USAID Wula Nafaa Project Quarterly Report January - March 2012

The project aims to improve agricultural productivity and market access in Senegal, with a focus on the regions of Kaolack, Kaffrine, Fatick, Diourbel, and Thiès. Agriculture productivity and market access are key areas of focus for the project. In the millet/sorghum and maize value chains, the project has made significant progress in improving yields and market access. For example, the project has established demonstration plots in 15 communities, which have shown yield improvements of 60% when applying recommended practices. Additionally, the project has provided training to over 2,500 farmers in sustainable agriculture techniques. The project has also made progress in improving access to finances and markets for farmers. The project has established a network of financial institutions and market linkages, which has enabled farmers to access credit and markets more easily. Furthermore, the project has established a system of market information and price monitoring, which has helped farmers to make informed decisions about their production and marketing. In addition to improving agricultural productivity and market access, the project has also made progress in improving nutrition and access to clean water. The project has established a system of market gardening, which has improved the availability of fresh produce in rural areas. Additionally, the project has improved access to clean water and sanitation facilities in rural communities. The project has also made progress in policy reforms, particularly in the areas of biodiversity management, land tenure management, and joint management of forest and fisheries resources. The project has worked with government agencies and local communities to establish policies and regulations that promote sustainable natural resource management. Capacity building is another key area of focus for the project. The project has provided training and technical assistance to local institutions, including universities, NGOs, and private sector organizations. The project has also established a system of institutional capacity building, which has helped to strengthen the capacity of local institutions to manage natural resources sustainably. The project has also made progress in natural resource management, particularly in the areas of sustainable land management, mangrove management, and ecosystem management. The project has worked with local communities and government agencies to establish policies and regulations that promote sustainable natural resource management. Cross-cutting activities are also an important aspect of the project. The project has made progress in addressing climate change, gender aspects, technological innovations, governance and decentralization, communication, and monitoring and evaluation. Overall, the USAID Wula Nafaa Project has made significant progress in improving agricultural productivity and market access, as well as in improving nutrition and access to clean water. The project has also made progress in policy reforms, capacity building, and natural resource management.