Quarterly Progress Report (Quarter 3, 2012) for Asset-Based Financing for Smallholder Farmers Project

Key achievements during the reporting period include the recruitment and onboarding of new field officers and group leaders, who will manage farmers recruited next quarter through USAID support. Repayment analysis shows that the project is on target to achieve its stated target, indicating that beneficiaries are satisfied with the program. One Acre Fund continues to show positive impact with farmer groups, with repayment for the 2012 long rain season currently on track to hit 95%. Field officer trainings have been effective, with 95% of trained farmers implementing proper techniques for top dressing and second weeding. A strong recruitment season resulted in hundreds of candidates applying to become field officers, of which 231 of the most qualified were selected. The project team has refined upcoming training programs and developed questionnaires to capture the project's impact. Deliverables submitted for approval include the work plan, performance monitoring and evaluation plan, and branding and marking plans. The project has also started its recruitment for new farmers that will participate in the program, with the goal of organizing farmers into groups and signing them up for loans based on each farmer's land size. Expansion into new areas is also underway, with the project beginning its expansion into Homa Bay. Field officers in Homa Bay are kicking off the 2013 long rain season through meetings with Assistant Chiefs and Village Elders, and will mobilize leaders ahead of group leader selection activities. Demonstration plots will be planted across identified areas to market the program. Field officer recruitment was a key achievement, with a strong recruitment season resulting in 231 new field officers being brought on board. The project team is confident that the districts will be off to a great start for 2013 with this well-trained entry class of field officers. The project will also be drawing on its network of volunteer group leaders to fulfill future field officer needs. Farmer training programs have shown strong participation from current season's farmers, with 95% of farmers adopting improved techniques for second top-dressing and weeding. Group leader recruitment is also underway, with new and already-hired field officers selecting new group leaders for the 2013 season. Repayment has been strong within Western Kenya and Nyanza provinces, with the project on target to meet its repayment target of 95% for the 2012 long rain season. The project team continues to meet their weekly targets, resulting in strong monthly targets. Strong repayment is translated into high beneficiary satisfaction, with farmers very happy with the service they are receiving from the project staff.