Quarterly Report: Appui à la Valorisation du potentiel Agricole du Nord, pour la Sécurité Économique et Environnementale (AVANSE)

The AVANSE project, funded by USAID, aimed to enhance agricultural productivity, watershed stability, and market access. Key results achieved during this quarter include increased agricultural productivity, improved watershed stability, and strengthened agricultural markets. Agricultural productivity increased due to the implementation of improved production technologies and systems. Knowledge and availability of these technologies and systems increased among farmers, with strengthened extension services and nutrition information provided. Haitian universities in the North were strengthened through partnerships with MARNDR, and access to inputs such as seeds and fertilizers increased. Management capacity of user associations was also enhanced, and property security was strengthened. Watershed stability improved through the establishment of watershed governance bodies at the sub-watershed level. Critical slopes were stabilized through farmer-level investment, and crisis-management capacity was established. These efforts aimed to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. Agricultural markets were strengthened through improved access to storage and processing facilities, increased access to financial products, and improved market information systems. Relationships in targeted value chains were also strengthened, with the introduction of the SIBA voucher program. This program aimed to increase access to credit and improve market linkages for smallholder farmers. Capacity of local organizations was strengthened through general capacity-building for partners and beneficiaries in the project zone. IPs and potential direct award-holders were also strengthened to respond to USAID-FORWARD objectives. Infrastructure development, including irrigation rehabilitation, drainage work, hillside stabilization, and feeder road rehabilitation, was also undertaken. Monitoring and evaluation activities were conducted to track progress and identify areas for improvement. Environmental compliance was ensured through regular assessments and mitigation measures. Gender integration was also a key focus area, with efforts to increase participation of women in project activities. Communications and outreach activities, including radio programs and public information campaigns, were conducted to raise awareness about project activities and benefits. Overall, the AVANSE project made significant progress during the April-June 2015 quarter, with a focus on improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in the North of Haiti. The project's efforts to enhance agricultural productivity, watershed stability, and market access are expected to have a lasting impact on the region's agricultural sector.