USAID/Yombal mbojj Project FY5Q1 Quarterly Report

The project is implemented by Bountifield International, a non-profit organization based in Minnesota, in collaboration with various partners and stakeholders. The project's main objective is to improve the efficiency and productivity of pearl millet farmers in Senegal by providing them with access to modern and affordable threshing technologies. During the first quarter of fiscal year 5 (FY5Q1), which spans from October 1 to December 31, 2020, the project continued to work with partners and clients despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Key activities undertaken during this quarter include the signing of a contract with OMEGA for the repair and maintenance of hand-operated threshers and the selection and training of women's groups on the "business in a box" package with the grinder. The project also increased promotional activities with agrodealers and other partners to boost the sale of the grinder and its impact. Additionally, the project worked closely with USAID to prepare a comprehensive inventory and submit a close-out plan, which outlines the main activities planned for the remainder of the project. These activities include closing the Dakar office, moving all items to the Kaolack office, and hiring a short-term agribusiness specialist. The project has made significant progress in implementing its activities, including the repair and maintenance of hand-operated threshers, the training of local artisans to repair and maintain the machines, and the promotion of the grinder "business in a box" package to potential clients. The project has also received the imported motorized multi-crop thresher from India and conducted onsite and field assessments of its performance and functionality. The project's geographic coverage includes the regions of Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kolda, Sedhiou, and Tambacounda. The project's implementation is overseen by Bountifield International, with support from various partners and stakeholders, including USAID, OMEGA, and the Chamber of Commerce and Chambre des Metiers. The project's main activities and results for FY5Q1 are outlined in the following sections. The project's implementation status, cross-cutting activities, monitoring and evaluation, challenges, management and administration, financial management, lessons learned, and activities planned for the next quarter are also discussed in detail.