Resilience and Economic Growth in the Sahel - Enhanced Resilience REPUBLIC OF NIGER and BURKINA FASO
REGIS-ER
Quarterly Report
JANUARY 1, 2017 TO MARCH 31, 2017
May, 2017
Cooperative Agreement No. 625-A-14-00001
Blvd. Mali Béro, Rue IB-73 B.P. 12,909, NIAMEY Tel.: (227) 20.35.16.48
Table of Contents
I. Quarterly Highlights ...... 7 II. Programs ...... 9 Program 1 – Habbanayé plus Animal Health and Feed ...... 9 Program 2 - Horticulture ...... 14 Program 3 – Access to Financial Services ...... 25 Program 4 - Resilient Production Systems ...... 28 Program 5 – Disaster Risk Management and Local Institutions ...... 35 Program 6 – Water Services ...... 39 Program 7 – Hygiene and Sanitation ...... 43 Program 8 – Community-based Health and Nutrition ...... 47 III. Cross-cutting Activities...... 55 Monitoring and Evaluation ...... 55 Gender ...... 56 Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) ...... 58 Communications ...... 61 Grants Management ...... 64 Cost Share ...... 64 Program Support ...... 65 IV. Appendices ...... 66 Results Framework ...... 66 REGIS-ER intervention zones ...... 74
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Acronyms and abbreviations1 English French Meaning A2N A2N Association Nodde Nooto (a Burkina NGO that is a member of the REGIS-ER consortium) AG AG Assemblée Générale (General Assembly) AGR AGR Activités génératrices de revenus (Income-generating activities) AR AR Artisans Réparateurs (Repair Artisans) ARC ARC Agent Relais Communautaire (Community Relay Agent) assisting with community savings and loan program AREN AREN Association pour la Redynamisation de l'Elevage au Niger AS AS Agent de Santé (Health Agent) ASBC ASBC Agents de Santé à Base Communautaire [au Burkina Faso] (Community-Based Health Agents) ATP ATP Agent de Terrain Polyvalent (Multidisciplinary Field Agent) AUE AUE Association des usagers d’eau (water users’ association) AV AE Auxiliary veterinarian (Auxiliaire d’élevage) AZND AZND Association ZOOD-NOOMA pour le Développement BAGRI BAGRI Banque Agricole du Niger (Agriculture Bank of Niger) BDL BDL Bio-Reclamation of Degraded Lands (Récupération biologique des terres dégradées) BMND BMND Blocs Multi-Nutritionnels Densifiés (Densified Multi-Nutritional Blocks) CADEL CADEL Comité d'Appui au Développement Local CAV/Q CAV/Q Comité d’Assainissement du Village/Quartier (Village/Neighborhood Sanitation Committees) CBO OCB Community-based Organization (Organisation Communautaire de Base) CBSP APS Community-based Solution Provider (Agent Prestataire de Services) CCA ACC Climate Change Adaptation (Adaptation au Changement Climatique) CDA CDA Departmental agriculture head (Chef départemental d’agriculture) CESAO CESAO Centres d’Etudes Economiques et Sociales pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest CES/DRS CES/DRS Conservation des eaux et des sols/défense et restauration des sols (soil and water conservation works) CF CF Conservation farming (Agriculture de conservation) CGPE CGPE Comité de Gestion de Point d’Eau (Water point management committee) CILSS CILSS Comité permanent Inter-états de Lutte contre la Sécheresse au Sahel (Permanent Interstate Committee for drought control in the Sahel) CLA CLA Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting CLD CLD Comités Locaux de Développement (Local Development Committees) CLTS ATPC Community-Led Total Sanitation (Assainissement total piloté par la communauté) CODESUR CODESUR Conseil Départemental de Secours d’Urgence et de Réhabilitation (Departmental/District-Level Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation) COFOB COFOB Commission Foncière de Base (Village land management commissions) COFOCOM COFOCOM Commission Foncière de la Commune (Commune land management commissions) CONASUR CONASUR Conseil National de Secours d’Urgence et de Réhabilitation (National Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation) CPAVI CPAVI Centre de promotion de l’aviculture villageoise, a GoBF structure C-QI C-QI Community Quality Improvement (Amélioration de la Qualité au niveau communautaire) CRA CRA Chambres Régionales d’Agriculture (Regional Chambers of Agriculture) CRBF CRBF Croix Rouge du Burkina Faso / Red Cross of Burkina Faso
1 The report mixes English- and French-language acronyms and abbreviations. (“CF/RNA” actually mixes English and French in the same acronym.) These acronyms and abbreviations simply reflect the terms used by project staff and in project reports; there is no system per se.
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English French Meaning CRENAS CRENAS Centre de récupération nutritionnelle ambulatoire pour sévères (Center for Outpatient Nutritional Rehabilitation for Severe Malnutrition) CRENI CRENI Centre de récupération nutritionnelle intensive (Intensive Nutritional Rehabilitation Center) CS CS Centre de Santé (Health Center), a health facility in Burkina Faso CSI CSI Centre de Santé Intégré (Integrated Health Center), a health facility in Niger CSPS CSPS Centre de Santé et de Promotion Sociale (Health and Social Promotion Center) CT CT Coach Technique / Technical Coach CVD CVD Conseils Villageois de Développement (Village Development Council) CVS CVS Comité Villageois de Salubrité (Village Cleanliness Committee) CWG GTC Citizen Working Groups (Groupes de Travail Citoyen) DAO DAO Dossier appel d’offres (Bid solicitation process) DCA DCA Development Credit Authority (l'Autorité de crédit au développement) DFAPs DFAPs Development Food Assistance Programs DMI DMI Development Media International (an international NGO) DNPGCCA DNPGCCA Dispositif National pour la Prévention et Gestion des Catastrophes et Crises Alimentaires (National Agency for the Prevention and Management of Disasters and Food Crises) DRM GRC Disaster Risk Management (Gestion des Risques des Catastrophes) DQA DQA Data Quality Assessment (Evaluation de la qualité des données) DREA DREA Direction Régionale de l’Eau et de l’Assainissement (Regional Directorate for Water and Sanitation) DS DS District Sanitaire (Health District) EAA EAA Eau et Assainissement pour l’Afrique (Water and Sanitation for Africa) EAQ EAQ Equipe d’Amélioration de la Qualité (Quality Improvement Team) EAQ-C EAQ-C Equipe d’Amélioration de la Qualité au niveau communautaire (Community Quality Improvement Team) EdM EdM École des maris (Husband Schools) EWS SAP Early Warning System (Système d’Alerte Précoce) FAO FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations FASO FASO Families Achieving Sustainable Outcomes FCFN FCFN Haymaking and Conservation of Natural Fodder FCPB FCPB Faitière des Caisses Populaires du Burkina (liée au Réseau des Caisses Populaires du Burkina) FFP FFP Food For Peace (USAID-funded food assistance program) FIARA FIARA Foire Internationale de l’Agriculture et des Ressources Animales (International Fair for Agriculture and Animal Resources) FMNR RNA Régénération Naturelle Assistée (Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration) FP PF Family Planning (Planification familiale) FY FY Fiscal Year (Année Fiscale) FVV FVV Femme vaccinatrice de volaille (woman vaccinator who also makes chicken feed) (qui fabrique la provende) GASA GASA Groupes d’Apprentissage et de Soutien aux Adolescentes (Learning and Support Groups for [Female] Adolescents) GENOVICO GENOVICO Gestion Non-Violente des Conflits (Non-Violent Conflict Resolution) GoBF GoBF Government of Burkina Faso (Gouvernement du Burkina Faso) GoN GoN Government of Niger (Gouvernement du Niger) GRAINE Sarl GRAINE Sarl Groupe d’Accompagnement à l’Investissement et à l’Epargne, société à responsabilité limitée HA HA Hygiène-Assainissement (Hygiene and Sanitation) HH Ménage Household (Ménage) HCI3N HCI3N Haut-Commissariat à l’initiative 3N [Nigériens Nourrissent les Nigériens] (High Commission of the 3Ns Initiative)
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English French Meaning HVV HVV Homme Vaccinateur de Volailles (Male vaccinator who also makes chicken feed) iDE iDE An international non-profit organization ICRISAT ICRISAT International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics ICT TIC Information and Communications Technology (Technologies d’Information et des Communications) IGESPLAM IGESPLAM Initiation à la Gestion et à la Planification Maraichère (Initiation to Market Garden Management & Planning) INRAN INRAN Institut National de la Recherche Agricole au Niger IP PI Prestataire indépendant (Independent service provider) IR IR Intermediate Result, as used in USAID’s causal model - results framework for its projects (Résultat Intermédiaire, dans le cadre de résultats des projets) JCM JCM Home gardens (jardins de cases des ménages) MAG MAG Ministère de l’Agriculture MARP MARP Network for the Promotion of the Participatory Approach (Réseau de Promotion des Approches Participatives) MAST MAST Mobile Application to Secure Tenure (Application Mobile à la Sécurisation des Terres) MECAT MECAT Une institution de microfinance au Niger (a Micro-Finance Institution in Niger) MFI IMF Micro-finance Institution (Institution de microfinance) MHE MHE Ministère d’Hydrologique et de l’Environnement ML ML Mère Leader (Lead Mother) MSI MSI Management Systems International OR Marie Stopes International (see context) MtM MtM Mother to Mother (Mère à mère) NCBA CLUSA NCBA CLUSA National Cooperative Business Association/ Cooperative League of USA NGO ONG Non-governmental organization (Organisation non-gouvernementale) NRM GRN Natural Resource Management (Gestion des Ressources Naturelles) NPM NPM National project manager OCHA OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs ONF-BF ONF-BF Observatoire National du Foncier au Burkina Faso OSV OSV Observatoires de Suivi de la Vulnérabilité / Observatories for monitoring vulnerability PAF PAF Petites Actions Faisables (Small Doable Actions) PCOAS PCOAS Commune Land use plan (Plan Communal d’occupation et d’affectation des sols) PDCO PDCO Patate douce à chair orange (Orange-fleshed sweet potato) PEM PEM Point d’eau moderne (modern water point) PI PI Prestataires individuels (Individual Service Providers) PICS PICS Purdue Improved Cowpea Storage bags PIRS PIRS Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (Fiches de Référence sur la Performance des Indicateurs) PM PM Program Manager PMN PMN Program Manager National (National Program Manager) PMR PMR Program Manager Régional (Regional Program Manager) PMH PMH Pompe à motricité humaine (Human-powered pump) PMP PMP Performance Monitoring Plan (Plan-tableau pour suivre la performance) PO OP Producer Organization (Organisation des producteurs) PR PR Petits ruminants (small ruminants) PRAPS PRAPS Projet Régional d’Appui au Pastoralisme au Sahel (Project for Support to Pastoralism in the Sahel) PRL sfc PRL sfc Personnes Ressources Locales, service financier communautaire (Local Resource Person, Community Financial Services) PRL PRL Personnes Ressources Locales (Local Resource People)
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English French Meaning ProDAF ProDAF Programme de Développement de l’Agriculture Familiale / Program for the Development of Family-Based Agriculture PTA PTA Annual Workplan (Plan de travail annuel) RA RA Relais Agricoles (Agriculture Relays) RC RC Relais Communautaires [au Niger] (Community-Based Relays) RECA RECA Réseau de Chambres d’Agriculture du Niger RCPB RCPB Réseau des Caisses Populaires du Burkina (liée à la Faitière des Caisses Populaires du Burkina) REGIS-AG REGIS-AG Resilience and Economic Growth in the Sahel – Accelerated Growth REGIS-ER REGIS-ER Resilience and Economic Growth in the Sahel – Enhanced Resilience RISE RISE Resilience in the Sahel Enhanced RO RO Relais Oasis RSAP RSAP Réseaux de Santé Animale de Proximité (Local Networks for Animal Health) SAREL SAREL Sahel Resilience Learning Project (Projet d’Apprentissage sur la Résilience dans le Sahel) SBCC CCSC Social and behavior change communication (Communication pour le changement social et de comportement) SCAP-RU SCAP-RU Community early warning and emergency response system (Système Communautaire d’Alerte Précoce et de Réponses aux Urgences) SECCA SECCA Stratégie Epargne Crédit Communautaire Auto-géré (Self-managed Community Savings and Loan Strategy) SICR KOKARI SICR KOKARI Service d’Intermédiation en Crédit Rural (Local Rural Credit Service) SLC, H/SLC BEE, R/BEE (Head of) Sustainable Livelihoods component (Responsable/composante Bien-Être Économique), REGIS-ER SNC SNC Santé-Nutrition Communautaire (Community-Based Health and Nutrition) SongES Niger SongES Niger A Nigérien NGO SRRP SRRP Shock Responsive RISE Portfolio SP/CPSA SP/CPSA Secrétariat Permanent de la Coordination des Politiques Sectorielles Agricoles SPRING SPRING Strengthening Partnerships, Results, and Innovations in Nutrition Globally (The SPRING Project includes Digital Green, a sub.) SRTO SRTO Sahel Regional Technical Office STD STD Service Technique Déconcentré SUR1M SUR1M “Scaling Up Resilience for 1 Million in the Niger River Basin of Niger and Mali”, a project which is implemented by CRS and funded by DFID under the BRACED Program SVPP SVPP Service vétérinaire privé de proximité (Local private veterinarian service provider) TOR TDR Terms of Reference (Termes de Référence) TOT TOT Training of Trainers (Formation des formateurs) URC URC University Research Co., LLC USG USG United States Government (Gouvernement des États Unis) VA AE Veterinarian Auxiliary (Auxiliaire en Elevage) ViM ViM Victory over Malnutrition VSF VSF Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (Veterinarians Without Borders) VVV VVV Vulgarisateur volontaire villageois (Volunteer village veterinarian trainer) WASH EHA Water Sanitation and Hygiene (Eau, Hygiène, Assainissement) WFP PAM World Food Programme (Programme Alimentaire Mondial) WHO OMS World Health Organization (Organisation Mondiale de la Santé) ZAT ZAT Zone d’Appui Technique (Technical Support Zone) ZOI ZOI Zone of intervention (zone d’intervention)
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I. Quarterly Highlights The main developments this quarter on the project and on the RISE Initiative as a whole were as follows:
REGIS-ER - Program Quality Pursuant to the Annual Workplan, senior project management is focusing on improving program quality. This quarter REGIS-ER organized evaluations of 2 key activities, SECCA (P3) and habbanayé (P1), by senior- level consultants. On March 29, the SECCA consultant, Paul Rippey, gave a debriefing in which he made a series of practical recommendations. Senior management will respond to these recommendations and establish an Action Plan for those that are approved. The habbanayé consultant, Stéphane Pil, began work during the quarter. His debriefing is scheduled in May and the project will use the same follow-up process.
On P2, an internal consultant, Sheladia’s Harm-Jan Raad, conducted a mission (January 30-February 25) to assess the organizational capability of Oasis Garden groups and the capacity of Oasis Relays from a sustainability perspective. Much remains to be done in terms of capacity building.
On P5, the noteworthy developments during the quarter were: (1) the launch of ONF-BF land tenure/ security activities; (2) continuing progress on CLs; and (3) promotion of local institutions (127 CLDs). USAID displayed increasing interest in CLs (as a successful NRM, governance and conflict prevention activity) in field visits to Gayéri and Droum Communes in late January and early February, respectively.
On P7 and P8, the project was well below its targets during the previous quarter. The new Technical Coach (CT) for these 2 programs, (URC’s) Dr. Sidi Coulibaly, organized a review of Q1 results with the P7-P8 staff in each country to address the issue and improve their planning skills. (The teams tended to set unrealistic targets.) Both teams achieved their targets this quarter and made up part of the deficit from Q1.
In late January-early February, USAID WASH expert, Rochelle Rainey, conducted a 2 week mission to Niger (Zinder, Balléyara and Niamey); she was accompanied part of the time by the AOR/SRTO Health Officer, Thibaut Williams. The mission provided a big boost to program quality -- primarily P7, but also P6. It should be noted that their mission to Burkina (Fada) of a year earlier had an identical effect on program quality.
Per the Annual Workplan, REGIS-ER aims to optimize SBCC in P7-P8 and to extend it to other programs so as to enhance integration. In February, a 2 member team from URC conducted a 2 week mission to both countries for that purpose and made recommendations in their trip report. Waverly Rennie, the team lead, will return next quarter for follow-up work (incl. implementation of the initial recommendations).
Learning/Knowledge Management is a key element of program quality. In addition to the aforementioned evaluations, REGIS-ER is organizing a study on its Community-Based Solution Providers, who are crucial to the project’s sustainability strategy, in order to improve implementation of the CBSP promotion strategy.
REGIS-ER - Program support The main challenges faced by the project involved HR management. Both the Grants and Contracts Manager and the P6-P7 National Program Manager (PMN) in Niger resigned. For the former, a senior-level TDYer who worked with NCBA CLUSA in the past was scheduled to arrive in March, but will arrive in early April. However, a permanent replacement had not been identified by the end of the quarter. For the latter, consortium partner EAA recruited a suitable replacement for this key position (this is the only instance in which an individual serves as National Program Manager for 2 programs).
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In early February, the project had the Regional Coordinators in Maradi and Zinder switch positions and had the Regional Heads of Admin.-Finance (RAFs) in Maradi and North do the same. The new Technical Coach for P7-P8 (also referred to as “HNHS”, or Health-Nutrition-Hygiene-Sanitation), Dr. Sidi Coulibaly, who only began on 19 December, 2016, has gotten off to a strong start, despite a steep learning curve. He has adapted well to his new environment (REGIS-ER and being assigned to Niamey) and has revitalized the P7-P8 teams in both countries.
RISE During the quarter REGIS-ER was involved on the following RISE developments or events: (1) USAID’s field visit in Burkina in late January for the RISE Portfolio Review (the REGIS-ER visit focused on the CL in Gayéri Commune); (2) the development of USAID’s SRRP operational strategy (consultants traveled to Niger and Burkina in January and March); (3) the RISE qualitative Mid-Term Evaluation, which involved multiple meetings with the consultants in Niger and Burkina in February and March; and (4) the RISE Learning Clinic in Dakar on March 13-15 , whose expected outcome was to develop shared recommendations based on lessons learned to strengthen resilience programming and its impacts in the Sahel.
Program Highlights P1 – Habbanayé plus Animal Feed and Health 3,216 goats placed with beneficiaries in Niger. 2 POs from Zinder with 50 sheep participated in the Dakar FIARA in partnership with REGIS-AG. P2 – Horticulture 1,060 new Home Gardens established in Burkina Faso. Nursery managers (CBSPs) in Niger made approximately $195 each through tree sales to clients this quarter.
