Quarterly Report FY14 Q4: Irtoun – Rise Again

The program is designed to strengthen agricultural production, protect animal assets, and restore livelihoods while building longer-term economic resilience. The objectives of the program are to help vulnerable households in the Ansongo circle recover productive agro-pastoral livelihoods and to allow vulnerable households to restore income-generating activities and withstand economic shocks. Immediate food security needs are being addressed through food vouchers-for-work (VfW) and animal feed vouchers, acknowledging the importance of livestock as a food resource among agro-pastoral households in the region. During the reporting period, the program achieved several key milestones. Post-distribution monitoring of Animal Fodder Voucher distribution was conducted, and trainings were provided to 231 herders on fodder harvesting techniques. Didactic and practical training on animal health was also conducted for 15 Community Animal Health Workers in coordination with the local Veterinary Sector Chief of Ansongo. Additionally, 50 community vegetable gardens were selected for farmer training on best agricultural practices, and 11 associations were trained on the creation and maintenance of compost pits. The program also distributed unconditional vouchers to 1,200 households in August and September, with a value of 35,000 FCFA per household. On-going infrastructure rehabilitation of 56 sites resulted in over 22 kilometers being rehabilitated. Furthermore, 75 projects were identified for micro-entrepreneur support, and financial literacy and marketing training was provided to 36 individuals. A total of 87 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs) were established, with 55% of women participating. The program has reached a total of 34,186 men, women, boys, and girls, or 136% of initially selected beneficiaries. The Irtoun program is providing essential ingredients for communities to solidify a peaceful and productive future by intervening and supporting key areas of agricultural and economic livelihood development. The security situation in the region remained uncertain during the reporting period, with an increase in attacks against MINUSMA forces and security risks for the humanitarian community. However, the program continued to enforce strict security protocols in Gao and Ansongo, especially for staff movement with formal authorization and close monitoring of movement in program areas. The program's performance summary indicates that vulnerable households in Ansongo circle are recovering productive agricultural livelihoods, with 9,133 beneficiaries reached during the reporting period and 18,492 beneficiaries cumulatively reached. The program has also made progress in improving agricultural production, with 8,470 animals benefiting from livestock activities and 15,694 beneficiaries reached in the economic recovery and market systems sector.