Quarterly Performance Report #01: October–December 2012

The project is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and is implemented by CDM International Inc. Key accomplishments and results for the quarter include the completion of a Project Quality Management (PQM) and Initiation Workshop with the Government of Tanzania (GoT) and Implementing Partners (IPs) in Morogoro. The workshop aimed to communicate the project's goals and expectations and engage IPs in the implementation process. Efforts have been focused on the mainland, with a preliminary implementation schedule prepared for all project activities. Assistance has been provided to USAID and IPs to arrive at appropriate and practical funding and procurement mechanisms for proposed projects. In terms of Improved Agricultural Productivity, a preliminary evaluation of information found in the project appraisal documents for the four irrigation schemes in Kilombero was conducted. Field reconnaissance visits were made with staff from the Morogoro Zonal Irrigation Office and the Local Government Authority to identify proposed project boundaries, hydrology issues, land availability, and other important factors for determining a pre-feasibility level assessment. For Expanding Markets and Trade, the project assisted TANROADS in developing a Framework Agreement (FARA) to fund the design consultancy for the Mikumi-Kidatu-Ifakara road section. The project also supported the District Engineers in designing improvements for the roads selected for the "accelerated process" and assisted in developing a funding mechanism for the road works. Institutional Capacity Building efforts were increased to support the capacity of local partners in a more formal and structured manner, enabling the transition of project implementation responsibilities to those organizations. Outstanding challenges to the project team include stakeholders' understanding of implementation arrangements, resources for GoT Implementing Partners, implementation and funding mechanisms, data accessibility, and recognition of the project amongst stakeholders and mandate. The project will continue to support USAID's efforts to arrive at funding and procurement mechanisms and communicate project progress with a broader range of stakeholders. IPs will assume greater involvement in planning and management of projects, supported by the IRRIP2 team. The project's next steps include completing pre-feasibility assessments for the four irrigation schemes in Kilombero, reviewing findings with stakeholders, and preparing Terms of Reference for a consultant to conduct feasibility studies. Activities in Zanzibar will begin with initial meetings with USAID/Tanzania and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar to understand the scope of work and intended scope of work.