P3 – Access to Financial Services Dramatic expansion of SECCA groups this quarter from the previous quarter - from 430 to 1,151 groups and membership grew from 4,518 to 14,726. Savings made by SECCA members exceeded $150,000 (a 440% increase in relation to the previous quarter) and loans made by the groups to their members exceeded $53,000 (a 540% increase). P4 – Resilient Production Systems 1,693 new CF-FMNR groups established, reaching 27,349 farmers. Operation Compost continues to be successful - more than 10,468 farmers have been trained and to-date more than 9,477 compost heaps have been counted.
P5 – Disaster Risk Management and Local Institutions Establishment of 127 new CLDs. Sabon Machi steering committee established. Translation and dissemination of the Guidan Roumdji Local Convention. 13.5 ha of land secured for women.
P6 – Water Services Collaboration agreements with the Regional Directorates in charge of water and sanitation in Niger and Burkina were signed and implemented. These agreements made it possible to further involve
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technical services, notably in the monitoring and supervision of activities promoting access to potable water. Work began on 60 new boreholes -- 29 in Niger and 31 in Burkina.
P7 – Hygiene and Sanitation All the villages in Niger were triggered with the involvement of technical services and communes (102 villages triggered; 70 to be certified). In Burkina Faso 56 ASBC bricklayers received training on latrine construction. Partner organizations were selected to expand CLTS in both countries.
P8 – Community-based Health and Nutrition Confirmation of 341 program PRLs by communities in Burkina Faso, 291 of whom currently have an Action Plan to support the implementation of activities within the community platforms. 386 community meals organized in Burkina Faso, 252 of them without project support.
II. Programs
Program 1 – Habbanayé plus Animal Health and Feed Providing asset-building support to women Habbanayé Poultry – Asset Placements Poultry placements (3,740), part of the FY16 operation, were finalized during this quarter in the three regions of Burkina Faso; benefiting 340 women in 34 villages. These placements met with difficulties such as mortalities in quarantine, and even at times in the placement village (affecting some of the local poultry). This can be explained by the fact that the placement period (January-February: cold period) was characterized by a high prevalence of Newcastle Disease.
No poultry has been placed for the time being under the FY17 operation. The small grants document- tation is currently being prepared in Burkina Faso. As for Niger, the Poultry option will be replaced by the Small Ruminants option (based on field visits conducted in November-December [including by the Technical Coach] and the conclusions of the habbanayé workshop held in Maradi last December).
Habbanayé Small Ruminants – Asset Placements Some of the habbanayé activities for small ruminants that are part of the FY16 operation had not been completed, but they were during this quarter. These activities concern Fada, where 180 animals were placed with 45 women from MtM groups in 6 villages; and TN (second wave), where 215 animals were placed with 65 women in 5 villages.
With regard to the FY17 operation, in 3 regions of Niger (Maradi, Tillabery North and Zinder), 3,216 goats (1,072 per region) were placed with 960 beneficiaries in 48 villages. Beneficiaries included 768 women and 192 men (relays and management committees). As for Tillabery South, due to the health situation in the region it is not possible to conduct placements for the time being. In Burkina Faso, sites and beneficiaries have been identified; and the small grants documentation is being prepared.
In parallel with these placements or in advance, women beneficiaries or future beneficiaries were trained on goat livestock management.
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Table 1: Monitoring of habbanayé numbers among beneficiaries of small ruminant placements Stock at Deaths Stock Births Transfers beginning this Sales Replacement this this this Regions of quarter quarter quarter quarter quarter FY14 & Niger (4 regions) 1 611 91 3 30 0 0 1 669 FY15 Operations Burkina 1 242 100 16 257 10 9 1 068 FY16 Niger (4 regions) 2 760 421 16 0 2 1 3 164 Operations – round 1 Burkina 2 097 295 54 0 35 38 2 341 FY16 Niger (4 regions) 2 569 18 23 0 1 8 2 571 Operations – round 2 Burkina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 FY17 Niger (3 regions, except TS) 3 216 3 4 0 0 2 3 217 Operation Burkina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 2: Monitoring of habbanayé numbers among beneficiaries of poultry placements Stock at Deaths Stock Chicks Transfers beginning this Sales Replacement this born this this Regions of quarter quarter quarter quarter quarter FY16 Niger (4 regions) 1 593 962 514 165 0 42 1 918 Operation FY15 Burkina NP NP NP NP NP NP NP Operation * NP = not provided
Table 3: Monitoring of habbanayé numbers among beneficiaries of small ruminant transfers Stock at Trans- Total Total Total Total Total Quarterly beginning of fers this Trans- Births Deaths Sales Repl. Total quarter quarter fers Niger (Maradi, 1 108 30 35 1 0 0 0 1 172 FY14 & FY15 Zinder Operation/s and TS) Burkina 643 0 18 2 0 4 4 659 Niger FY16 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 Operation – (Maradi) 1st wave Burkina 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Overall, in Niger, there was a change in the headcount and a decrease in livestock mortality for both habbanayé options. With regard to poultry, transfers are ongoing in spite of mortalities, which vary from one region to another. However, it is worth noting that Zinder’s transfers for the 2015 habbanayé goat operation are late (less than 25%), whereas Maradi, in a similar situation, has conducted more than 91% of its transfers.
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Transfers in Burkina Faso are ongoing; for example, in Dori 77% of the beneficiaries of small ruminant placements transferred livestock, either in part or in full. With regard to poultry, aside from the aforementioned difficulties with placements, this quarter was characterized by high mortality due to the prevalence of Newcastle Disease during this period.
Poultry livestock management (habbanayé) good practice in Tillabery North area should be noted: hens kept in confinement.
Confinement-housed hens in the villages (hens that get out never get back in!) (Tillabery North)
Presentation of Habbanayé activities at Commune Council meetings in Burkina Faso During this quarter, habbanayé activities were presented to elected local officials during the municipal council meetings in the Sahel Region. The desired objective is to promote habbanayé activities as a tool to improve resilience within communities and communes. Municipal councilors expressed considerable interest in the various presentations and made the following suggestions and recommendations for improvement:
PowerPoint presentation on habbanayé, Decrease, or even abandon, habbanayé poultry in favor presented to Commune Councils of goats, as people in the Sahel Region have more consideration for goats than they do for poultry, and the experience of many former projects has showed gaps or even failures; Expand habbanayé to include students in schools; Involve elected local officials in the selection of beneficiaries and the monitoring of activities.
Habbanayé: lessons learned Difficulties with the habbanayé poultry option in Burkina Faso, added to those analyzed in Niger at a workshop held at the end of 2016, in which it was proposed to replace the poultry option with the goat option, along with recommendations made by elected local officials in the Sahel region, require us to
USAID|REGIS-ER FY2017 Q2 REPORT page 11 rethink our selection of options based on degree of vulnerability. We conclude that it is preferable to offer goats (rather than poultry) to the most vulnerable communities and those in farming areas.
Evaluation of habbanayé activities A consultant was recruited this quarter to evaluate Habbanayé operations in Burkina and Niger. This evaluation will, of course, include recommendations to improve field activities, as well as the monitoring and sustainability of these activities. The exercise is ongoing and will be completed around mid-May 2017.
Asset-building through loans REGIS-ER has developed a model to build assets through loans. The model will be tested over the course of this year. The first batch of loan requests is currently being prepared with the MFIs.
Support to animal fattening to diversify activities April to September (2017) was identified as a favorable period for the purchase of livestock for the practice of animal fattening, to coincide with the 3 to 4-month period after the sales period – from August 2017 to January 2018. (This coincides with the following events: Tabaski, the month following Tabaski, Christmas, and the harvesting period). The project even produced a calendar (to your right) to map these periods.
Training on fattening methods began. For instance, in Zinder, where 20 lead farmers were trained on fattening techniques and are conducting cascade training sessions. So far, 262 farmers have been trained. Loans were granted for fattening in TN (2,550,000 CFA/$4,150 for 2 PO of 48 women) and in TS (5,150,000 CFA/$8,375 for 4 POs of 103 people).
To increase market opportunities, 2 POs from Zinder with 50 sheep participated in the Dakar FIARA in partnership with REGIS-AG.
Promotion of CBSPs Formal capacity-building activities were conducted on livestock production; targeting CBSPs /PRLs (AEs, VVVs/FVVs & HVVs). These included training 12 AEs from the SVPP network in TN on vaccination.
Monitoring and advisory activities were also conducted; most regions held meetings to review the activities of AEs and/or VVVs/FVVs. These activities highlighted the results and constraints of the profession, and made it possible to identify means of addressing these problems and sharing advice. Some of the results illustrating these dynamics are presented in the following table.
Maradi: Fada and Kaya: 2 quarterly ‘review meetings’, bringing together 52 1 meeting in Kaya for 4 VVVs and one in Fada for 3 FVVs and 13 AEs VVVs Some of the difficulties: widespread illiteracy, badly The combined sales of 7 VVVs over a 3-month period maintained records, high cost of product provision, was 1,455,850 CFA / $2,367, involving 511 clients in the Naira exchange rate, maternity of some of the 49 villages, i.e. 69,000 CFA / $112 in monthly income
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FVVs, low poultry numbers in the villages following A comparison of performance across the two recurring high mortality, high number of FVVs in the quarters of FY17 shows a sharp increase in turnover same vicinity (Figure below). This can be attributed to the high From an analysis of 29 logbooks over an average 20- prevalence of avian diseases during the harmattan month period: income of 1,080,560 CFA/$1,757 for (January-February) giving rise to reliance on VVV FVVs and 5,899,000 CFA/$9,592 for AEs (i.e. an benefits on the part of farmers. average income of 12,000 CFA/$20 per month per
CBSP) Means of improvement: monitor only functional 779410 CBSPs, promote bundled (group) purchases 676440
Zinder: 472 070 A meeting was held between FVVs / HVVs 1er Trim FY17 Difficulties: (i) limited access to the I2 anti- 87 790 2e Trim FY17 Newcastle vaccine; (ii) FVVs/HVVs want to diversify, to expand their activities to small ruminants, which Kaya Fada they find to be more profitable; but this is not allowed by the Government Revenus des presatations (FCFA) Means of improvement: connecting/networking with stakeholders (commune livestock services, SVPPs), diversification of the profession, such as a model livestock-raising operation
Tillabery North: The SVPP network and its 13 AEs generated combined sales of 2,325,000 CFA/$3,780 during the 3 month period of the annual vaccination campaign (a source of employment) 3 of these AEs also generated sales of 160,200 CFA / $260 in the same period for other services provided
Support for animal feed In association with P4, activities relating to the reclamation of degraded pastoral land began.
Training was also held on the production of salt licks. Consequently, in TN 497 farmers were trained, 363 of whom were women. 391 people were trained in Maradi.
Support for animal health Grant applications to enable the project to equip the 3 RSAPs in Burkina Faso were finalized with REGIS- AG, ViM and FASO. Thanks to this equipment, 61 AEs will now become operational, 51 of whom through REGIS-ER.
The establishment of the SVPP (a private veterinarian) in TN is beginning to happen. He received initial support for vaccination training for this season for 13 AEs affiliated with him (members of his network).
In Niger, agreements concluded systematically with STD and SVPP for habbanayé health-related activities contribute to the development of linkages between these services and the livestock owners.
Difficulties Some of the major difficulties in this period were:
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High mortality rates observed at the time of the (late) poultry placements. This caused some deaths among the poultry belonging to people who were not habbanayé beneficiaries in certain villages of the Sahel and Centre Nord regions; Slow progress in concluding service-provider agreements with private veterinarians in Burkina Faso, which hinders implementation of activities; The 2016-2017 cereal deficit in Niger, caused by the poor rainy season, has reduced incomes and created cash shortages. This creates a risk that owners will sell animals to meet their basic needs. The project will explore the possibility of providing more assistance to beneficiaries than normal. Slow recovery of MFI loans in Maradi and Zinder areas, leading to delays in granting further loans; The current low value of the Naira compared to the CFA franc, which is likely to affect the profitability of fattening, particularly in areas along the border with Nigeria.
Program 2 - Horticulture Promotion of home gardens Activities relating to home gardens (JCM) in collaboration with the NGO CADEL in Niger The agreement with CADEL in Niger for the promotion of home gardens in the 4 regions ended this quarter. The overall results of the agreement are presented in the following table.
Table 4: Results of the REGIS-ER – CADEL collaboration agreement Number of children under Implementation Number of Target Area sown (ha) the age of 5 Region rate (%) beneficiaries reached
Tillabery North 255 800 32 0.51 500 Tillabery South 906 800 113 1.81 1 050 Maradi 641 600 107 1.28 1 281 Zinder 822 800 103 1.64 1 209 Total Niger 2 624 3 000 87 5.25 4 040
During this quarter several activities, as illustrated in the photos below, were conducted; including, but not limited to, the planting of crops, and the harvesting of the third production season of orange-fleshed sweet potato, okra, senna, sorrel, baobab, cowpea, corn, cabbage, tomato and eggplant. Shrubs were also planted; notably moringa, papaya trees and Sahel apples.
Fully fenced JCM, photo taken from the inside, Weilla, Tillabery North
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Cabbage, lettuce, tomato and corn yields in a woman farmer’s home garden, Aggou 1, TS
Baobab and moringa harvests in the Tillabery North region – Papaya yield (Tillabery South)
Harvesting baobab and sorrel yields in the Tillabery North region
The crops are used to improve food availability and nutrition, as well as to increase the income of beneficiary households. The baobab, sorrel and okra leaves are used in sauces, and moringa and senna leaves in couscous. Corn and cowpeas are consumed in the form of roasted seeds and/or prepared in various forms. Tomato and cabbage are used in sauces and salads. Some of the produce is dried and stored.
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Women farmers in the drying phase (left, sorrel; middle, moringa; and right, baobab) of their harvest in the villages of Tigoderet and Bonkor / Tillabery North
The table below provides an overview of the harvests throughout the implementation of home gardens by CADEL. The following can be seen in all areas: A yield of 18,383 “tia” [local unit of measurement] of sorrel (i.e., 27 tons), 10,789 tia of senna (i.e. 16 tons), to name only a few. An overview of the harvest for the second season shows a yield of 963 corn bundles husks and 1,368 kg of cowpea. Cabbage, tomato and eggplant (sown during the third production season), Sahel apples and papaya trees are flowering and/or fruiting.
Table 5: Overview of harvests throughout the implementation of JCMs by CADEL Staples Sown in Season 1 Sown in Season 2 Sorrel Senna Baobab Okra Moringa PDCO2 Corn Cowpea Region (tia) (tia) (tia) (tia) (tia) (tuber) (ear) (kg) Tillabery South 3 793 5 883 708 2 732 1 184 708 204 437 Maradi 4 646 1 860 259 4 045 1 550 461 103 89 Zinder 1 564 1 176 333 1 450 1 150 740 156 792 Tillabery North 8 380 1 870 925 805 2 130 77 500 50 Total 18 383 10 789 2 225 9 032 6 014 1 986 963 1 368 N.B.: - 1 tia (fresh) of sorrel, senna, baobab, and moringa is approximately 1.5 kg; - 1 tia (fresh) of okra is approximately 2 kg
Compost and manure have been used since the first season. Each 5m2 nursery bed receives, on average, a quantity equivalent to 12.5 kg in the Maradi Region, 15 kg in Zinder and 7.5 to 10 kg in the regions of Tillabery North and South. The table below shows the quantity of compost produced by each area. This estimate is made on the assumption that each farmer planted and produced compost for at least one home garden during the project’s intervention. The total quantity of compost produced is 59 tons.
2 Patate douce à chair orange (orange-fleshed sweet potato)
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Training on compost making by REGIS-ER ATPs and CADEL team leaders in Bonkor village/TN
Table 6: Estimate of the quantity of compost produced during project implementation Quantity of Quantity of Number of Number of nursery Region compost/nursery compost used, in beneficiaries beds bed tons Tillabery South 906 18 120 7.5 13.6 Maradi 641 12 820 12.5 16 Zinder 822 16 440 15 24.7 Tillabery North 255 5 100 10 5.1 Total Niger 2 624 52 480 45 59.4
Activities relating to completed home gardens, from the strategy for the 2017 season In Niger, Zinder has a 0.15 ha school garden that was planted in order to introduce students to production with minimal water and surface area. A total of 50 small gardens were planted for 50 pupils at this school in Bandé Commune. Pupils received training on various techniques to make nursery beds and on direct seeding of moringa. 800 women farmers and 65 PRLs were selected in 15 villages, 10 of which are located in Bandé Commune and 5 in Droum Commune, to implement the home garden strategy at the household level. The majority of these women farmers have fenced off their gardens.
In Burkina Faso, 1,149 gardens out of a total of 2,000 have been established. The main crops produced are lettuce, onion, cabbage, carrot, sorrel, cowpea leaves, melon, tomato, and okra. Details are as follows.
Table 7: Overview of “full” Home Gardens in Burkina No. of target Achievements of Cumulative Achievement Surface Area Region gardens PTA 17 the quarter achievements rate (%) (ha) Dori 100 420 420 420 1.28 Kaya 400 134 219 54 0.55 Fada 1 500 506 506 33 1.27 Total BF 2 000 1 060 1 145 57 3.1
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Melon and carrot harvests in Alamou (Barsalogho / Kaya) -- Home garden clusters in Kéri (Tankougounadié / Dori)
Investment and/or development of oasis and community gardens, and support to individual gardens Organizational capacities of garden groups and the capacities and position of Oasis Relays (ROs) – assessment conducted by the irrigation and agriculture expert from Sheladia A mission conducted by the irrigation and agriculture expert, Sheladia‘s Harm-Jan Raad, from 30 January to 25 February 2017 focused on an assessment of the oasis garden groups’ organizational capabilities and the capacity of Oasis Relays to provide useful services to these groups. This led to recommendations to enhance the capacity of these groups and of the Oasis Relays through an integrated approach. These recommendations are detailed here:
Enhancing group organization Based on surveys of 13 groups, the expert concluded that the groups that benefited from REGIS-ER’s investment in irrigation systems and have been in operation for more than one season, have moved from Level I to Level II in the classification system of organizational capacity, which indicates they have attained a certain degree of professionalism [specialized committees], autonomy and accountability).3
However, according to the system, a group must reach a minimum of Level III in order to be considered as a sustainable organization -- in this case, in order to thrive after the departure of REGIS-ER. And in order to reach Level III, the project supported groups must meet the following conditions:
1. A “management center” must be nominated by the General Assembly (AG) to the Management Committee/Executive Bureau. (This is particularly important in a cash crop environment, where there is only a small area available for subsistence farming). 2. Members of the Management Committee/Executive Bureau must be capable of managing the group and making good and timely decisions.
