October 2016 Monthly Report / Mali Livestock for Growth (L4G)

The program focuses on four key components: Livestock Production, Livestock Trade, Strengthened Local Capacities and Systems, and Improved Enabling Environment for the Livestock Sector. In the Livestock Production component, the program has been working to enhance technology innovation, dissemination, and management. During the month of September, 42.5 kg of dolique was distributed to 17 producers, including 7 women, in the Mopti, Djenne, and Bandiagar cercles. The dolique will be planted on 5.3 hectares and is expected to produce an estimated 11 tons of forage for animal consumption and legumes for human consumption. The program has also been working to increase access to quality inputs and services. In October, the Private Sector Development Specialist met with seven livestock feed manufacturing plants in the cercles of Koutiala, Fana, and Segou. The plants agreed to prioritize L4G clients' orders for livestock feed, with a minimum order of 40 tons. L4G clients have been informed of this opportunity and are in the process of identifying their needs to reach the minimum demand. In the Veterinary Services component, private veterinarians supported by L4G have been implementing a vaccination campaign in Koro and Bankass Cercles. The vaccination campaign has been progressing, with 2,000 cattle, 11,073 sheep, and 3,496 goats vaccinated in September. The program has also been working to expand its support to new communes, identifying four private veterinarians and 15 auxiliary veterinarians who will help expand the reach of the SVPP veterinarians' services to rural communities. The program has also been working to strengthen market linkages and access, with a focus on business linkages between the private sector and value chain actors. In October, L4G met with seven livestock feed manufacturing plants and negotiated standard animal feed prices with the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries. The negotiated prices are 115,000 FCFA per ton of animal feed, with a 40% quota reserved for livestock organizations. In terms of geographic focus, the program is working in several cercles in Mali, including Mopti, Djenne, Bandiagar, Koro, and Bankass. The program is also working to strengthen local capacities and systems, with a focus on strengthening the capacity of stakeholders in the livestock value chain. Overall, the L4G program is making progress in its efforts to improve the livestock sector in Mali. The program's focus on technology innovation, access to quality inputs and services, and market linkages is helping to improve the livelihoods of livestock producers and traders in the country.