RADP-N FY2016 Annual Report

The program strengthens the capacity of farmers in improved production in the wheat, high value crop, and livestock value chains. RADP-N's activities enable farmers to increase their commercial viability and competitiveness in response to market demand, thereby generating greater income opportunities and empowering families to better meet their household needs. RADP-N uses a value chain facilitation approach to address numerous bottlenecks and identify lead firms within areas capable of leveraging positive change. The program also supports a policy environment through advocacy and dialogue that strengthens the private sector. RADP-N's geographic coverage includes Badakhshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Jawzjan, Kunduz, and Samangan provinces. In year two, RADP-N continued wheat, high value crops (HVC), livestock, enabling environment, gender, and nutrition activities across selected provinces and districts in the northern region. RADP-N implemented 49 activities and issued 68 grants valued at $5,311,355 to local partners. The wheat value chain activities in year two focused on increasing farm productivity through seed business development, weed control, and farmer conservation agriculture activities. RADP-N's HVC team was active in all 26 target districts of the six project provinces with multiple interventions. The interventions with farmers ranged from improved production training to post harvest handling on RADP-N's target HVC value chains. These trainings were attended by over 15,000 farmers. RADP-N worked to improve the skills of 287 lead farmers, and 75 have qualified as lead farmers by acquiring the necessary skills allowing them to support activities with other farmers. RADP-N trained 159 board members from 32 farmer organizations to build their management capacity and improved their leadership skills to provide services to their members. In November 2015, RADP-N linked 11 dried fruit processors and traders with international buyers by supporting their attendance at the WorldFood show in Kazakhstan. Participants in the show reported that they learned much from buyers regarding product quality and quantity demand. Throughout year two, RADP-N conducted Training of Trainers (ToT) for 149 trainers on Small Ruminants Herd Health Package (SRHHP) and trained 2,177 targeted beneficiaries. The training package addressed animal husbandry including housing, breeding, health, and feeding. One hundred butchers received training on hygienic meat processing and handling, and their shops are being upgraded with improved equipment and tools. RADP-N's livestock activities focused on improving the skills of farmers and butchers in animal husbandry and meat processing. The program also supported the development of a Sustainable Intensification of Mechanization Program (SIMP) that will become operational in year three. RADP-N's yield assessment methodology to measure wheat yield was also developed in year two. The RADP-N team worked closely with local partners, including the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL), the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MOCI), and the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI). RADP-N also collaborated with other donor agencies and USAID projects to leverage resources and expertise. In year two, RADP-N issued 68 grants valued at $5,311,355 to local partners. The grants supported a range of activities, including farmer training, infrastructure development, and market linkage facilitation. RADP-N's grants program helped to build the capacity of local partners and supported the development of sustainable agricultural practices in the northern region. RADP-N's program was implemented by Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI) as the prime implementing partner. The program was supported by a range of sub-contractors and sub-awardees, including ACDI/VOCA, Alcis, Development and Training Services, Inc. (dTS), Dutch Committee for Afghanistan (DCA), Joint Development Associates (JDA), Pax Mondial Risk Management Company, and Rahman Safi International Consulting (RSI).