3 This system features in Annex 1 (“Analysis model for the organization of oasis garden groups”) of the mission report of the irrigation consultant from Sheladia, Harmanus Jan Raad. It is an adaptation of a system developed in the 1970s by Professor Kampfraath and his associate, Marcelis, from the University of Wageningen (Netherlands). This classification system measures the organizational capacity of structures such as the REGIS-ER groups; with Level I being the weakest and Level 5 being the strongest.
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3. The Executive Bureau decides on the guidelines to be followed, while reporting to the AG; 4. The Oasis Relay will coach members of the Management Committee/Executive Bureau; 5. REGIS-ER could develop simple tools to assist the Management Committee/Executive Bureau; 6. Establish a second tier of delegation, which consists of allocating specific tasks and responsibilities to specialized committees; 7. Have a procedures manual (for important procedures); 8. Promote resilience through standard tools and systems; 9. Have a monitoring system in place in order to measure and to “understand and correct”; 10. Be autonomous at all costs; which means, in practice, that it is necessary to limit the influence of the village chief in the affairs of the group.
To reach this stage, it is necessary to: Master agricultural production as a money maker (“cash earner”); Convince the AG of the necessity of transferring the decision-making center from the AG to the Management Committee/Executive Bureau; Get the AG to develop and approve the “Procedures Manual”; Establish an organizational chart (“organigram”); Train the members of the Executive Bureau and of any specialized committee on how to use IGESPLAM and to institute a data collection form for technical and economic monitoring; Strengthen the capacity of group members through games, role-plays, etc.; Conduct study trips.
Transitioning from PRLs to CBSPs/ROs Numerous qualities are required of ROs and the project would be highly unlikely to find a person who is capable of being a coach in agricultural production and irrigation, a businessman/woman, a financial expert, etc. Thus, the project must strengthen the capacity of the ROs so that they can play these roles, through workshops, trainings, demonstrations and contact with other ROs during trade shows/fairs, etc.
Development of oasis and community gardens Tillabery South In TS, 8 recently completed oasis gardens (in terms of infrastructure) received inputs and small tools in accordance with the irrigation strategy. 52 farmers from one of the first gardens (Tigri 2) and 5 ROs (trainers from other sites) from the 8 sites were trained on: (a) planting crops for the first season, (b) maintaining financial management tools, and (c) setting up committees specializing in the maintenance of irrigation materials. Training on the concept of the first 1000 days of life (in association with P8) was also included. Training on the maintenance of solar panels and operating the solar pumping system Thus, 4 committees, each one made up of 3 members, were put in place. The 4 committees specialize in the following: (1) irrigation system maintenance (solar pumps, filling up basins and maintenance of equipment), (2) supervision of the production of compost and seedlings for live fencing and the maintenance of these seedlings, (3)
USAID|REGIS-ER FY2017 Q2 REPORT page 19 phytosanitary inspections of the crops planted, and (4) THE harvest and sale of produce and tracking of contributions to the group’s fund. It is worth noting that a strategy was adopted so as to place substantial amounts in the fund/account, not only for operations at the site but also for the depreciation of irrigation materials and equipment. All proceeds from the sale of moringa leaves and 20% of the production of other crops planted will go to the group fund/account.
Other sites in TS received support, such as Garia Bakobé, where the garden’s development was greatly improved. Farmers were able to harvest 5,440 kg of onion bulbs and 1,744 kg of onion leaves, which are being stored for sale at a later date, for the benefit of the group fund/account. Farmers also produced 8,320 kg of cabbage, valued at 240,000 CFA/$390 and SOME moringa, valued at 281,000 CFA / $457; the proceeds from the sales were shared among the women. Note that these women farmers procure inputs with their own money: they purchased 40,000 CFA/ $65 worth of Safi hot pepper seeds and sowed 0.5 ha of okra, which will follow cabbage and onion production. With the support of an RO, this site could become an oasis garden.
Women farmers from Garia Bakobé/Tillabery South and Oasis Relays receiving lessons on onion storage
Okra and melon seedlings at the Garia Bakobé/Tillabery South site, for production during the hot season
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Zinder In Zinder, women farmers from two oasis garden sites (Kakitama and Koudouma) received technical support from the RO to increase their production. On the organizational side, a plan for support was developed in order for the women farmers to make profitable and sustainable invest- ments. At one site, the project has observed a best practice: the RO from Koudouma has developed some interesting profitable services: (1) cabbage transplanting services Koudouma site. Left: An RO gives advice on production of manure to an individual farmer. for an amount of 250 Right: An RO’s nursery in the corner of the garden that will be sold back to the women. CFA/$0.40 per woman and (2) the production of vegetable seeds (in this case, bell peppers) in a nursery, in a corner of the garden that he will sell back to the women.
Tillabery North In Tillabery North, 4 guided visits to the 4 community sites in Sakoira and Kourtheye communes were conducted. The visits enabled the 150 farmers who had used market gardening technology to share their knowledge with those who hadn’t. These meetings also enabled the technology to be promoted among farmers from Sinder Commune (M’bida, Norendé, Gabdiré and Tchindé villages), which is not part of the project’s ZOI. These visitors were very interested, particularly in the IGESPLAM tool.
In addition, 4 small grants applications for the installation of infrastructure at oasis garden sites were prepared; 3 others were begun and are in progress.
Maradi In Maradi, the team helped groups from the Oasis Garden sites in Zabouré and El Kolta to draft internal regulations for the following site operations: obligations, rights and sanctions, payments to the group fund (fixed amounts for some products, like moringa, and a percentage of the sales proceeds for other products), the creation of specialized committees (maintenance of irrigation equipment, market garden nurseries, etc.). The members of the Executive Bureau will be trained on organizational / associative life to provide them with a good grasp of their tasks and roles as well as their limitations.
Some results on sales in Niger The table below summarizes the sales situation of produce harvested at different market gardens.
Table 8: Market Garden Sales in Niger
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Quantity Sales Value Region Site Crop Kg CFA (and USD) Cabbage 8 320 240 000 ($390)
Garia Bakobé Moringa - 281 000 ($457) Oasis Garden Onion 5 440 Ongoing4
Loki Damana Tillabery Potato Community Garden 6 725 1 345 000 ($2 187) South
Sourgho Koira Lettuce, Cabbage and Oasis Garden Moringa - 205 600 ($334)
Soukoutou Lettuce, Cabbage and - 101 450 ($165) Oasis Garden Moringa Zabouré Oasis Garden Moringa - 184 000 ($299)
Moringa - 97 000 ($158) Maradi El Kolta Tomato - 10 500 ($17) Oasis Garden Lettuce - 14 000 ($23)
Total 2 478 550 ($4 030)
Sales from the market gardens produced a total of 2,478,550 CFA / $4,030 for the 4 sites in Tillabery South and the 2 sites in Maradi. The production and sales levels of these gardens, as well as the lack of data for numerous other gardens supported by the project, show that much remains to be done in terms of monitoring.
In addition, an overview of the funds available in the group account, generated by contributions to MFIs for some of the sites, is presented in the table below.
Table 9: Overview of the funds available to market garden groups in MFI accounts Availability in KOKARI and ASUSU Region Site MFI accounts CFA (and USD) Kabé RC, Oasis Garden site 350 000 ($569) Firguine, Community Garden site 50 000 ($81) Tigri 1, Oasis Garden site 105 000 ($171) Tigri 2, Oasis Garden site 100 000 ($163) Aibachi Wannakoira, Oasis Garden site 95 000 ($154) Tillabery South Djongo Fandou, Oasis Garden site 105 000 ($171) Mossi, 3 Oasis Garden site 150 000 ($244) Borgo Koira Zéno, Oasis Garden site 105 000 ($171) Lamoudi Karadjé, Community Garden site 45 000 ($73) Garia Bakobé, Oasis Garden site 71 000 ($115) Total 10 sites 1 176 000 ($1 912)
4 Bulbs stored for sale at a later stage, when they can fetch an attractive price in the marketplace (aiming for the month of Ramadan).
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Here too, the low level of supply observed at these sites shows how much work remains to be done to increase these levels.
Burkina Faso In Centre-Nord Region, 4.5 hectares were planted at various garden sites. Two new sites were fenced off and two Volonta pumps, powered by solar panels, were installed at a third site.
At the Seytenga market garden site in Sahel Region, data was collected (and sent to the consultant from Sheladia) to measure the decrease in the water level at the dam: it was estimated to have decreased by 2 meters in 3 months. Thanks to their contract to supply the Essakane gold mine with onions, producers at the Seytenga site sold 9,000 kg of onions for an estimated value of 6,750,000 CFA / $10,975.
In Manni Commune, prospecting for water at the 3 market garden sites, in collaboration with P6, eventually made it possible to identify two of the sites where wells (for irrigation) will be installed.
Support to individual gardens In Zinder, 30 market garden leaders were chosen to conduct market gardening at their sites for 12 months. Farming demonstrations will be carried out during the rainy and the hot seasons. These demonstrations will benefit 843 other individual market gardeners in the vicinity, 363 of whom received training on improved gardening techniques in FY16.
In Maradi, 163 farmers from 4 villages harvested their recessional hyacinth bean production: seed-pods (2,289 kg of mature seeds) and leaf stalks. 25 lead market gardeners and oasis garden CBSP were trained on improved gardening techniques: action plans for the use of technology during the dry hot season were proposed by lead market gardeners.
In Tillabery North, 380 farmers received cascade training on improved recessional gardening techniques. This training was the first of its kind in areas where recessional gardening constitutes one of the main activities, which explains the high level of interest in this activity on the part of these communities. 158 individual farmers then applied this technology over an area of 22 ha.
In the Est region, the leaders of 21 groups of market Market gardening group leaders in Manni receive gardeners received training on SECCA. 15 groups have training on SECCA started to implement the activity.
Supporting large-scale cassava and PDCO production The propagation of PDCO cuttings by the 8 new multipliers in Niger is well in progress, and the cuttings are almost ready to be used in home gardens, oasis gardens and for commercial purposes, by direct customers.5
5 In this context the term “direct customers” simply means non-REGIS-ER clients or clients who are unaffiliated with the project.
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Good branching of PDCO seedlings at the multiplication site in Assani (Kourtheye / TN)
The participation of the PDCO CBSP, Hamed Abdou from Tillabery South, at the agricultural fair held in Niamey by the Network of Chambers of Agriculture of Niger (RECA-Niger) was well received. He seized the opportunity to approach the following structures and organizations for potential contracts for the supply of PDCO cuttings: INRAN, GF Gothèye, GF Bokuki, G. FYGRHAF/PRM/BIO Oualam, and CRAs from Diffa, Maradi and Tahoua. Site where cassava cuttings and tubers are propagated, in The same PDCO CBSP has also just reinitiated Aggou / Tillabery South, about 2 months after being planted his efforts in the multiplication of sweet varieties of cassava, which he had begun in 2015.
As for cassava-related activities, the 6 multipliers from Zinder, TS and Maradi sold 116,700 CFA / $190 in tubers and cuttings during the quarter.
Promotion of CBSPs and businesses Study trip for nursery owners The project organized a study trip for 15 fruit tree nursery owners (10 from Niger, 5 from Burkina) whom it has supported, along with other nursery owners from the LIBO and Sadoré areas near Niamey, in order to enhance their capacities in terms of farming, marketing and organizational best practices, and to ensure that the bulk of these CBSPs’ business is conducted beyond REGIS-ER.
The nursery owners were impressed by the projects they visited, and they realized that with a high level of commitment, nursery owners can generate substantial earnings. The participants saw high-quality work being performed by women nursery owners who were very experienced in the production and grafting of seedlings. Participants in the mission even received demonstrations on grafting and the production of mango tree seedlings, and valuable advice, which enhanced their technical knowledge.
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Exchanges with different groups also enhanced the nursery owners’ knowledge about marketing and the organization of their businesses. By the end of the visits, all nursery owners had drawn up their own annual production plan, with objectives and a support and coaching plan for the proposed project.
Fruit tree nursery owners watching the grafting A nursery owner from Burkina practices demonstration at the Sadoré nursery mango tree grafting
Training of the 6 new suggested nursery owners for the ViM and FASO zones in Burkina Faso The study trip also had an immediate benefit in Burkina Faso. Training on seedling production and grafting and nursery management, was held in Manni over a 3 day period for 6 nursery owners designated by the ViM and FASO programs (3 from each), and one old and one new nursery owner from REGIS-ER. This training was delivered by the P2 PMN for Burkina with the assistance of two old nursery owners. This was largely made possible thanks to the knowledge acquired during the study trip that the 3 trainers had participated in, and the mastery of the grafting of mango, Sahel apple and citrus trees by the nursery owners who served as co-trainers.
Training of nursery owners (grafting of mango trees and citrus) – Learners practicing citrus grafting
Monitoring of sales by nursery owners During the quarter, the 9 nursery owners from Niger in operation sold 10,475 fruit and forest tree seedlings for 1,069,950 CFA / $1,740 to 223 direct customers, which comes to almost 120,000 CFA$195 in sales per nursery owner for the 3 month period.
Program 3 – Access to Financial Services Facilitating access to informal financial services Review of the findings and recommendations regarding SECCA activities
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This quarter was highlighted by an evaluation of REGIS-ER’s SECCA activity. The evaluation was conducted in Niger and Burkina Faso in February and March by the consultant, Paul Rippey (See www.Savings-Revolution.org .) The purpose of the evaluation was to help the project “make short- and medium-term decisions” to improve the activity. The conclusions of the evaluation were encouraging and they are summarized below: “Concerning the growth and effectiveness of SECCA activities, the finding is that growth is already good, but is constrained, in particular, by extremely cumbersome data collection techniques. This red tape hinders PMNs and discourages people in the field. The only recommendation in this section is to put in place a much more efficient system for collecting and processing data. The project is on track to far exceed its quantitative objectives in terms of the number of groups and members, and the amount saved; it is therefore appropriate to place more emphasis on the second category - the quality and sustainability of the groups. With regard to the quality and sustainability of the SECCA groups, the report finds several areas of risk, and provides about ten recommendations to mitigate them. In particular, considering the nature of the population, which includes a high number of illiterate women, the groups rely too often on their ARC, who ends up taking on the role of group secretary in addition to being a trainer. This creates a risk of losing a key person. Moreover, the groups tend to be lax regarding certain basic principles, such as using a cashbox, keeping the books up to date, and paying the trainer. It is also worth noting that there are a number of clever innovations that have come out of the project, which are unique in the consultant’s experience, and worthy of being generalized. With respect to the ties with MFIs, the report finds that the partnerships already established seem to be good, and that the majority of members are probably better served by SECCA groups than by MFIs. The report makes the distinction between a current partner, KOKARI, and a potential partner, Freedom from Hunger, to show the importance of detail when it comes to ties with the MFIs.”
SECCA Team Leaders/ PRL sfc To assist with the expansion and monitoring of the SECCA groups, the project collaborates with Local Resource Persons, known as PRL sfc in Niger, and as SECCA team leaders in Burkina Faso. The full staff contingent was in place by the end of March. The 32 PRLs (NE 18, BF 14) receive compensation from the project in exchange for this work and the expenses they incur (transport, communications). Depending on the region, they receive training/ refresher training on such topics as: (1) strategy, M&E modules and tools for SECCA activities; and (2) identification and management of Income Generating Activities in connection with rural micro-lending.
ARCs The project continued to build capacity among the 303 (NE 174, BF 129) ARCs in place / in operation through training/refresher training courses similar to those received by the SECCA team leaders / PRL sfc, as well as through monthly or quarterly meetings (review workshops).
Support to SECCA groups During the quarter the project conducted the following activities in support of the SECCA groups: information and awareness-raising meetings for group leaders, for the purpose of generating interest in SECCA; support for the establishment of new SECCA groups; and training of group members on SECCA modules.
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Table 10: Summary of the savings and loans of SECCA groups during the January – March, 2017 period Number of SECCA SECCA groups Accumulated Savings Total amount of loans group members who that achieved in CFA Region granted in CFA mobilized savings savings (and in USD) * (and in USD) * and accessed credit
Niger 474 41 250 515 ($67 486) * 4 627 575 ($7 571) * 5 882 Burkina Faso 677 51 374 314 ($84 049) * 27 817 600 ($45 510) * 8 844 Total 1 151 92 624 829 ($151 535) * 32 445 175 ($53 080) * 14 726 * These figures only involve savings made and loans awarded within SECCA groups; they do not include savings made by SECCA groups that are deposited in MFI accounts or loans awarded by MFIs to SECCA groups. The figures in the Appendix (Results Framework) count both types of savings and loans and are therefore greater than the amounts in Table 10 above.
Below are some observations about SECCA activities during the quarter: The team in charge of providing support to the groups that adopted SECCA was reinforced; by the end of March there were 32 SECCA team leaders / PRL sfc and 303 ARCs. There was a sharp increase from the previous quarter to this quarter in the number of SECCA groups -- from 430 to 1,151 (NE 69 to 474; BF 361 to 677) -- and in the number of members -- from 4,518 to 14,726 (NE 1,206 to 5,882; BF 3,312 to 8,844). Savings made by SECCA groups increased by over 400% from the previous to the current quarter -- from about 21 to 92 million CFA -- and informal loans made by the groups to its members increased by over 500% -- from about 6 to 32 million. SECCA is becoming increasingly common within each of the project programs (P1, P2, P4, P8, etc.).
Facilitating access to formal financial services Support to other Programs P3 support to other programs mainly involved: P1: connecting animal fattening groups with MFIs; P4: assisting CF groups with the opening of accounts (notably in the context of input mechanisms); P1, P2, P4: providing training to leaders of groups that could potentially receive loans from MFIs on the concept of credit; the operating mode of Kokari, ASUSU, MECAT; MFI loan conditions; the concept of the value chain of an activity (marketing and cost management and control); documents required for loan requests; and items that qualify for financing; P8: training 40 (female) adolescents and 10 (GASA) mentors on the management of income- generating activities, entrepreneurship, marketing and basic accounting.
Collaboration with MFIs Interviews with GRAINE SARL and RCPB in Burkina Faso continued this quarter regarding support for their expansion, and the initial documents were received. Talks were also held with these MFIs on the possibility of granting loans to women for asset-building, as well on input mechanisms.
