Quarterly Report (January – June 2010)

(DAI), aims to generate knowledge that will help the micro and small enterprise development field move forward. The project's overall purpose is to develop, document, and disseminate strategies to integrate micro and small enterprises (MSEs) into global value chains and to research and publish best practices in market assessment, implementation, and impact assessment for enterprise development programs. The project comprises seven major components, with the first four being the major focus of activities. Component A involves research on clients and markets, while Component B focuses on tools for market and other pre-design assessments. Component C involves intervention design and implementation research, and Component D deals with impact and other post-intervention assessments. The project also includes Components F, G, and H, which cover training, short-term technical services, and knowledge management and component collaboration, respectively. The value of the contract awarded to DAI for BDS K&P is $2,699,800. Since project inception, DAI has completed numerous deliverables, including research reports, briefing papers, and draft summaries. These deliverables cover a range of topics, including market assessments, impact evaluations, and private sector development programming. During the period covered in this report (January – June 2010), several changes took place in the BDS K&P project management structure. A no-cost extension to the task order was approved, extending the period of performance until September 30, 2010. The project management team at DAI consists of two levels: the first level, led by Zan Northrip, is responsible for overall project quality and reporting, as well as coordination with USAID and project collaborators. The second level consists of technical component managers, who are responsible for the timely production and submission of high-quality deliverables. The project has made significant progress in completing deliverables and conducting presentations. For example, a presentation on the West Africa Rice Value Chain Study results was conducted by David Neven of DAI together with Ruth Campbell of ACDI/VOCA at USAID's Breakfast Seminar on January 28th, 2010. Additionally, several briefing papers and draft summaries were completed and submitted for comments during the period covered in this report. The project's technical activities have focused on research and development of tools and methodologies for market assessment, implementation, and impact assessment. The project has also conducted presentations and workshops to disseminate knowledge and best practices to stakeholders. The project's budget has been managed effectively, with a total value of $2,699,800. The project's geographic focus is on various countries, including Namibia, Brazil, and Zambia. The project's timeframes are from August 2003 to September 30, 2010. The project's recommendations include the development of strategies to integrate MSEs into global value chains and the dissemination of best practices in market assessment, implementation, and impact assessment for enterprise development programs.