Monthly Report – May 2018: Feed the Future Mali Cereal Value Chain Project

The project's activities focused on three key components: creation of the National Association of Millet/Sorghum Wholesalers, advisory support to promote bulk cereal sales, credit repayments, and "Saving for Change" groups, and training sessions on various topics. One of the key activities under the project was the creation of the National Association of Millet/Sorghum Wholesalers. This association aimed to promote the interests of millet and sorghum wholesalers and processors in Mali. The project also provided advisory support to promote bulk cereal sales, credit repayments, and "Saving for Change" groups. These groups allowed farmers to save and borrow money, improving their financial stability and access to credit. The project also conducted training sessions on various topics, including lowland rice producer training, training of trainers on climate change and hygiene/sanitation, capacity building of millet/sorghum producer POs on management of post-harvest operations, strengthening seed producer and distributor capacity in seed marketing techniques, training in business management and marketing, and training producers in the preparation of millet, cowpea, and moringa-based local recipes. In the Sikasso Region, the project, in collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Agriculture, conducted training for lowland rice producers on intensive production of high-quality manure and the promotion of protection measures for lowlands and dams. The training involved 887 producers, including 793 women. The project also diffused intensive rice production system (SRI) techniques in low-land areas, benefiting 819 producers from 11 producer organizations. The project's activities focused on improving agricultural productivity, market access, and the resilience of vulnerable communities and households. The project's approach emphasized the importance of technology development, dissemination, management, and innovation in improving agricultural productivity. The project's activities were designed to benefit smallholder farmers, particularly women, and to promote the development of the millet and sorghum value chain in Mali. The project's geographic focus was on the Sikasso Region, where the project conducted training sessions and promoted the use of intensive rice production system (SRI) techniques. The project's timeframes were not specified, but the reporting period was from April 21 to May 20, 2018. The project's recommendations were not specified, but the project's activities were designed to promote the development of the millet and sorghum value chain in Mali and to improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.