REGIS-ER also took part in (1) the training of staff from the Réseau des Caisses Populaires du Burkina Faso and the RISE projects on the new DCA/USAID, which was held by USAID in January, 2017; and (2) the training of MFI and bank officers on the value approach and risk analysis of loans in the Small
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Ruminants, Local Poultry and Cowpea value chains, which was held by REGIS-AG during the period January 31 - February 4 in Ouagadougou).
Results and observations The main results achieved during the quarter are as follows: MFIs made loans totaling 33,418,980 CFA/$54,674 (NE 17,388,980 CFA/$28,449; BF 16,030,000 CFA/ $26,225) to 21 groups (NE 13, BF 8) with 445 members (NE 228, BF 217) for fattening, warrantage, and CBSP activities. This is a significant overall increase (40%) from the 23,955,000 CFA/ $38,433 in formal loans awarded in the previous quarter (with a different exchange rate). In Burkina the volume of loans more than tripled from the previous to the current quarter (from about 4.5 to 16 million CFA), whereas in Niger the volume of loans declined slightly from the previous to the current quarter (from about 18 to 17.4 million CFA). SECCA groups made savings of 2,002,485 CFA/$3,276 with MFIs in Niger. These savings correlate to: savings for a guarantee fund (including warrantage stocks), for input mechanisms, and for a water point fund. Facilitating the implementation of warrantage In Niger, farmers were trained on warrantage management in collaboration with REGIS-AG. Leaders from over 37 groups attended the demonstrations on the use of PICS bags.
In Burkina Faso, with REGIS-AG and the Réseau des Caisses Populaires du Burkina Faso, 9 groups of cowpea producers from the communes of Bouroum and Nagbingou received loans for warrantage. The total value of the loans awarded to these groups (with a membership of 137 people, 133 of whom are women) was 3,870,000 CFA / $6,293. Some of the beneficiaries are also members of cowpea CF groups.
Major difficulties/ constraints Stagnation in the number of accounts opened and weak reporting by/monitoring of groups that opened accounts (CF groups, water point management committees, etc.). The limited capacity of MFIs to provide loans to farmers despite training sessions, events such as the small ruminants fair and the cowpea fair organized by REGIS-AG, and women’s enthusiasm for fattening activities, etc. The cereal deficit in some areas of Niger, due to insufficient rainfall. The current low value of the Naira against the CFA franc is likely to affect fattening, for example.
Program 4 - Resilient Production Systems Operation Compost 2016-2017 Training and refresher training on composting continued this quarter. All in all, more than 10,468 (NE 1,883; BF 8,585) farmers were trained. To date, more than 9,477 compost heaps have been counted (NE 6,194; BF 3,283). The counting of heaps is ongoing to select the best compost-producing groups for the compost prize. The project has observed a significant number of farmers mobilized in support of the practice of composting through Operation Compost, which was launched by REGIS-ER to increase compost production and yields and to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on production. This success is the result not only of the positive effect of compost application observed last season, but also of the collaboration with radio stations to broadcast a microprogram on compost and to involve local resource persons (PRLs) in the monitoring and training of farmers.
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Training session on composting in the village of Haaba Windrow composting carried out by a farmer in the (Bartiébougou / Fada) village of Sidogo (Barsalogho / Kaya)
Compost training for PLs and agricultural relays in Balléyara
Radio programs Partnerships with radio stations have had positive effects on activities in Burkina Faso. The high level of involvement of farmers in composting and other CF-FMNR activities, especially in the extension communes, is a perfect illustration of this. This quarter, a radio talk-show on CF-FMNR was hosted in Kaya, with the participation of a representative from the agriculture technical services, an agricultural relay and a lead farmer. The program was very interactive, as listeners called in to give accounts of their own experiences with CF and share results. To encourage farmers to show more interest in the practice of composting through Operation Compost, 3 micro-programs on composting were developed and broadcast in Kaya and Fada.
In Niger, there was a more traditional approach to the use of radio: broadcasting of the compost prize award ceremony in Tillabery South and coverage of “review”/assessment meetings in Tillabery North.
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Conservation Farming Hosting review/assessment meetings for the 2016 CF-FMNR campaign 10 CF-FMNR review meetings (NE 2, BF 8) were held this quarter, and were attended by more than 571 (NE 200, BF 371) people -- lead farmers, agricultural relays and representatives from the agriculture technical services. These reviews followed up on meetings initiated last quarter. It was noted that the farmers were satisfied with the yields obtained in spite of the rainfall shortages recorded in some localities. In Burkina Faso, the technology was also greatly appreciated by farmers from the areas where the local NGOs are based (Bam and Loroum provinces), who are in their first year of practice.
Some of these review meetings resulted in a taste-test of the bio-fortified millet-based dishes introduced last year. In Tillabery North, the average score was 4.16 on a scale of 1 to 5, which means that the participants really enjoyed the taste.
Setting up of new CF-FMNR groups and training of new lead farmers The implementation of CF-FMNR this season was expanded to new villages in order to reach the remaining villages from the old communes that had not yet been covered, as well as other neighboring communes whose villages are located in the vicinity of the old communes. The implementation status of the groups is listed in the table below.
Table 8: Implementation status of new CF-FMNR groups and training Region Number of groups set up Number of farmers reached Number of lead farmers trained
NE 373 6 213 190 BF 1 320 21 136 904 TOTAL 1 693 27 349 1 094 In total, more than 693 lead farmers and 80 agricultural relays were trained in CF-FMNR, on the first 1,000 days of a child’s life, and in the technique of building stone bunds and ‘demi-lunes’. The training of the leaders, which has already begun, will continue, along with the training of CF farmers.
Demonstration of FMNR methods during a training Demonstration of manual CF methods at training for CF- session for CF-FMNR lead farmers in Basma (Barsalogho FMNR lead farmers held in Tougouri /Kaya)
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CF-FMNR training for PLs and agricultural relays in Balléyara
Training on the use of PICS bags for storing cowpeas and for warrantage, in collaboration with REGIS- AG 197 women farmers from Burkina, members of the cowpea CF groups, received training this quarter on the use of PICS bags for the storage of cowpeas. In collaboration with REGIS-AG, more than 59 groups attended awareness-raising meetings about warrantage. These groups also participated in training on commercial negotiation techniques. The meetings led to the adoption of a number of practices, in Niger (92 practicing farmers) as well as in Burkina Faso (the practice of warrantage).
CF Input Mechanism As a reminder, the CF input mechanism was introduced to allow the CF-FMNR groups to ensure a sustainable supply of NPK fertilizer and to improve their practice of that technology. This mechanism aims to create a link between agro-dealers, MFIs, and CF-FMNR groups with regards to fertilizer. To this end, groups that received support in the form of fertilizer had to open accounts with MFIs and pay an amount equivalent to the fertilizer received following the harvest. In Niger, the situation is as follows: 200 groups contributed to the repayment of the fertilizer, paying the amount of 9,836,000 CFA/$16,000 into their accounts; 40 groups paid back the fertilizer in full. In Burkina Faso, 460 groups opened an account, and 141 of these groups started to make repayments; as of the end of the quarter an amount of 23,661,000 CFA / $38,470 had been paid into the accounts.
With the objective of organizing meetings to link these three entities, a fertilizer needs assessment was conducted or in some cases is still in progress. In Kaya, for example, the needs of 115 groups are estimated at about 90 tons of NPK fertilizer. These groups have approximately 21,672,000 CFA /$35,240 in their accounts, equivalent to the acquisition cost of about 68 tons of NPK; they need a seasonal loan of about 7,040,000 CFA/$11,450 from the MFIs for the remaining 22 tons of NPK. Other initiatives of this type are expected to emerge in other regions: for instance, in Fada, where the groups mobilized 4,000,000 CFA/$6,500, and in Zinder, where the groups paid back 5,818,500 CFA/$9,460.
Community sites for pastoral land reclamation and investment protection Recovery of pastoral land Activities relating to the development of community pastoral sites have mainly been conducted in collaboration with the WFP in the three regions of Burkina Faso and in Maradi Region in Niger.
In Burkina Faso, activities were effectively launched in the 3 regions (Kaya, Fada and Dori) during this quarter. A total of 1,183 farmers -- members of 21 community groups - were trained in the CES/DRS
USAID|REGIS-ER FY2017 Q2 REPORT page 31 techniques (stone bunds and demi-lunes). In addition, 29 agricultural relays and 8 agents from the agriculture, environment and livestock technical services took part in the training. The CES/DRS work (stone bunds and demi-lunes) also began at the sites; as of March 31, over 71 ha had been improved with stone bunds and 10 ha with demi-lunes. The work is in progress and the final figures on the size of the areas improved will be documented during the third quarter. As a reminder, the CES/DRS work aligns with the goal of mitigating the environmental impact of REGIS-ER activities, such as goat habbanayé. Pastoral community site at the village of Pagou In Niger, activities relating to the reclamation of Gourma /Fada (6 ha) pastoral land are carried out with the WFP in the Maradi region. They cover 1,837 farmers over 150 ha. The activities include the construction and repair of demi-lunes (46,000 pastoral demi-lunes built), the production of zaï, the use of organic compost, the practice of FMNR and the fight against Sida cordifolia (by removing the plants, pulling out the roots, and burning the remnants). It is also worth noting that in addition to cash for assets with the WFP, REGIS-ER is currently preparing a request for the same area, for the “reclamation of degraded land in response to the shock of an erratic rainy season resulting in a 70% cereal deficit”.
Investment protection In the follow-up to the development of Local Conventions (P5), to contribute to sustainable water management for livestock and irrigation (P1, P2 and P6), REGIS-ER proposes to use a pragmatic approach to engage stakeholders, in a sustainable manner, in the management of the water resources of 3 dams (Seytenga, Tamasgho and Manni), towards the emergence of a potential management structure (COGES, CLE, etc.). This approach is based on plans for specific watershed protection operations, that will be managed with WFP (in addition to the aforementioned activities) and that will involve the communes and other actors. It will also be based on other planned activities, such as the establishment of livestock corridors (P5). These proposals are the result of discussions held internally with the technical assistance of the agriculture/ irrigation expert from Sheladia.
BDLs With respect to BDLs, the activities conducted this quarter essentially involved identifying sites and setting up BDL groups. 267 (NE 161, BF 106) new BDL sites were identified this quarter, over an area of 275 (NE 169, BF 106) ha and benefiting 11 206 (NE 5 660, BF 5 546) women. The selection of sites is in progress; training and the BDL work will begin in the third quarter.
CBSPs/PRLs Agricultural Relays The PRL (Agricultural Relays) mobilized last year who received good assessments were chosen to continue in their positions. Other new Agricultural Relays were then added as part of the expansion of CF-FMNR++ and other activities relating to rain-fed production. Therefore, 128 (NE 51, BF 77) RAs have a collaboration agreement with the project for a period of 9 to 12 months. The intention is for a number of PRLs to seize opportunities from local markets to offer services to farmers, thereby becoming CBSPs, too. In addition to training (CF-FMNR, BDL, etc.), they receive materials / equipment needed to play their roles: CES/DRS kits, notebooks, fact sheets on nutritional bio-fortified millet, demonstration tools, etc.
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Training seed producers on technical directions for improved seed production Three farmers from Dori participated in a training session on technical directions for improved seed production, hosted by the Regional Directorate for Agriculture in Bani Commune. These farmers will receive support from seed technicians from the Regional Directorate next season to produce certified seeds. These farmers could assume the role of CBSP seed suppliers.
Studies conducted on CF-FMNR (excerpt from the interns’ reports) During the 2016 rainy season, 3 interns in Burkina Faso, from the Centre Agricole Polyvalent in Matourkou, the professional school of Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Agriculture, and 1 intern in Niger, studied topics relating to CF-FMNR in four regions (Kaya, Fada, Dori and Balléyara). The following subjects were covered: Study of barriers to the adoption of the CF-FMNR technology: the case of Barsalogho Commune in Sanmatenga [Province]; Cost-benefit analysis of the practice of Conservation Farming/Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (CF-FMNR): the case of farmers receiving support from the REGIS-ER project in the rural commune of Bani/Dori; Assessment of the socio-economic impacts of CF-FMNR in households in the zone of intervention of the Resilience and Economic Growth in the Sahel – Enhanced Resilience (REGIS-ER) Project: Komondjari province; Cost-benefit analysis of CF-FMNR activities and study of the socio-economic impacts of the CF- FMNR technique at the household level in Tagazar Commune, Balléyara Department.
Study of barriers to the adoption of CF-FMNR technology: the case of Barsalogho Commune in Sanmatenga Two behaviors were studied: the practices of composting, of tillage with a ripper and of zaï (manual CF). For each behavior, 45 practitioners and 45 non-practitioners were surveyed, i.e., a sample of 180 farmers for 2 behaviors. Upon the completion of these analyses, it was apparent that the fundamental barriers (meaningful practitioner/non-practitioner answers) to the adoption of the ideal behaviors studied (compost production and the practices of zaï and tillage) can be summarized as follows: the lack of materials / equipment for composting, tilling with a ripper, and preparing zaï; the lack of proficiency in composting, ‘zai’ and tillage techniques; the lack of water for composting; the lack of draught animals for tillage; the heaviness of the ripper. Add to this the fact that some farmers do not know or understand the benefits of the behaviors studied (composting, zaï or tillage); namely: increased yields; the recovery of soil fertility in degraded land; weed control; the rational use of equipment / materials (manure, compost, NPK, urea, etc.) for crops thanks to zaï and tillage techniques.
Some farmers (non-practitioners) stated that composting, preparing zaï and tilling are arduous and time consuming, which shows that they still do not perceive the benefits or the interest of practicing these technologies.
The recommendations of the study were as follows : (1) continue to demonstrate the technology and organize guided visits, to show the positive effects of composting, excavation and zaï; (2) continue to
USAID|REGIS-ER FY2017 Q2 REPORT page 33 train farmers on these technologies; (3) promote the light ripper and not the heavy version; (4) raise awareness among farmers to start composting early; that is, during the rainy season or immediately following the completion of the harvest to benefit from the availability of composting materials (straw and harvest residues) and stagnant rainwater (puddles and ditches, …).
Cost-benefit analysis of the practice of Conservation Farming / Farmer-Managed Natural Regeneration (CF-FMNR): the case of farmers receiving support from the REGIS-ER project in the rural commune of Bani/Dori An analysis of the results gathered showed that conservation agriculture and Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration are costly compared to traditional agriculture. Costs are, on average, 91,909 CFA/almost $150 for CF fields, compared to 73,526 CFA/just under $120 for non-CF fields. But the CF earnings are clearly higher than those of traditional agriculture: 263,568 CFA/almost $430 for CF fields, compared to 166,059 CFA/$270 for non-CF fields. Therefore, the average profit is 171,659 CFA/$280 for CF fields compared to 92,533 CFA/$150 for non-CF fields.
The graphs below illustrate the production cost and profit comparisons between CF and non-CF. Production Profit CF Non CF CF Non CF cost 450000 160000 400000 140000 350000 120000 300000 100000 250000 80000 200000
60000 150000
40000 100000
20000 50000
0 0 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P1 P2 P3 P4 P5 P6 P7 P8 P9 P10 P11Farmers Farmers
Assessment of the socio-economic impacts of CF-FMNR on households in the zone of intervention of the Resilience and Economic Growth – Enhanced Resilience (REGIS-ER) project: Komondjari province The results show a good understanding of the technique: 97.5% of individuals feel that the technology is good and expressed satisfaction with the results that have already been recorded. This shows that the technique has a positive socio-economic impact on farmers’ lives. An increase in income on the one hand, and a tendency towards social equilibrium on the other, can be seen in the day-to-day lives of the families. The sale of surplus cereals helped to solve some social problems such as cases of illness, children’s schooling, or ceremonial activities. The income earned at harvest time of CF-FMNR fields allowed producers to cover certain household expenditures, in that: 32.5% were able to resolve health-related problems; 42.5% covered their children’s school expenses; 75% tackled family difficulties; and Other expenses involve purchases of small ruminants for raising livestock, or of a calf for fattening or of clothes for their children.
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Cost-benefit analysis of CF-FMNR activities and a study of the socio-economic impact of the CF-FMNR technique on households in Tagazar Commune, Balléyara Department To varying degrees, the results show the benefits of the practice of CF: Cost-benefit analysis of agricultural production: o In terms of expenses, it appears that CF farmers spend more (101,000 CFA / about $165) than non-CF farmers (93,000 CFA / just over $150). Despite the fact that CF farmers invest a lot in the purchase of agricultural equipment/ materials and fertilizer, more than non-CF farmers, one can see that the difference between the two expenses is small as non-CF farmers use more seeds and spend more time working in the fields. o In terms of earnings, CF has a clear advantage (464,000 CFA / $755) compared to non-CF (144,000 CFA / $235). o The balance is therefore in favor of CF (+ 363,000 CFA / $590) compared to non-CF (+ 51,000 CFA / $83). Socio-economic impact: o Rural exodus (urban migration): it would seem that households where CF hasn’t been practiced lose more adults of working age to migration; o Compost: only CF farmers produce compost. This can be attributed to awareness-raising among farmers regarding the importance of producing this organic fertilizer. In terms of impact, not only does compost production improve soil fertility, it also contributes significantly to cleanliness in villages and to combating the spread of diseases such as malaria; o Change in social status: all CF farmers noted that their social status has changed, as a result of the application of this new technology that the REGIS-ER project is disseminating, as they had the best yields for the three crops (millet, sorghum, and cowpeas) compared to others, and because some lead farmers became local resource persons for the project. o Improvement in the coverage of food needs: the cereal balance is negative for both types of agricultural production (CF and non-CF), but a lower deficit was recorded (- 983 kg per household) for CF farmers than for non-CF farmers (- 1,737 kg).
Difficulties REGIS-ER encountered a lengthy delay in obtaining WFP Burkina’s approval for their collaborative effort (i.e., a signed contract), which will have negative consequences on implementation of the activities.
Program 5 – Disaster Risk Management and Local Institutions Natural Resource Management (NRM) Niger A steering committee was established for the Local Convention (CL) of Sabon Machi and trained on how to monitor implementation of the CL. In addition, the Guidan Roumdji Local Convention was translated into Hausa. A contract was signed by REGIS-ER and Radio Anfani of Maradi to broadcast the piece over a three-month period, starting on the 1st of April, 2017.
Finally, specialized committees from the commune of Droum – specifically, the COFOCOM and the Rural Development Committee -- were trained to monitor the implementation of the Local Convention.
