SEED COOPERATIVE ALLIANCE SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT

The project began in 2014 with a series of interrelated diagnostic, strategic planning, and capacity-building services. The primary objective of the SCA project is to assess the market feasibility of seed alliances and conduct strategic fit assessments to identify potential cooperative alliance formation in both countries. Diagnostic and strategic planning work in Rwanda and Tanzania included market feasibility assessments, strategic fit assessments with local agricultural cooperatives, and partnership alliance meetings with high-potential cooperative alliance partners. The project utilized USAID resources, along with matching contributions from Land O'Lakes, Seed Co Limited, and local cooperatives. The ultimate goal of these potential alliances is the commercial distribution of new maize seed varieties, although formal product testing, validation, and commercialization are not within the scope of the activity. The project has made significant progress in its first year, with several key highlights. Market feasibility assessments were completed in both Tanzania and Rwanda, and a market feasibility assessment trip took place in February 2014. Land O'Lakes Supply Chain intern Katie Bolssen conducted an analysis of seed supply chains in Tanzania and Rwanda, and a Winfield commercial viability assessment and analysis were completed. Strategic fit assessments for selected cooperatives in each country were also completed, resulting in the formation of successful cooperative and input provider partnership alliances in Rwanda. The project has also made progress in its capacity-building efforts, with short-term technical assistance provided by Dr. Tom Herlehy, Land O'Lakes Practice Area Manager for Crops. He provided technical support to the cooperatives/Seed Co demonstration plot partnership. Alliance Facilitator Guides for each country were completed, and validation workshops were held in Tanzania and Rwanda. The Social Capital team visited Rwanda to meet with cooperatives and partner organizations to prepare a questionnaire for a follow-up household survey. The project's performance is tracked through a series of indicators, including the number of cooperative alliances formed, the percent increase in agro-input sales, and the percent of active members who are women. The project has achieved several targets, including the development of 2 business cases, the completion of 2 validation workshops, and the completion of 1 proof of concept pilot study. The project has also provided short-term agricultural productivity training to 43 individuals and has completed a study on social capital. In Rwanda, ten cooperatives have successfully formed business partnerships with Seed Co, and the Alliance Facilitators will use the guide as a basis for tailored trainings to the cooperatives in each country. The project has also made progress in its technical assistance efforts, with 12 cooperatives in Rwanda and 3 in Tanzania receiving USG-funded technical assistance to improve management practices related to the evaluation and initiation of strategic business alliances.