy in Timbuktu. The CVC team also shared and signed a collaboration protocol with FUSCOCYN. The general assembly of the Federation for the Rural Development of Youwarou (FDRY) was held on March 6, 2017, in Mopti. The assembly mobilized 158 cooperative members, and discussions focused on the remaining balance to be paid for 2016/2017 inputs to Planète Distribution and prospects for the next campaign. The last season's inputs costs included 3,600 tons of fertilizers, 3,100 drums of gasoil, and mechanical equipment. Implementation of off-season rice demonstration plots was managed by the FTF CVC project and Agrichem. Training of producers on best practices in management and safe use of pesticides was also conducted. Progress was made by IPRO-IRRIGAR in the Koutiala and Yorosso districts. The CVC project also focused on expanding markets and trade. A technical meeting was held to validate cereals' marketing strategy, and a preparatory meeting was organized for a national millet and sorghum marketing workshop. Training of traders in quality control, packaging, storage, stock, and equipment management, as well as formal commercial contract, was conducted. Warrantage financing was developed in Mopti by the Soro Yiriwaso microfinance institution, and warrantage development was implemented in Sikasso. The project also aimed to increase resilience of vulnerable communities and households. An evaluation of the change in the situation of vulnerable households supported by CVC was conducted. Local capacities and systems were strengthened through exchange visits and training of producers by community agri-business teams. The CVC team participated in gender and behavior change training, and celebrated the 23rd International Women's Day in Sikasso and Mopti. Training of CVC regional staff on success stories development and multimedia was conducted, and coordination and collaboration with other projects and organizations were maintained.