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Burkina Faso Workshop to present the Barsalogho CL to the Commune Council For the purposes of securing the buy-in of the Commune Council on the Local Convention (thereby facilitating its implementation), a workshop led by the project team and attended by 137 of the 151 Municipal Councilors, including the Mayor, prepared the Commune to take full ownership of the content and the process of developing the CL. In Bouroum, the regulations governing natural resource management that were developed for the Bouroum (Centre-Nord/ Kaya) CL were validated by 72 members from 4 zones and 16 steering committee members during a municipal workshop, which included a debriefing followed by discussions. Workshop participants Afterwards, the steering committee, including the Mayor of the commune and the members of the ‘zonal’ committees, validated the document.
Training of stakeholders from Barsalogho Commune in the monitoring and evaluation of the CL In an effort to facilitate the effective and efficient implementation of the Barsalogho CL (Centre- Nord/Kaya), a technical unit was set up to monitor the CL. The unit is composed of 17 members and is headed by the Mayor. A REGIS-ER team conducted a training session for this unit on the planning, monitoring and evaluation of the CL. The workshop focused on realistic activities, planning tools, monitoring forms and the grading system for internal assessments of activities. In order to promote M&E tasks, the monitoring unit developed an action plan for the duration of the project.
Information / awareness-raising workshop for stakeholders from Bartiébougou Commune on the CL development process Ahead of the drafting of the Local Convention for the commune of Bartiébougou (Est/Fada region), the REGIS-ER team held an information and awareness-raising workshop on the CL for targeted stakeholders from the commune. The workshop enabled 18 participants, who included the Mayor, Prefect, represent- tatives of the technical services and various socio-professional levels, to become acquainted with the concepts associated with the Local Convention, as well as the document drafting process. The workshop on the CL also provided the Mayor with the information needed to prepare for the establishment of the steering committee and the sub-zonal committees, plus the ‘zoning’ exercise of the commune.
Workshop on the adoption of the local convention by the Gayéri Commune Council Prior to the signing of the Gayéri Local Convention by the relevant authorities, the Municipal Council adopted the document in its ordinary session on 27 March 2017. 45 Councilors participated in this session.
Dissemination and outreach process of the Seytenga CL The Seytenga (Sahel/Dori region) Local Convention was summarized; the summary was translated into the local Workshop on the adoption of the language (Fulani), and a conceptual basis was prepared for Gayéri Local Convention radio programs that are currently being broadcast on the RTB2 channels in Dori.
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Disaster Risk Management Niger A meeting was held with the authorities from the communes of Imanan, Tagazar, Kourtheye and Sakoira to discuss the establishment of new SCAP-RUs and capacity building for those established by other partners.
Burkina Faso The 3 regional teams (Dori, Kaya and Fada) received training in the realm of Disaster Risk Management. 52 staff members participated in the training, including the Regional Coordinators, all PMs, M&E staff, and ATPs. The project’s DRM Specialist conducted the training on the following topics: basic DRM concepts (risk, disasters, etc.), early warning systems, contingency planning, and participatory assessments of vulnerability.
A preliminary survey of the development of Contingency Plans and Disaster Risk Reduction Plans, conducted in the Sahel/Dori region, demonstrated the following: The presence of disasters (locust attacks, elephant herds in fields and animal epidemics [Sampelga], damaged school facilities [Solhan]). The existence of CODESUR (Departmental Council for Emergency Relief and Rehabilitation) and Contingency Plans in 6 communes (Sebba, Tankougounadjié, Solhan, Titabé, Sampelga and Bani).
Conflict Management Niger Markers for the livestock corridor in Tondikandia Commune (Tillabery South) were made and placed along 82 km of the planned 103 km. The remaining 21 km will be undertaken in the coming days, once the final tranche of funding has been made available to the commune.
Securing of land tenure Niger 11.55 ha -- 0.55 in Tillabery South and 11 in Maradi Region -- were secured on behalf of women’s groups on the following basis: 5 ha were loaned for 3 years in Konta, 2 ha were loaned for 5 years in Guidan Alkali, and 4 ha were donated in Thibau-bawa.
Burkina Faso 13.5 ha of land were secured on behalf of women. Stakeholders from 4 communes (Barsalogho, Bouroum, Manni and Gayéri) received training on the law (034-2009) relating to rural land tenure. 84 people (21 from each commune) participated in the training sessions, which were led by a technical team from ONF. Participants included the Mayor and Commune Councilors, agents from the Rural Land Tenure Service, traditional leaders, and resource persons.
Government, Regional Capacity and Coordination Promotion of local institutions Niger A workshop was held with the Tillabery South regional team to share ideas on the strategy to promote local institutions. The project conducted information and awareness-raising sessions on the promotion of local institutions with stakeholders in the communes of Tagazar, Tondikandia, and Imanan in TS.
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The project also conducted an information and awareness-raising campaign in project villages in Maradi Region on the roles, utility and process of setting up CLDs, in collaboration with elected local officials in Guidan-Roumdji and Sabon Machi Communes. 57 CLDs were established, 21 in Guidan-Roumdji and 36 in Sabon Machi. The other project villages in these communes already have CVDs that were set up with other partners, so CLDs there would have been duplication. The same process was followed in Zinder Region, where 70 CLDs (35 in Bandé and 35 in Droum Communes) were established and structured.
In addition, the project shared its strategy to promote local institutions with the Tillabery North regional team and with stakeholders from Kourtheye and Sakoira Communes. Some 27 locally elected officials, 3 representatives of the traditional chiefs, and 7 representatives from the communes’ technical services participated in these sessions.
Burkina Faso A regional workshop was held in Kaya to share the strategy for promoting local institutions. The meeting was attended by 19 staff from three regions, including 3 PMs in DRM and promotion of local institutions, and 15 ATPs (9 from Kaya, 3 from Dori and 3 from Fada). The modules and tools produced by this workshop included: modules on organizational/associative life, and the functionality and management of an organization; in-house assessment tools for measuring the functionality of an organization. After the Kaya workshop, the PMs shared the strategy with their respective regional teams. The entities that are expected to benefit from the training include the CWGs, CVDs, AUEs, Habbanayé Committees, CF groups, MtM groups, EdMs, ASBCs, Village Sanitation Committees, SECCA groups, market gardening groups, etc.
The same strategy was shared with targeted stakeholders from 10 communes: Centre-Nord/Kaya region (Barsalogho and Bouroum); Sahel/Dori region (Sebba, Tankougounadjié, Solhan, Titabé, Sampelga and Bani) and Est/Fada region (Gayéri and Foutouri). In each of the communes, the workshops brought together Commune Councilors, representatives from the GoBF’s department-level technical services, civil society organization leaders, traditional leaders, and women and youth leaders. 321 people in all participated in the workshops. All stakeholders in the communes, including the Mayors, appreciated this initiative and felt that the strategy would strengthen local governance, institutional autonomy, quality assurance and sustainability of actions.
Finally, 90 CVDs were established or renewed in Manni Commune, in the context of joint planning of governance activities with CRS (FASO).
Coordination and Management Niger Participation in workshops on shock responsiveness strategies, prepared by a team of consultants from MSI on behalf of USAID. Participation at the regional forum organized in Tillabery by the SUR1M project on the sustainability of the activities of SCAP-RUs. The Technical Coach held a coaching session in Maradi to bring the P5 PMRs in Zinder and Maradi up to speed on P5 (DRM and Local Institutions). The sessions focused on program content and strategies, P5 activities in the 2017 PTA, and ongoing activities.
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Small Grants Fund Release of the final installment of the REGIS-ER grant to Tondikandia Commune, to install the markers on the final 20 km of the livestock corridor, for an amount of 1,336,430 CFA/$2,173.
Program 6 – Water Services This quarter was characterized by the effective launch of various activities to improve access to potable water in targeted areas, and the monitoring of water supply and water quality for the water points that have been completed and are already in operation. During this quarter, P6 activities accelerated despite the departure of the PM/N in Niger and the arrival of his replacement at the end of January.
Analysis of benchmarks and progress made in relation to indicators Indicator 3.1.1. Number of households using an improved potable water source. The project made little progress as only one borehole (in Tillabery North) was received. (Progress is only recorded upon the provisional reception of the potable water source.)
Indicator 1.2.7. Number of vulnerable households benefiting directly from USG interventions via REGIS- ER: the project has more than doubled its results compared to the previous quarter. As of March 31, the project has achieved 119% of its cumulative target (FY14-FY17) for this indicator.
Improving access to potable water Cooperation with Technical Services to facilitate access to potable water. In Niger, a collaborative agreement was established with each of the 3 Regional Directorates for Water and Sanitation (DRH/A). These agreements involve 3 main aspects of collaboration: monitoring and oversight of borehole rehabilitation and construction work performed by private companies; water quality monitoring at the water points in use; participation in the implementation of CLTS activities (Program 7).
In Burkina, a collaborative agreement was also signed with each of the 3 Regional Directorates for Water and Sanitation to ensure the monitoring and oversight of borehole rehabilitation and construction work performed by private companies.
In both countries, this collaboration strengthens the government’s role in the provision of water services and improves – in fact, consolidates – REGIS-ER’s partnership with these technical services.
In Niger, water points and solar-powered pumping system facilities were provisionally received for 3 Oasis Garden sites in Tillabery South.
In Burkina, after being in operation for a year, final reception of the 54 rehabilitated boreholes was initiated: in the Est/Fada region, all 16 boreholes equipped with PMHs were functioning normally; in the Centre-Nord region, the 10 rehabilitated boreholes also functioned normally, although one of the boreholes had dried up during a period of heavy use by the community; final approval of 28 rehabilitated boreholes in the Sahel region will occur during the third quarter.
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Progress of the works conducted by companies The following tables give an overview of the status of the work done or planned in each country:
In Niger Volume and nature Progress of work Monitoring and Oversight of work Construction of 7 3 productive boreholes drilled, developed and Monitoring is conducted by new boreholes in analyzed. Work in progress. the Tillabery DRH/A Tillabery South Work was suspended due to a mechanical
Company: I KADA breakdown Construction of 10 3 productive boreholes drilled, developed and Monitoring is conducted by new boreholes in analyzed. Work in progress. the Tillabery DRH/A Tillabery North. Prolonged suspension of work due to a mechanical Company: TRAGO breakdown. Construction of 6 5 productive boreholes drilled, developed and Monitoring is conducted by new boreholes in analyzed. the Maradi DRH/A Maradi. Work suspended due to a mechanical breakdown. Company: BAH Construction of 6 1 productive borehole drilled (after 3 attempts) and Monitoring is conducted by new boreholes in developed. Work in progress. the Zinder DRH/A and the Zinder. Work suspended due to a mechanical breakdown. Magaria Directorate of the Company: BAH Dept. of Water & Sanitation
In Burkina Volume and nature Progress of work Monitoring and Oversight of work To date, the BEESTH company has developed and analyzed 19 boreholes, including replacement sites, for poor water quality. Partial An amendment was requested on 3 February 2017 Monitoring is conducted by rehabilitation of 47 for the extension of work that had been 2 independent consultants boreholes, including underestimated. Work has been suspended since
19 by the BEESTH then, pending approval of the amendment by REGIS-
company and 28 by ER’s Administration.
the DERE company Development and analysis work on the 28 boreholes is complete. 16 new PMHs have been installed at the boreholes. Installation of the 12 remaining pumps is in progress, along with work on the superstructure. Construction of 31 Geophysical installations were completed in all 3 Monitoring conducted by new boreholes regions. Drilling is underway and 12 productive bore- the Regional Directorates 3 different holes have been drilled to date (9 in Kaya, 3 in Dori). for Water and Sanitation in companies the 3 regions Contracts signed with 3 companies. Work scheduled Rehabilitation of 79 to start at the end of April. Idem. boreholes
Construction of 36 Company bids analyzed and report made available to Idem. boreholes REGIS-ER’s Administration. Rehabilitation of 47 Company bids analyzed and report made available to Idem. boreholes REGIS-ER’s Administration.
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Water Quality Monitoring In Niger, monitoring was conducted in the regions of Maradi and Tillabery North and South. In Maradi, no problems were reported with the 30 water points whose water quality was analyzed.
However, the 42 water points in Tillabery had a high level of fecal contamination. In accordance with the water quality monitoring protocol, disinfection is underway and is being led by the laboratory of the Tillabery DRH/A. Moreover, all 19 PEM6s in Tillabery North and 9 of the 23 in Tillabery South were disinfected.
In Burkina, at the end of the previous quarter, analyses were conducted on all repaired and rehabilitated boreholes. Following these analyses, a mission was conducted by the « AÏNA » laboratory in March to treat 35 boreholes whose bacteriological results were not compliant (did not meet prescribed norms).
Improving water point governance and management In Niger, a water point management committee (CGPE) was established for each of the 6 new boreholes in Zinder.
A total of 38 CGPEs were monitored in all regions. Monitoring indicated that most of the CGPEs collect and secure money generated by the sale of water. For example, in Tillabery South region, 3 committees convert a portion of the revenue into food, which they store. In general, the money generated by these water points covers the cost of small repairs without external intervention, with the exception of one village in Tillabery North, where external support had to be mobilized to repair a borehole.
In Burkina, in order to help artisan repairmen (ARs) better perform their role as pump repairmen in accordance with the agreements they have with the communes, 16 ARs (2 previously retrained ARs per commune, with the support of the DREA from Sahel), were equipped with toolboxes (1 per AR). ARs from other regions (Est and Centre-Nord) had already been provided with toolboxes during the previous quarter. Training of municipal authorities on the management of boreholes/wells/modern water points in rural areas and the creation/renewal/training of AUEs must be organized during the third quarter.
In addition, on World Water Day, celebrated on 22 March, the project launched informative, interactive and awareness-raising radio campaigns on water point management by AUEs, and the water chain in the Centre-Nord and Sahel regions. These programs are powerful drivers for improving the management of boreholes and for promoting hygiene and sanitation best practices.
6 Modern water points (Points d’eau modernes)
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Left: filming of a video report on the Bombonyenga AUE (model AUE in the Est/Fada region)
Right: recording a live radio show on PMH management in rural areas (Kaya and Fada)
Building capacity for crop and livestock production Niger Training on the use and maintenance of the irrigation system (Tillabery South) In Niger, 52 people received training on the use and maintenance of the irrigation system (Tigri 2), including 4 Oasis Relays and 3 ATPs. Training focused on the use and maintenance of the solar-powered pumping system.
Provisional reception of water-related infrastructure at Oasis Garden sites (Tillabery South) The project received/accepted on a provisional basis the boreholes installed at the 8 Oasis Garden sites in Tillabery South engaged in FY16.
Opening of bids for market garden water points at regional level for the sites scheduled for FY17 REGIS-ER selected the winning bidders for the installation of market garden water points in the 4 regions for the new FY17 sites; the contracting process and the launch of the work have not yet begun.
Manual boreholes Manual boreholes will eventually be drilled after the scheduled training for the CBSP drillers. After the training, learners will be coached on drilling the boreholes at selected sites. This will have the dual advantage of providing learners with an opportunity to apply the knowledge they have acquired and to connect with communities (potential clients) as well as to gain a thorough understanding of the program costs and deadlines.
Burkina Faso Feasibility study on the construction of market garden wells A feasibility study on the construction of market garden wells was conducted in the Manni area (Fada) to check whether the hydro-geological conditions were favorable to the construction of cased wells. Two manual boreholes were drilled at each site to estimate the average number of geological layers encountered and the probable depth of water inflows. It turns out that of the three sites (Lahama, Lipaka and Gouri in Manni Commune) covered by this study, two sites (Lahama and Lipaka) have hydrogeological conditions that are favorable for well construction. It has been suggested that a similar study be conducted in the Sahel region, at the sites located in the Seytenga and Sampelga communes.
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Preparation of a DAO for the construction of cased wells in areas deemed to be favorable
Construction of manual boreholes for the feasibility study
This quarter was also dedicated to the preparation of DAOs for the construction of cased wells at sites deemed to be favorable (areas where there are traditional wells in close proximity) and at the sites in Fada where the study was a success. The following sites were selected:
Number of wells to Region Province Commune Village be built Solhan Lontia 2 Sahel Yagha Sebba Bandihossi 2 Barsalogho Kieglesé 2 Centre-Nord Sanmatenga Barsalogho Halamou 2 Nagbingou Bissighin 2 Manni Lahama 2 Est Gnagna Manni Lipaka 2
Program Integration During this quarter, points of convergence were largely focused on providing support to other programs, particularly regarding the supply of water for agricultural production (P2) and governance (P5): In Burkina Faso, on World Water Day (22 March 2017), organization of: (1) a radio campaign to raise awareness about water governance and (2) visits to activities promoting access to water with the participation of USAID; Joint technical analysis (by P6 and P2) of 2 market gardens in Niger; Preparation of a technical document regarding the construction of water-related systems for agricultural and/or pastoral purposes.
Program 7 – Hygiene and Sanitation During this quarter, the hygiene and sanitation program focused on CLTS triggering in the target villages and construction of latrines and handwashing stations. The project obtained USAID approval to award grants to 2 NGOs for the implementation of CLTS in Niger and Burkina, respectively. (Each NGO will work in 100 extension villages.) This strategy will enable the project to scale CLTS in the coming months.
Promotion of hygiene and sanitation practices Implementation of CLTS
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Niger The project accelerated its work on CLTS in all 4 regions in Niger. 72 villages were triggered: 21 in Zinder, 5 in Maradi, 13 in Tillabery North, and 33 in Tillabery South. If the 30 villages triggered previously are added, this brings the total number of ‘triggered villages’ to 102. REGIS-ER conducted post-triggering monitoring in all 102 villages.
This enthusiasm also led to an increase in the number of sanitation facilities installed thanks to project involvement. During the quarter, 1,379 latrines were built: 633 in Zinder, 216 in Maradi, 146 in Tillabery North, and 384 in Tillabery South.
8 certified communities from Zinder were monitored during the quarter. This monitoring activity, a continuum of CLTS, built on the positive attitudes observed during the implementation phase. This helped to detect a certain laxity (less cleanliness in the streets) in one of the villages (Rawayou Saboua, Bandé Commune) with a risk of relapse. An awareness-raising campaign was conducted to promote the preservation and continuation of best practices.
209 new handwashing stations were documented. This low number can be attributed to inadequate reporting in some regions. Data collection will be improved in the third quarter.
Burkina Faso CLTS was implemented in several phases, including pre-triggering, triggering, the establishment of Village Sanitation Committees (CAVs), post-triggering monitoring and latrine construction. The results are presented in the table below.
