Quarterly Performance Report: Feed the Future Bangladesh Livestock Production for Improved Nutrition Project

The project is implemented by ACDI/VOCA and is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The project's overall goal is to increase production, sales, and consumption of livestock products within households. During Quarter 1 of FY 2017-18, the project engaged with input companies and output companies to facilitate better access of farmers to quality inputs and markets. Key input companies considered for partnership include ACI-Godrej Agrovet Limited, Mega Group, Krishibid Group, Nourish, and other renowned animal health companies. The project also mapped key live cattle markets in the project area to disseminate best practices on safety and market information for project households. The project's implementation approach for FY 18 focuses on three main objectives: increased livestock productivity, improved access of rural households to hygienic, diverse, and quality food, and improved nutrition-related behaviors of rural households. The project has identified 1,181 livestock farming households and organized them into groups of 30 to 35. The project also provided training to 41 Community Agents (CAs), 32 of whom are women, to strengthen their capacity on livestock management and practices. The project's third component focuses on improved nutrition and behavior change at the household level. A comprehensive Training of Trainers (TOT) was organized for the CAs, allowing them to learn and apply practical and feasible approaches of behavior change. The TOT module focused on both animal protein and dairy consumption, highlighting the benefits of consuming these products. The project also developed TOT guidelines for CAs and organized farmers' training on hygienic, diverse, and quality meat, milk, and dairy consumption behavior development. The project's monitoring and evaluation plan includes an annual survey, AMEL guideline data collection tool, and periodic reports. The project also conducted a focus group discussion to assess women's empowerment. The project's major activities for the next quarter include conducting TOT for nutrition volunteers, organizing farmers' training on meat and milk consumption, and assessing the status of women's empowerment. The project's performance data shows that 41 CAs were trained, and 1,181 livestock farming households were identified and organized into groups. The project also developed TOT guidelines for CAs and organized a comprehensive TOT for the CAs. However, all planned activities under Sub IR 1.1: Improved Fodder and Forage Production were deferred to the next quarters of FY 18 due to funding constraints.