Semi-Annual Report April 1 - September 30, 2011 FOOD, AGRIBUSINESS, AND RURAL MARKETS (FARM)

The project is implemented under the RAISE Plus Contract No. EDH-I-00-05-00005-00, Order No. 16, with support from The FARM Project and review by the United States Agency for International Development. Agricultural productivity is a key objective of the project, with efforts aimed at improving seeds and planting materials, increasing the availability of appropriate cassava varieties, and controlling weeds, pests, and diseases using integrated pest management. Demonstration plots and farmer participatory learning centers are established to promote the adoption of improved agricultural practices. Mechanized land preparation and small ruminant programming are also implemented to enhance agricultural productivity. Trade and marketing are another critical component of the project, with activities focused on farming as a business, value chain assessments, market assessments, and supporting private sector services. The project also organizes the first agricultural trade fair in South Sudan and establishes links with financial institutions across the country. Additionally, commodity buyers are linked to farmers' business organizations, and post-harvest handling, storage, and processing technologies are introduced to improve staple crop management. Capacity building is a crucial aspect of the project, with training programs aimed at improving the skills of farmers, extension agents, and other stakeholders. The project implements a training of trainer model, training on the application of improved technologies and management practices, and post-harvest handling and warehouse management trainings. Producer organization business and management skills are also improved, and facilitation of farmer business organization establishment is supported. Cross-cutting activities include policy, legislation, and regulatory framework development, synergies with donor and RSS partners, agricultural behavioral change, grants, monitoring and evaluation, geographic information system, and environmental evaluations. The project aims to create an enabling environment to support market-led agriculture and improve the capacity of the public sector to provide quality services. The project has made significant progress in the reporting period, with notable achievements in agricultural productivity, trade, and capacity building. The project has established demonstration plots, farmer participatory learning centers, and mechanized land preparation systems, and has introduced improved post-harvest handling and storage technologies. The project has also organized the first agricultural trade fair in South Sudan and established links with financial institutions across the country. In conclusion, the FARM Project has made significant progress in improving agricultural productivity, trade, and capacity building in South Sudan. The project's efforts have contributed to the development of an enabling environment to support market-led agriculture and have improved the capacity of the public sector to provide quality services. The project's achievements are a testament to the commitment of the project team and partners to improving the lives of farmers and communities in South Sudan. Improved Agronomic Practice Trainings were conducted in various regions, including Eastern Equatoria State (EES), Central Equatoria State (CES), and Western Equatoria State (WES). The trainings aimed to improve the skills of farmers and extension agents in adopting improved agricultural practices, including the use of improved seeds and planting materials, integrated pest management, and post-harvest handling and storage technologies. The project has also established a geographic information system to support decision-making and monitoring and evaluation activities. Environmental evaluations are conducted to assess the project's impact on the environment and to identify areas for improvement. Overall, the FARM Project has made significant progress in improving agricultural productivity, trade, and capacity building in South Sudan. The project's achievements are a testament to the commitment of the project team and partners to improving the lives of farmers and communities in South Sudan.