Table 11: Summary of CLTS implementation in Burkina Faso, January-March 2017
Activity Number Observation Pre-triggering 41 17 in Kaya and 24 in Fada Triggering 41 17 in Kaya and 24 in Fada Setting up of CAVs 41 Each CAV established develops its own action plan Post-triggering monitoring 49 Difficulty achieving the desired ratio of 2 monitoring visits per month and per village Latrine construction 106
“Model home” competition In order to promote good hygiene and sanitation practices, an activity known as the “model home competition” was initiated, based on a guideline developed in collaboration with the project’s SBCC specialist.
In Niger, the competition was launched at the same time as the CLTS triggering in Tillabery North and Zinder Regions. Eventually, 2 model homes will receive awards in the villages during the third quarter.
In Burkina Faso, the competition was launched in the 41 triggered villages, and 12 model home assessment committees (8 in Dori region and 4 in Fada region) were set up.
Clean-up days
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In Niger, all triggered villages instituted clean-up days (1 to 3 days per week). This is an indication of the widespread support for the practice within communities. In Burkina Faso, a total of 102 clean-up days were held in 48 villages this quarter.
Inter-village meetings Inter-village meetings were held with the training of Village Cleanliness Committees (CVSs) and bricklayers. In Zinder, natural leaders were invited to visit host villages, chosen accordingly, during three training sessions. This contributed to the sharing and exchange of experiences aimed at improving dissemination of good initiatives, and enhancing the spirit of healthy competition among communities.
Training conducted In Niger, training sessions contributing to the spread of hygiene and sanitation best practices were conducted during this quarter. These included: The training of 158 community leaders (106 in Tillabery South, 10 in Maradi and 42 in Zinder); The training of 32 bricklayers on the production of low cost slabs in Zinder; The training of 53 Husband Schools on how to make Tippy-taps (Tillabery North). In Burkina Faso, 200 members from 40 Village/Neighborhood Sanitation Committees (CAV/Qs) were trained on essential hygiene and sanitation practices.
Awareness-raising campaigns conducted In Niger, the project organized awareness-raising workshops on hygiene and sanitation focused on environmental hygiene, and the use and maintenance of latrines and water points.
In Burkina Faso, the project developed and broadcast radio programs on hygiene and sanitation around the following topics: the dangers associated with fecal peril, the importance of latrines, and hygiene and sanitation best practices.
Provision of health and sanitation services Niger With respect to the provision of hygiene and sanitation services (CBSP/PRLs), 32 bricklayer CBSPs were trained in the Zinder region. All 32 CBSPs were supplied with kits at the outset of the training, for making low cost slabs. The geographic distribution of the bricklayers took into consideration not only the size of the villages, but also the presence of trained bricklayers in the villages so as to better address needs. In Burkina Faso, 57 bricklayers from 57 villages were trained on the construction of latrines and the production of Sanplat slabs, and 24 meetings were held to connect bricklayers with suppliers.
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Management and coordination at local level Niger At community level – Hygiene and Sanitation Committee: 55 CVSs were set up during the quarter -- 22 in Tillabery North and 33 in Tillabery South.
Institutional triggering: In collaboration with SNV-Niger and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council – Niger, or WSSCC-Niger, REGIS-ER participated in the 1st Training of Trainers session on institutional triggering, after which the training was put into practice in 3 regions of Niger (Dosso, Zinder and Maradi). This Training bricklayers on the production of Sanplat slabs in Gayéri, Fada Region innovative approach seeks to bridge the gaps and limitations that have been identified in CLTS triggering, by involving the authorities and GoN technical cadres. It thus constitutes a continuum of CLTS. More than 150 participants per region were sensitized and invited to help combat open defecation.
Community leaders: Major stakeholders in community mobilization and the monitoring of community engagement, community leaders were at the heart of monitoring commitments. 152 leaders (106 in Tillabery South, 42 in Zinder and 10 in Maradi) were trained this quarter.
Burkina Faso Three commune-level meetings were held to discuss CLTS.
At the level of the Hygiene and Sanitation Committee: Post-triggering monitoring was conducted in cooperation with the CVAs.
Program Integration Niger Good cooperation was seen among the 8 programs in the implementation of field activities. Key activities included: Awareness-raising activities on composting, conducted together with P2 to repurpose organic waste into compost, Participating in the establishment of Local Development Committees (CLDs) with P5 in Zinder region helped to strengthen the synergistic action between the CLDs and the CVSs around their respective responsibilities, and to instill a climate of solidarity.
Burkina Faso To improve CLTS implementation in the villages, the Quality Improvement Teams (EAQs) set up by P8 were also used for social mobilizations and latrine construction.
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Collaboration/ Partnership Niger Regional Directorate for Water and Sanitation and CLTS Committees: The renewal and amalgamation of partnership protocols with the Regional Directorates for Water and Sanitation (DRH/A) facilitated cooperation on the ground.
RISE and non-RISE partners: Collaboration with WSSCC-Niger (WASH coalition) and SNV-Niger in order to organize institutional triggering activities in 3 regions in Niger.
Changes Noted Niger The pace of construction of the new latrines was clearly accelerated, with 1,379 latrines being built compared to 120 in the previous quarter.
Burkina Faso Enthusiasm on the part of communities for CLTS activities (triggering, latrine construction, etc.).
Challenges and possible solutions Niger Slow pace of data feedback from the field.
Burkina The difficulties with CLTS implementation lie with monitoring implementation, given the heavy workload of the ATPs. Discussions are underway with communes and Regional Directorates for Sanitation to ensure frequent and close monitoring of project activities.
Outlook for the next Quarter Niger Post-triggering monitoring in CLTS villages Training, monitoring and supervision of the partner NGOs’ activities on CLTS implementation
Burkina Faso Conduct post-triggering monitoring of CLTS implementation in the villages Complete the training of CAV/Q members on communications and essential hygiene and sanitation actions in triggered villages Periodically monitor the organization of clean-up days Organize radio programs on hygiene and sanitation Train CAV/Qs on how to make drying racks Organize assessment visits in the context of implementing the “model home” competition Purchase a kit for “model home” competition winners in triggered villages Train PRLs (Local Resource Persons) on entrepreneurship, marketing and basic accounting
Program 8 – Community-based Health and Nutrition During the reporting period the project ramped up the pace of activities to bridge the gaps observed at the quarterly workshops to review P8 activities held in Burkina (in January), and in Niger (in February).
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These reviews facilitated the creation of synergies between programs; more realistic quarterly planning; and better performance and more efficient implementation of activities by PMRs in all project regions, not only for the Community-Based Health and Nutrition program, but also for the Hygiene and Sanitation program. This exercise fostered a common understanding of several points and was key in advancing towards the achievement of established objectives.
Local fortification In line with the project’s objective to improve food diversity within households, particularly among children aged 6-24 months and pregnant and breastfeeding women, the following activities were conducted: Training on the production of infant food (enriched flour and PDCO marmalade), and techniques for preserving vegetables, The promotion of pooled production of composite flour, and The organization of quarterly meetings with PRL/Community-Based Health Agents (ASBCs) and Community Relays (RCs).
Niger 112 sessions on pooled production of enriched flour were organized by Lead Mothers (MLs) from Mother-to-Mother (MtM) groups, with support from RCs. In total, 3 000 women from 100 MtM groups were trained on enriched flour production.
ATPs from different regions were briefed on the organization of review and planning meetings with RCs. These meetings were held in all regions. Following the meetings, the RCs (Community-Based Relays) prepared their quarterly action plans with support from the ATPs.
Burkina Faso Training on the production of infant food helped to build the technical expertise of 938 Lead Mothers (ML) from the MtM and PRL/ASBC groups on the enriched flour production process and the processing of PDCO into marmalade. By replicating the training on enriched flour production within the MtM groups (325 MLs in Dori), 5 280 women were reached within the project zone.
P8 strengthened local capacity by training a processor (who had been previously trained by the project) on the production of PDCO marmalade. This processor led a training session for 3 PMRs (and one representative from the NGO partner, Mwangaza Action) on the production of PDCO marmalade. The training took place in Kaya on 17 February 2017.
In addition, during the quarter 366 MtM groups conducted 1,356 sessions on the group production of fortified flour.
To extend the shelf life of vegetables in households, 630 MLs were trained on storing dark leafy vegetables (grown in home gardens) and seeds (cowpea seeds). This training is currently being replicated within the MtM groups and will enable 9 450 other women to optimize the micronutrient content of the dried leaves and minimize the loss of cowpea seeds at harvest time.
An orientation process for PRL/ASBCs on the program approaches was initiated in the 3 project regions of Burkina. Following confirmation of 341 PRL/ASBC by the communities, 291 of these PRLs have
USAID|REGIS-ER FY2017 Q2 REPORT page 48 received orientation on the functioning of the SNC (Community-Based Health and Nutrition) platforms, and they now have a quarterly workplan to support the program’s community-based activities.
Interpersonal communication through the platforms MtM Groups Niger During the quarter, the project provided training on several topics to the MtM groups. The ATPs, with support from the government health agents (AS), held retraining / training for 112 RCs and 112 MLs around the themes of SNC and HA (Hygiene and Sanitation). A total of 2 858 people, including 2 810 pregnant and breastfeeding women and 48 RCs, were trained at MtM meetings in the villages/hamlets with the help of counseling cards.
In terms of monitoring/coaching of the groups, 144 MLs and RCs from 51 groups were monitored/ coached by PRMs P8 and ATPs. The following points were raised during these coaching sessions: Orientation on the revised memorandum on community meals; A reminder on the MtM approach, with a particular focus on techniques for facilitating meetings and the goals of learning and mutual support; Support with filling out timesheets, monitoring and capitalization tools; Orientation on formative supervision.
In addition, several community meals were held within the groups. A total of 1,262 community meals were organized by the MtM groups with the support of the RCs. During these meals, several local dishes were transformed by the introduction of other ingredients to make the meals more balanced. The most popular dishes were bean purée, dumplings enriched with milk and oil, paste with a leafy green sauce, rice and cowpeas with vegetables, and rice with peanut sauce.
Burkina Faso During the quarter, 938 MLs from the MtM and PRL/ASBC groups were trained on a range of Health and Nutrition topics, depending on the category of MtM groups. Organization of training topics is currently underway within the MtM groups, and has reached 4,928 women members of the MtM groups to date.
Training on Health and Nutrition topics was combined with training on water treatment techniques. Through practical demonstration sessions, the 938 MLs and PRL/ASBCs learned how to purify water through accessible techniques which included, among other things: filtration, boiling, and treating water with Aquatabs and chlorine.
In the follow-up to the monthly meetings on MtM activities, educational chats on nutrition for women, infants and young children were organized for grandmothers/ mothers-in-law. In total, 294 educational chats were held in order to encourage women to adopt best practices in health and nutrition, by involving groups of influential persons.
Husband Schools (EdMs) Niger During this quarter, 27 new Husband Schools (EdMs) were set up in Balléyara. Conversations around Small Doable Actions (PAF) were held within these EdMs. EdM members continue to support their wives in the implementation of best practices on Health and Nutrition and on Hygiene and Sanitation through the PAFs.
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Furthermore, EdM supervisors continue to hold demonstrations on the construction of Tippy Taps, and to encourage men to participate in various MtM meetings.
Burkina Faso The EdM approach was expanded within the project zone by the establishment of 44 new schools. The schools also held monthly learning and support sessions on the achievement of the Small Doable Actions (PAFs), through the 8 conversations. Progress evaluation during the quarter recorded 5 PAFs achieved by 265 EdM members, and 8 to 10 PAFs achieved by 324 other husbands in the schools. These husbands, who achieved the maximum 10 PAFs, will be certified next quarter, and this should encourage other men to follow this approach. In addition to mutual support in the achievement of the PAFs, 451 EdM members took part in training sessions on water purification along with MLs and PRL/ASBCs.
GASA (Learning and Support Groups for [Female] Adolescents / Adolescents’ Clubs) Niger The implementation of activities around learning and support groups for (female) adolescents was characterized by the selection of new mentors for the extension villages. A total of 50 groups will be set up and monitored. Training of mentors will take place during the next quarter.
Burkina Faso In Burkina Faso, the project intends to provide support to the adolescents’ clubs set up by Mwangaza Action.
This quarter, five pilot villages in Sahel region were selected for the implementation of “school gardens”. In cooperation with the communities, garden locations were chosen and seed purchases are underway.
Community Quality Improvement (C-QI) To empower communities to solve their own health problems, the program implemented an approach of “improving the quality of health and nutrition at the community level” (C-QI), which seeks to enhance community engagement in favor of health and nutrition by establishing quality improvement teams (EAQ-C), made up of representatives from a wide range of community organizations.
Niger During the quarter, the key activities carried out in Niger in terms of C-QI were as follows: Collection of data on Health and Nutrition, and Hygiene and Sanitation by EAQ-C members and updating of indicators; Harmonization of EAQ-C action plans regarding the 2 chosen objectives; Holding meetings with the EAQ-C, to analyze data, identify priorities in villages and plan ATP-led activities; Hosting learning sessions for 40 EAQs; Holding 22 coaching sessions for the EAQ-Cs by ATPs and PMRs; Establishment of 7 new EAQ-Cs in Balléyara.
Burkina Faso The process of expanding the approach led to the establishment of 2 new EAQ-Cs in the project zone, bringing the total number of EAQ-Cs to 76. 74 of the 76 EAQ-C have a quarterly action plan for the purposes of improving nutrition and/or Hygiene and Sanitation indicators.
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Two learning sessions were held at the community level, bringing together 92 members from the 27 EAQ-C, including village chiefs. These sessions were used to train 13 government health agents on the EAQ-C approach so that they could in turn coach the EAQ-C. The learning sessions thus provided an opportunity to analyze the data collected by the 27 EAQ-Cs on 2 behaviors: the consumption of enriched porridge for children, and handwashing with soap. The results of the analyses were used to update the indicators and develop future action plans based on barrier analyses.
At the end of the first learning sessions, 4 EAQ-Cs received diplomas for the quality of their ideas about improvement, including one team focused on Health and Nutrition and 3 EAQ-Cs focused on Hygiene and Sanitation. The awards ceremony was truly a time of awareness, encouragement and strengthening of the teams’ commitment to implementing their action plans.
The head nurse and the village chief hold a diploma awarded to the team, along with delegates, at a Learning Session (SA) in Manni Data analysis and choice of activities for the next quarter, in Dori
Program Integration The following activities were conducted in Niger: Participation of PMRs from Zinder in the Kakitamma oasis garden monitoring mission with the P2 and P1 PMRs, in advance of the preparation for training on the processing of market garden produce; Participation of the Maradi PMR at the regional sharing workshop on the SECCA strategy; In Tillabery North, 84 farmers (54 SECCA community relay agents and 30 CF farmers) were sensitized on the first 1000 days of a child’s life in association with P3 and P4.
In Burkina Faso, within the framework of the integration of different project programs, training was held for 955 lead farmers on the first 1000 days of a child’s life. During the training sessions on home garden and market garden strategies, the SNC program also enhanced the knowledge of 25 PRLs working on P2 (commercial and nutritional horticulture) on the nutritional value of the crops promoted in the gardens.
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Collaboration / Partnerships Collaboration with the Ministry of Health Niger Joint supervision of health and nutrition activities (MtM, EAQ, community video) with the Zinder Regional Directorate for Public Health (DRSP) and the Magaria Health District (DS) (3 villages visited in Bandé); Participation of the Zinder PMR at monthly assessment and planning meeting of the Magaria DS for February; PMR’s advocacy visit to the Magaria DS on the need for a health facility in Tilla (Bandé): After these exchanges, it appears that a Health Center (CSI) can be built with the approval of the Mayor of Bandé. The next step is to convince the Bandé Commune Council to schedule construction of the CSI for this year; A doctor from the Damana CSI expressed his wish to refer mothers whose children are recovered from the CRENI (Intensive Nutritional Rehabilitation Centers)/ CRENAS (Centers for Outpatient Nutritional Rehabilitation for Severe Malnutrition) to MtM groups for advice and monitoring. Participation in a meeting of the Health and Nutrition cluster at the Filingué DS, in the Tillabery South region. The NGOs RESCUE and PLAN Niger will henceforth get involved in the prevention of malnutrition, by setting up platforms on the MtM model. They also requested cooperation with REGIS-ER in the Filingué and Balléyara DSs.
Burkina Faso The C-QI approach was presented to the Director of Nutrition of Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Health, at a workshop held with the C-QI consultant and the Technical Coach. The approach was presented along with some examples of the successes achieved by the implementing team. The discussions focused particularly on the Ministry’s collaboration – its participation in this experience, and the possibility of institutionalizing the approach in the long term.
SPRING Niger Participation in the SPRING-DG advocacy workshop on 16 March 2017 to scale up the community video approach.
Exchanging ideas with the SPRING consultant on monitoring and evaluation of community video data; SPRING indicators were reviewed, along with several activities that could be undertaken by REGIS ER at the end of the SPRING project.
Burkina Faso 20 new villages were selected for the introduction of the community video approach. Training-of-Trainer (ToT) sessions were held on the dissemination of community videos, for the 10 ATPs responsible for the 20 villages. Training of disseminators (40 ASBCs) is underway and should enable the operationalization of the approach in these villages.
RISE partners or other NGOs Niger
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Holding a dialogue with the team from the NGO Pathfinder International on synergies of action in our common villages in Zinder, in advance of the new Family Planning (FP) project, which Pathfinder intends to lead in the communes of Droum and Bandé; Collaboration with MSI: Within CSI/CSs, REGIS-ER raises awareness and provides guidance to women in the preparation of fortified flour and enriched porridge; MSI raises awareness and ensures the availability of family planning products; Facilitation of the USAID mission on WASH activities in Zinder; Participation of the PMN in revising the training module for mentors for UNFPA’S “ILLIMI” project under the auspices of the Directorate for Nutrition.
Burkina Faso Thanks to the partnership with MSI, talks on FP methods were held within the MtM groups and reached 1 260 new women who wish to use a modern method of contraception.
The program trained 400 MLs from the Care Groups of the FASO and VIM programs on the PDCO marmalade production process. Replication of this training to other women in neighboring groups is in progress and should enable the diversification of food sources for children aged 6-23 months in converging villages.
Community-level collaboration with opinion leaders Niger In Tillabery North, 4 villages assemblies were held, which brought together all opinion leaders, village chiefs and religious leaders in order to find solutions to the barriers that hinder the achievement of certain activities, as well as to share the results of the activities of the platforms.
Table 12: Participants in the village assemblies Type of participants Number Youths Girls 20 Boys 35 Total 55 Adults Women 238 Men 204 Total 442 Grand total 497
Changes Noted Niger Community meals improved communities’ eating habits by making significant (if not radical) changes to the menus to ensure that meals are balanced. During these sessions, MLs, with the support of the ATPs and government health agents, introduced and achieved the acceptance of other ingredients such as: oil in dumplings, vegetables in peanut sauce, and vegetables in bean purée, etc.
EAQs took ownership of their roles and responsibilities: they held training on soap production (Tillabery) and competitions for the cleanest neighborhood, with prizes to be won, with their own funds (Zinder).
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Burkina Faso Awareness and understanding of the importance of diet for young children was reflected in the preparation of enriched porridge at community meals organized by the women, without project support.
Challenges and possible solutions Difficulties / Challenges Proposed solution Niger The production and pre-testing of tools Speed up the printing process in order to make (counseling cards) for EdMs and new MtM groups the tools available to the groups took longer than expected.
Some C-QI activities (collaboration within the Reexamine the implementation calendar and commune and with health centers) were rapidly reschedule activities postponed due to the revision of the approach Burkina Faso The indicator monitoring forms are not collected Strengthen the monitoring by the ATPs and the in a timely fashion, which limits the capitalization data collection process of results achieved by the program The ATPs’ heavy workload slows down the Train government health agents on community process of creating new community platforms mobilization techniques and on setting up com- munity platforms, and empower them to do so The establishing Delays in the recruitment of Put in place a strategy with new NGO partners to NGO partners may jeopardize the accelerate the implementation of their scheduled accomplishment of the program’s annual activities objectives
Outlook for the next Quarter Niger Burkina Faso Train PMRs and ATPs from Tillabery North and South on the Continue to train MtM groups on the topics of Health community video approach & Nutrition and Hygiene & Sanitation; Facilitate access for members of the MtM group to FP Continue to train MtM groups on the production of services in collaboration with MSI in the regions of Balléyara infant products (enriched flour and PDCO marmalade); and Maradi Monitor the replication of training on how to make Organize 2 sessions per commune on the joint supervision of infant food (enriched flour and PDCO marmalade) for the platforms with government health agents MtM group members; Support the training of farmers on PDCO production Organize certification days for the first model Support the training of CF groups on the concept of the first husbands in the project zone, to encourage other men “1000 days of a child’s life” to adhere to the approach; Support the organization of meetings for sub-clusters at the Identify new PAFs to avoid a break between the first Health District level certifications and the introduction of new actions; Train MLs on processing and conservation techniques for Continue to organize learning sessions in communes garden produce where the C-QI approach is yet to be implemented; Conduct monthly coaching visits (C-QI)
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Organize quarterly team meetings at each health center (C- Provide further responsibility to health agents in the QI) coaching of EAQ-Cs and the setting up of new Organize commune-level team meetings (C-QI) community platforms; Hold quarterly information meetings with mothers-in- Operationalize collaboration with Mwangaza Action in law/grandmothers the context of teenagers’ clubs; Organize GASA training sessions. Continue discussions with the Population Council (NGO in order to identify areas of potential collaboration.
III. Cross-cutting Activities Monitoring and Evaluation During this quarter, the efforts of the M&E unit consisted of improving understanding of indicators and data collection tools by the project staff concerned, on the one hand, and facilitating data collection work in the field, on the other hand. The M&E unit also contributed to several internal and external initiatives relating to project learning and knowledge management.
Revision of project indicators and targets The revision of REGIS-ER targets and indicators was initiated in November 2016. Following various exchanges that contributed to improving indicators and accounting for some of the indicators that were relevant to the project, USAID agreed to approve this revision in March 2017. The revised Table of Indicators will serve as a reporting baseline for the FY17 third quarter report.
Identification of Groups/Organizations supported by REGIS-ER The bulk of REGIS-ER’s work is conducted with targets (men, women) organized into different types of groups in the field. To facilitate data collection work in the field, the M&E Unit asked project teams to list basic information relating to members of all Groups and organizations through which the project conducts its activities in the field. The basic data on these groups is recorded and will be touched on in the Data collection sheets. Project officers will consequently not be required to write much information within the framework of activities monitoring. The sheets containing this basic information will be used in the field from May.
Participation in learning and knowledge management initiatives SECCA External Evaluation In Niger and Burkina, the M&E team participated in discussions on the ground with beneficiaries as well as in restitutions made by the consultant. It is important to note that this evaluation made important recommendations regarding the constraints associated with the collection of SECCA data. Following these recommendations, SECCA data collection tools were revised and incorporated in the data collection system.
Baseline socio-economic study of Habbanayé beneficiaries To increase internal learning within the project, the Gender technical advisor, in collaboration with the M&E Unit, headed up a study on the socio-economic characteristics of Habbanayé beneficiaries, their understanding of the strategy put in place by the project, and their Habbanayé objectives. This small-scale study (Sabon Machi commune), whose report will be finalized in April, provided some very important lessons relating to the process of animal placements, the targeting of beneficiaries, and the transfer strategy.
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Study of CBSPs The M&E unit supported the preparation of a study commissioned by REGIS-ER on CBSPs receiving project support. The Unite participated in the drafting of the ToR, data collection tools, and the recruitment of planning offices for data collection in Niger and Burkina Faso. Data collection will be conducted in late April / early May. The main purpose of this study is to refine the CBSP promotion strategy in the context of service delivery and the sustainability of the project.
Workshop on the sharing of Good Practices hosted by SAREL In March, SAREL hosted a workshop on the sharing of Good Practices for RISE partners in Niger and Burkina Faso. For the Niger workshop, REGIS-ER shared its experiences on MtM and Home Gardens (MtM). Subsequently, M&E and Health & Nutrition staff participated in the same type of workshop organized around a different learning theme in Burkina Faso.
Gender Executive Summary In its efforts to enhance resilience within communities and thereby reduce food and nutrition insecurity within beneficiary populations, REGIS-ER supports several activities promoting the diversification of livelihoods, including Habbanayé Small Ruminants and Poultry in favor of vulnerable households, and support for commercial and nutritional horticulture through market garden sites farmed by women’s groups.
Periodical monitoring has proven to be indispensable to maximize, analyze, capitalize or re-orient the consideration of gender when implementing the activities of various programs, and obtain the best results in terms of the social and economic empowerment of our targets. It is for this reason that a series of field missions to the market garden sites of Zinder and Dori, as well as a baseline study of Habbanayé beneficiaries in Sabon Machi, in the Maradi region, were conducted in the second quarter of FY17.
Overview of Results
Zinder market gardens (Katchitama and Koudouma) / Dori market gardens (Lontcha, Gountouré, Djogota and Seytenga) Talks with about 70 women, aged 23 to 45 and older, on their aspirations, decision-making power and control over production. All women claimed to have decision-making power and full control over the yields from their market gardens; Exchanges regarding the use and management of profits generated by the sale of market garden produce. Opinions vary at this level: the beneficiaries at the Koudouma site have not yet begun to sell their produce and use is currently limited to family consumption; for those from the Kachitama site, the few farmers who sold their onion yields used the resources to solve social problems; for those from the Lontcha, Gountouré and Djgota sites, produce is used for nutrition, SECCA, and to purchase extra condiments for family meals; Identification of 25 potential champions who have clear aspirations and specific objectives, and who deserve to be coached and monitored. An incubation center was identified in Niger (CIPMEN); discussions are underway regarding opportunities for collaboration to enable the
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champions to achieve their goals 10 months from now: “From a dream to self-realization”. Development plans for these selected leaders and potential champions are in the process of being finalized. Baseline study of Habbanayé beneficiaries In November 2016 and February 2017, the REGIS-ER project placed 2536 red goats with approximately 636 vulnerable households in several villages of the Sabon Machi commune in the Maradi region. With a view to ensuring the effective monitoring and assistance of these vulnerable households in the management of their productive assets, a socioeconomic study, serving as a baseline overview of beneficiaries of Habbanayé placements, was conducted internally, using a sample of 7 villages from the Sabon Machi commune in the Maradi region, from 14 to 22 March 2017. The points below summarize, in part, the key findings and lessons of the study. Profile of the beneficiaries surveyed: the survey covered a group of 64 women beneficiaries. More than 50% of the beneficiaries are women in the 16 to 30 age bracket; they are all married and 57% of them have children under the age of 5. This social stratum includes adolescents and youths, who require a specific focus from the project through integrated activities that enhance their social and economic empowerment. More than 85% of the female beneficiaries are married, 43% of whom live in polygamous households. 91% of the beneficiary households surveyed are headed by men, compared to 9.4% of women. This implies that men must absolutely be involved in all information and awareness-raising workshops for women to better adhere to the Habbanayé strategy. Harmonization of activities with a focus on resilience: agriculture and livestock farming are the primary means of subsistence for almost all households and beneficiaries of Habbanayé animals. The acquisition of a reproductive core of small ruminants is therefore guaranteed to be a good start in enhancing food security and resilience of beneficiaries. Quality/effectiveness of the livestock allocation process: More than 90% of beneficiaries acknowledge that the project provided them with very good quality animals and bags of bran for feed. They received local animals, the red goat from Maradi. All women beneficiaries received a reproductive core of 3 to 4 animals (nanny-goats and billy-goats) that included at least three females; i.e. the number required to build a family herd. Appropriation of the Habbanayé strategy by women: this point concerns livestock ownership, decision-making power and livestock transfers. Animal ownership: 60% of all women surveyed confirmed that the habbanayé kit is their property within the household; furthermore, 72% reported that they have decision-making powers regarding Habbanayé animals. This is a very important finding as it is commensurate with the strategy of empowering the women supported by the project. Focal point: enhance capacity-building for all beneficiaries vis-à-vis animal ownership, and decision-making powers over the animals.
Outlook for the 3rd quarter Monitor the implementation of individual development plans for 25 champion farmers from market garden sites;
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Monitor the implementation of complementary and integrated activities targeting adolescents and youths aged 16 to 30 years (SECCA training, practice of AGR, MtM, leadership), with the goal of bringing about a real improvement in their social and economic power to enhance resilience among Habbanayé beneficiaries from Sabon Machi; Identify and prepare 30 individual development plans to enhance economic empowerment of the beneficiaries from the BDL sites in Tillabery, Kaya and Fada; Support leadership capacity-building among adolescents and youth from the Maradi GASA groups.
Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) Introduction The second quarter was filled with Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC / CCSC) activities. These included, among others:
Niger Continued management of the different platforms put in place in project areas through the use of counseling cards; Continued implementation of community video activities (training, meetings, projection, video production, etc.) in collaboration with SPRING/DG in the Maradi and Zinder regions; Replication of SBCC tools for the various platforms; Continuing the process of preparing, designing and broadcasting a radio series on Health/ Nutrition and WASH; Processing, analyzing and sharing results of the barrier analysis of the consumption of goat’s milk by children aged 12 to 24 months in habbanayé beneficiary areas.
Burkina Faso Writing the model home concept note; Making hygiene and sanitation counseling cards; Revising the strategy of the community video approach; Finalizing preparatory documents for the radio series, making copies of additional EdM counseling cards, and correcting MtM counseling cards.
SBCC Strategy Following the mission conducted by Waverly Rennie and Rachel Leeds (URC consultant and manager, respectively) in February, the SBCC strategy was revised and finalized (for the second time since it was drafted at the start of the project; accounting for scaling, which extended SBCC activities to all programs, and for the revision and harmonization of the various SNC strategies). It was hence shared with the various implementing stakeholders for better utilization.
Interpersonal Communication Tool Counseling cards Niger At MtM level: Six new counseling cards were finalized, on the following topics: (i) treatment of diarrhea at community level, (ii) use of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs), (iii) vaccinations, (iv) warning signs in pregnant women, (v) warning signs in babies et (vi) pregnancy monitoring. These will be added
USAID|REGIS-ER FY2017 Q2 REPORT page 58 to the initial pack of 14 cards; thereby facilitating knowledge transfer within the groups. A process is underway to replicate these cards.
At EdM level: The replication of EdM posters on the 10 PAFs is underway. The pack of messages for each topic has been updated to include new cards.
Burkina Faso Design of hygiene and sanitation counseling cards: Hygiene and sanitation counseling cards were designed and cover a wide range of subjects: hygiene, water usage and conservation, environmental hygiene, latrine hygiene and use.
Community Video Approach Niger This activity is following its course in the regions of Maradi (45 villages with 90 mediators) and Zinder (61 villages with 122 mediators). In addition, each of the 2 regions holds a monthly “evaluation and planning meeting” with the mediators of this activity. Key activities conducted during this quarter included: The installation of a broadcasting kit (Pico projectors, regulators, loud speakers, batteries, white screen, flashlights, adaptors, protective bags) in Bandé and Droum; The production of 5 community videos, including 2 in Zinder and 3 in Maradi, with the support of SPRING-DG, on the following subjects: the promotion of home gardens, the promotion of composite flour and enriched porridge, handwashing with water and soap, breastfeeding 1 and breastfeeding 2; Exchanges with the consultant from SPRING on monitoring and evaluation of community video data; Holding screenings of community videos by community mediators within the platforms: 252 groups reached (194 MtM groups and 58 EdM groups) in Bandé et Droum, Maradi region; i.e. 2 100 women, 520 men and 120 teenagers reached.
Burkina Faso Within the framework of the expansion of the community video approach in the Centre-Nord region, Bouroum and Nagbingou ATPs were trained on the dissemination of community videos in Kaya.
The SBCC specialist, along with the PMN and the PMR SNC from Kaya, participated in training provided by SPRING on a concept known as “Concept Testing”. Through concept testing, the community video approach underwent some changes in its implementation phase, in the sense that it will now be up to the communities to select the best scene.
Production of a radio series Niger Activities within the framework of the production of a radio series on the first 1000 days are ongoing. A draft of the program design guide has been prepared and amended. It will be finalized during a design workshop in the next quarter.
Burkina Faso The second quarter was also dedicated to the finalization of documents for the production of the radio series.
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Barrier Analysis (Niger) A barrier analysis was conducted last quarter on the consumption of goats’ milk by children aged 12 to 24 months in the REGIS-ER Habbanayé beneficiary villages. Data from this study was processed, analyzed and shared for the purposes of data exploitation. The following emerged from data processing and analysis: There is a clear difference, in terms of positive perception, between Doers (P) and Non-Doers (NP) regarding the impact of goat’s milk on child development; A still significant number of NPs (24,4%), but also Ps (15,5%) believe that goat’s milk causes disease; The lack of pastures and the absence of lactation by goats in the community are the main difficulties perceived in the procurement of milk; No significant cultural barriers to the use of goat’s milk. Logically speaking, therefore, there is nobody who influences whether goat’s milk is provided; Very few parents make an association between giving their children goat’s milk and the prevention of malnutrition; A sizeable number of women P/NP (95.5% and 80% respectively) admit that there is no probability that children between the ages of 12 months and 24 months who consume goat’s milk will become malnourished.
The main results obtained suggest that the following activities be implemented to promote the consumption of goat’s milk within the community: Increase the perception that the consumption of goat’s milk by children aged 12 to 24 months will encourage their development; Decrease the perception that the consumption of goat’s milk makes children between the ages of 12 and 24 months sick; Increase the perception that insufficient pastures will not prevent goats from eating, and producing milk; Increase the perception that it is not at all likely that children aged 12-24 months who consume goat’s milk will suffer from malnutrition.
The next step will involve using the results obtained to develop specific action plans for each region, to reinforce the positive perceptions held by mothers with children aged 12 to 12 months. This will be achieved by building the capacities of MLs within the MtM groups. In addition, secondary groups, such as grandmothers and mothers-in-law and local leaders, will be sensitized, through interactive radio series and community advocacy meetings, for greater community involvement.
Changes made (Niger) An analysis of adoption sheets for the community videos in Maradi highlights an improvement with regard to the adoption of hygiene, health and nutrition best practices by communities; from 30% in the first month to 52% in the fifth month.
Challenges and possible solutions Niger Some of the difficulties associated with the use of community videos are outlined below:
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Difficulty encountered Possible solution Ensure the periodic maintenance and upkeep Breakdown of stabilizers within the 3 villages of materials, and provide skills training at local in Maradi (Konta, el Kolta, and Malan Kaka) level Theft of a solar panel in Gaoudé village An investigation was launched by the police (Maradi) and in surrounding villages Breakdown of two chargeable lamps The lamps were replaced by the mediators.
Burkina Faso The biggest difficulty was the departure of the SBCC Specialist at the end of February. The recruitment process was launched immediately after her resignation; her replacement is due to start next quarter.
Outlook for the next quarter The following activities are scheduled to take place next quarter: Finalization and provision of complementary MtM card kits to MLs from the old groups, and of complete counseling card kits to MLs from the new groups; Finalization and provision of counseling card kits for EdM group managers, and posters for all members; Launch of series on the first 1000 days of a child’s life, and the water chain; Production of videos on water purification techniques; Creation and dissemination of videos on the consumption of iron by pregnant women.
Communications Marketing support for CBSPs Training certificates were awarded to newly trained SECCA team leaders in Kaya in recognition of this apprenticeship, as well as to nursery owners for the displays in their workspaces.
Media Coverage and Visibility In Burkina Faso, the project conducted a radio campaign in the Centre-Nord and Est regions, on good practices in borehole and water chain management. In the Sahel region in Burkina Faso, the transfer of livestock assets was covered by the Municipal Radio in Dori in February. Together with Notre Dame Radio from Kaya, the regional team from Centre-Nord also produced 1 report on compost production, 2
USAID|REGIS-ER FY2017 Q2 REPORT page 61 micro-programs on the benefits of compost compared to manure, and the advantages of preparing compost Celebrating World Water Day on 22 March: immediately following the end of the rainy season, visit and radio campaign along with a debate on the results of the 2016 season for farmers who implemented conservation agriculture in the region.
On Monday 6 March, during the evening news, Nigerian national television broadcast a report on institutional triggering (CLTS) undertaken by REGIS-ER, which took place in Maradi on Saturday 4 March 2017, in partnership with the WSSCC and the SNV.
A skit on borehole management by the AUE In print media, an article was published on visits to from Nagbingou 1 village (Centre-Nord REGIS-ER sites on the occasion of the oversight tour region), attended by a representative from the United States Embassy on 22 March conducted by the 3N initiative in the departments of Tillabery, Balleyara and Filingué, led by the Deputy In Burkina Faso, on World Water Day, the Secretary-General of the region, Mr. Ari Mani project led an informative, interactive and Mamadou, Chair of the regional technical committee awareness-raising radio campaign on the of I3N. Click here to read the article management of water points, AUEs and the water chain. The campaign was spread out over Lastly, the REGIS-ER / ONE-BF partnership was 2 weeks, in partnership with Radio Notre promoted on the ONF/BF website: http://www.onf- Dame from Kaya and Radio Djawoampo from Bogandé. bf.org/content/loi-034-2009an-du-16-juin-2009- portant-r%C3%A9gime-foncier-rural-formation-des- 2 debates were hosted with the participation of acteurs-en-charge members of the AUEs, Regional Water Directorates and an artisan repairer trained by Knowledge production and sharing the project. These were followed by an open Three ‘success stories’ were written: the journey of line, whereby listeners were able to share their resilience of a woman who manufactures salt licks in own experiences. 6 micro-programs were Niger; lasting progress made in terms of cleanliness conducted in parallel, on PMH hygiene and water transport. and sanitation by a Nigerien village declared to be Free of Open Defecation in August 2016; and the On 22 March, the REGIS-ER project success of Operation Compost 2016. celebrated access to water in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Burkina Faso, by (All three were written in French and English). One of visiting a market garden site in Bissighin et the stories has already been published on NCBA meeting with the AUE from Nagbingou 1, CLUSA’s website: click here to read it. where REGIS-ER had rehabilitated a borehole. On this occasion, members of the AUE put on a skit that they had created themselves, on the A 2017 calendar targeting livestock farmers was challenges that they face, notably in collecting created: the first side concerns fattening and contributions from villagers. This celebration emphasizes the 3-month cycle and the various actions was covered by Radio Notre Dame from Kaya. to be undertaken; and the other side concerns the health of small ruminants and poultry (prevalence and vaccination periods). A priori, this calendar is a first, as there are no other known tools of the same type that directly target livestock farmers at present.
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In Niger and Burkina, the P3 program started to conceptualize SECCA videos to enable quality cascade training of SECCA team leaders, based on the video hubs trained by SPRING/DG. Finally, REGIS-ER shared its experience on “home gardens and nutrition” at a workshop hosted by SAREL on 30 January 2017.
Examples of communications artworks and tools created this quarter 2017 Pasture fattening calendar
Template of a sign designating community pastoral areas
A new sign template for rehabilitated boreholes
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Grants Management The grants program in the January-March period focused largely on supporting activities in the Water Services Program (P6): Construction of boreholes for potable water in Niger and Burkina and irrigation use in the project’s Oasis Garden sites in Niger; Rehabilitation of boreholes (that have existed for over 10 years) for potable water across Burkina Faso.
BURKINA FASO NIGER BOREHOLES KAYA FADA DORI TOTAL TILLABERI BALLAYERA MARADI ZINDER TOTAL REHABILITATION 29 47 50 126 0 0 0 0 0 CONSTRUCTION 10 10 11 31 10 7 6 6 29
OASIS GARDENS 0 0 0 0 5 5 6 5 21
In addition, the project issued large grants supporting the expansion / scaling-up of project activities in livelihoods, health/nutrition, and governance. SUBGRANTEES PROJECT COMPONENT COUNTRY BUDGETS OBJECTIVES SOS Sahel LIVELIHOOD / H&N BURKINA $ 90,689 To further expansion of CF and H&N AZND LIVELIHOOD / H&N BURKINA $ 88,381 platforms activities EAU VIVE WASH NIGER $ 408,902 Expansion in CLTS ADC/PDE WASH BURKINA $ 384,625 ONF GOVERNANCE BURKINA $ 190,082 To support Land tenure policies PRACTICA LIVELIHOOD NIGER & BURKINA $ 224,591 To facilitate the adoption of new solar pump technology for individual farmer LIBO LIVELIHOOD NIGER $ 146,067 Improving irrigation and production systems used for growing high value crops
The project has continued its advertising campaign to support implementation of activities in line with its objectives.
Cost Share REGIS-ER has reported $3,909,962.32 in cost share as of March 31, 2017. The amount of cost share reported this period was $518,385.95. REGIS-ER expects a substantial increase in cost share through its collaboration with WFP in Niger and Burkina Faso.
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Program Support This quarter the Program Support Department provided effective, efficient and timely operational and financial support to the program as a whole, and to the regions in particular.
Human Resources During this quarter, staff movement has been relatively high compared to past periods. However, thanks to management’s proactive response, most of the positions have been filled with well qualified replacements. The Grants and Contracts Manager position has been temporarily filled by a senior-level manager from NCBA CLUSA HQ. The organization is actively recruiting for a permanent replacement.
The total number of employees of the project is 197 for both countries as of the end of the quarter.
The table below shows the project staff in both countries as of 31 March 2017:
PERSONNEL NIGER BURKINA FASO TOTAL LOCATION Expatriate 2 0 2 Project HQ in Niamey and TCN (Third Country National) 2 1 3 Ouagadougou Country national – contracted by NCBA CLUSA 82 58 140 Central and Regional Country national – contracted by partners 31 21 52 offices, and field TOTAL 117 80 197
Training and Refresher Workshops The project has organized staff training and regular refresher workshops to capacitate staff so that they could play their new roles across the project. This quarter these efforts focused primarily on building capacities in reporting and on implementation of well-defined administrative procedures.
Administration, Finance, and Operations Assistance and support to technical staff in the application and enforcement of administrative and financial procedures continue to be efficient and effective. Thanks to its considerable efforts, including the evaluation of logistical needs in the regions, the project has been able to reduce delays in the various procurement processes, resulting in the timely delivery of goods and services needed by the project to reach its objectives.
Tax Exemption Challenges in Niger NCBA CLUSA’s Country Agreement with the GoN (it’s the standard one for all international NGOs) does not guarantee tax exemptions for purchases of some goods and services required for project implementation. In late December, the project submitted to the GoN a list of acquisitions planned in 2017 for approval by a joint (GoN-NGO) committee. As of March 31, REGIS-ER has not yet received approval. Thus, the project has still not been able to receive its 2 vehicles and 30 motorcycles procured to support activities in Niger. This situation affects other operations in Niger, such as the construction and rehabilitation of boreholes and the installation of gardens for women's groups. For those activities, REGIS-ER procured numerous goods and services in 2016 on the basis of VAT exemptions. During this quarter, vendors and service providers have begun to request reimbursement for those amounts since REGIS-ER cannot provide any documentation in support of its tax exemption status. The table below shows the VAT amounts withheld from payments on those major transaction. Without an exemption,
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REGIS-ER may be required to pay and/or reimburse those amounts to vendors and service providers in Niger, which come to a total of over $284 000. SERVICE PROVIDERS TRANSACTIONS AMOUNTS VAT AMOUNTS Acquisition 8 PC REGIS 4,240,000 $ 7,186 805,600 $ 1,365 IT SOLUTIONS Acquisition 2 PC PAM 1,060,000 $ 1,797 201,400 $ 341 IT SOLUTIONS Acquisition 10 PC Agent KOKARI 5,300,000 $ 8,983 1,007,000 $ 1,707 IT SOLUTIONS Acquisitions des anti virus 1,350,000 $ 2,288 256,500 $ 435 MECURE Acquisition de fornitures de bureau 1,593,683 $ 2,701 302,800 $ 513 SOLAREX Installation Pompes Solaires 29,986,275 $ 50,824 5,697,392 $ 9,657 ENTREP. BAH Boreholes NIGER 130,179,090.0 $ 220,643 24,734,027 $ 41,922 SOBAFOR Boreholes NIGER 173,297,238.3 $ 293,724 32,926,475 $ 55,808 FORANI Boreholes NIGER 156,004,409.0 $ 264,414 29,640,838 $ 50,239 ENTREP. BAH Boreholes NIGER 123,190,000.0 $ 205,317 23,406,100 $ 39,671 I KADA Boreholes NIGER 62,170,000.0 $ 103,617 11,812,300 $ 20,021 TRAGO Boreholes NIGER 102,950,000.0 $ 171,583 19,560,500 $ 33,153 IMA 2 Vehicules 35,000,000.0 $ 59,829 6,650,000 $ 11,271 IMA 30 motobikes 48,000,000.0 $ 82,051 9,120,000 $ 15,458 ECH Acquisition Generateur 7,200,000.0 $ 12,308 1,368,000 $ 2,319 TOTAL 881,520,695 $ 1,487,265 167,488,932 $ 283,880
Security The project continuous to carefully monitor the security situation within its zone of intervention and throughout Niger, Burkina and the region. On March 3, the GoN declared a state of emergency in 7 Departments located along the Malian border, including one in Region where the project intervenes. (However, there are no project activities in border areas.) USG Travel Advisory notices for Niger also reflect a heightened level of concern. In addition, security incidents in northern Burkina, including the Sahel Region, seem to reflect a similar, worrisome pattern. (REGIS-ER intervenes in that region, but not in the Malian border area.) Terrorism remains a significant security risk, but there are other concerns, including social unrest and, most importantly, travel. In January, a project vehicle traveling from to Niamey was involved in a serious accident. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The project is focused on improving security for its staff when they travel, whether by car or by motorcycle. REGIS-ER has increased security-related communications and regularly re-examines its security policies and procedures.
IV. Appendices Results Framework
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RESULTS FRAMEWORK BY PERFORMANCE Quarters Annual Project Performance INDICATOR FOR FY17
Cumul Cumul Cumul % Performance Indicators Disaggregations 1 2 3 4 FY17 FY14- Target Target (1) 16 (2) FY17 (3) (1+2/3)
STRATEGIC OBJETCIVE 1: Increased and Sustainable Economic Well-Being
Intermediate Result 1.1: Diversified Economic Opportunities
1.1.1. Percentage of households reporting increase in income from Total - 0 0 0 0 off-farm economic opportunities 1.1.2. Number of jobs Total - 25 0 0 25 3,631 2,200 166% attributed to the Women - 6 0 0 6 2,812 implementation of
REGIS-ER New - 24 0 0 24 1.1.3. Number of Total 3,182 6,704 0 0 9,886 43,612 20,000 267% individuals trained in Women 2,332 5,569 0 0 7,901 33,235 skills relevant for off- season labor New 271 1,007 0 0 1,278 2,256
Intermediate Result 1.2. Production and Marketing Scale up
Total 4,523 6,041 0 0 10,564 113,700 80,000 155% Women 1,618 4,995 0 0 6,613 33,235 New 148 2,055 0 0 2,203 9,015 CF 205 0 0 0 205 CES/DRS, BDL, Land- 1.2.1. Number of use Management at 2,015 530 0 0 2,545 farmers who have Village Level applied IMPROVED Nurseries, Fruit trees, TECHNOLOGIES OR Irrigation, Improved 614 2,294 0 0 2,908 MANAGEMENT seeds, Market PRACTICES gardening Sanitation, Conserv. Harvests, Pasture fattening/Habbanaye, 1,689 3,217 0 0 4,906 Water point mgmt., Mgmt. PO, Trans- form. / Value added
1.2.2. Number of Total 392 175 0 0 567 31,087 40,000 79% hectares under Women 24 82 0 0 106 5,514 improved technologies CF 111 0 0 0 111
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RESULTS FRAMEWORK BY PERFORMANCE Quarters Annual Project Performance INDICATOR FOR FY17
Cumul Cumul Cumul % Performance Indicators Disaggregations 1 2 3 4 FY17 FY14- Target Target (1) 16 (2) FY17 (3) (1+2/3) or management CES/DRS, BDL, Land- practices use Management at 192 75 0 0 268 Village Level Nurseries, Fruit trees, Irrigation, Improved 89 100 0 0 189 seeds, Market gardening Total 6,618 15,671 0 0 22,289 113,251 200,000 79%
1.2.3. Number of Women 3,841 9,898 0 0 13,739 71,823 individuals who have New 595 2,115 0 0 2,710 30,397 received short-term Producers 6,163 15,659 0 0 21,822 100,067 agricultural sector People in productivity or food 20 2 0 0 22 199 security training government CBSPs, Service 5 10 0 0 15 150 Providers Total 609 1,426 0 0 2,035 7,805 2,800 79% Civil soc., NGOs, CBOs 11 123 0 0 134 65 CBSPs 8 17 0 0 25 39 Cooperative 32 8 0 0 40 94 MtM 175 357 0 0 532 1,344 CF 1.2.4. Number of food 184 231 0 0 415 2,605 security private BDL 2 9 0 0 11 365 enterprises, producer Habbanaye 29 65 0 0 94 131 organizations, water user associations, Poultry farming - 13 0 0 13 4 women's groups, trade Animal fattening 14 6 0 0 20 65 and business Water management 21 13 0 0 34 74 associations, and committee community-based Women’s group organizations receiving 31 157 0 0 188 1,516 USG assistance via NRM Committee - 5 0 0 5 366 REGIS-ER SECCA 87 550 0 0 637 382 SCAP-RU / CVD - 0 0 0 0 7 COFOB / CFV - 0 0 0 0 31 COFOCOM / SFR - 1 0 0 1 - EdM 30 10 0 0 40 190 Safe space (GASA) 1 10 0 0 11 23
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RESULTS FRAMEWORK BY PERFORMANCE Quarters Annual Project Performance INDICATOR FOR FY17
Cumul Cumul Cumul % Performance Indicators Disaggregations 1 2 3 4 FY17 FY14- Target Target (1) 16 (2) FY17 (3) (1+2/3)
Total 76 284 0 0 360 4,186 1,400 325% Civil soc., NGOs, CBOs 3 44 0 0 47 4 CBSPs 2 1 0 0 3 2 Cooperative 5 12 0 0 17 126 MtM - 2 0 0 2 137 1.2.5. Number of food CF 19 5 0 0 24 1,869 security private enterprises, producer BDL - 0 0 0 0 402 organizations, water Habbanaye 20 80 0 0 100 77 user associations, Poultry farming women's groups, trade 1 0 0 0 1 3 and business Animal fattening 5 9 0 0 14 59 associations, and Water management community-based - 0 0 0 0 5 committee organizations who have applied IMPROVED Women’s group 1 54 0 0 55 809 TECHNOLOGIES OR NRM Committee - 5 0 0 5 203 MANAGEMENT SECCA 21 98 0 0 119 300 PRACTICES SCAP-RU / CVD - 0 0 0 0 - COFOB / CFV - 0 0 0 0 - COFOCOM / SFR - 0 0 0 0 - EdM - 0 0 0 0 73 Safe space (GASA) - 0 0 0 0 - 1.2.6. Number of firms/enterprises/CBSPs involved in service provision and/or agricultural product Total (CBSPs) - 0 0 0 0 69 360 19% transformation relating to food security now operating more profitably (at or above cost) 1.2.7. Number of Total 15,116 33,036 0 0 48,152 188,992 200,000 119% vulnerable households Female head of benefitting directly 680 1,077 0 0 1,757 9,356 household from USG interventions via REGIS-ER New 3,016 4,857 0 0 7,873 70,398 Total - 0 0 0 0 148,139 0%
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RESULTS FRAMEWORK BY PERFORMANCE Quarters Annual Project Performance INDICATOR FOR FY17
Cumul Cumul Cumul % Performance Indicators Disaggregations 1 2 3 4 FY17 FY14- Target Target (1) 16 (2) FY17 (3) (1+2/3)
1.2.8. Value of Market gardening - 0 0 0 0 incremental sales of Food crops - 0 0 0 0 campaign products (collected at farm level) Livestock and fish attributed to program - 0 0 0 0 implementation
Intermediate Result 1.3: Improved access to financial services Résultat Intermédiaire 1.3: Accès amélioré aux services financiers
1.3.1 Value of Total 38,433 54,674 0 0 93,107 926,196 3,500,000 29% agricultural and rural loans (in $USD) Women 35,545 44,711 0 0 80,256 566,148 1.3.2. Number of beneficiary households with access to formal or Total 5,101 15,171 0 0 20,272 24,803 - - community-based financial services 1.3.3. Number of active Total 189 352 0 0 541 620 1,100 29% informal savings and loan groups New 3 204 0 0 207 239 strengthened Total 46,942 154,811 0 0 201,753 330,337 2,000,000 29% 1.3.4. Value of savings accumulated by project Guarantee Fund 23,395 5,671 0 0 29,066 1,002 beneficiaries (in USD) Other funds 23,547 148,648 0 0 172,195 - 1.3.5. Number of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), including farmers, Total 22 6 0 0 28 565 750 79% receiving USG assistance to access loans STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2: Strengthened Governance and Institutions Total - 0 0 0 0 99 150 66% Commune Develop- - 0 0 0 0 1 2.A. Number of ment Plan (PDC) community-level plans Management Plan for implemented with - 0 0 0 0 38 NRM, conflict sub-zones Management Plan for management or DRM - 0 0 0 0 29 components village land Local Conventions / - 0 0 0 0 30 PCOAS
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RESULTS FRAMEWORK BY PERFORMANCE Quarters Annual Project Performance INDICATOR FOR FY17
Cumul Cumul Cumul % Performance Indicators Disaggregations 1 2 3 4 FY17 FY14- Target Target (1) 16 (2) FY17 (3) (1+2/3)
Contingency Plans - 0 0 0 0 - 2.B. Number of stakeholders with increased capacity to adapt to the impacts of Total 2,220 530 0 0 2,750 67,395 4,000 1,785% climate variability and change as a result of USG assistance Intermediate Result 2.1: Strengthened natural resource management 2.1.1. Number of institutions with improved capacity to Total 19 5 0 0 24 2,740 300 921% address climate change issues as a result of USG assistance 2.1.2. Number of Total 341 1265 0 0 1606 5,593 1,200 600% community residents Women 35 696 0 0 731 2,336 participating in NRM meetings Youth (18-30ans) - 0 0 0 0 273 2.1.3. Number of hectares under natural Total - 0 0 0 0 764,859 1,250,000 61% resource management plans Intermediate Result 2.2: Strengthened disaster risk management 2.2.1. Number of Total - 147 0 0 147 333 700 69% people trained in disaster preparedness as a result of USG Women - 8 0 0 8 47 assistance 2.2.2. Number of communities with disaster early warning Total - 0 0 0 0 7 45 16% and response (EWR) systems working effectively Intermediate Result 2.3: Strengthened Conflict Management
2.3.1. Number of Total - 0 0 0 0 149 400 37% conflict prevention Conflict prevention - 0 0 0 0 141 systems, conflict systems assessments, or Conflict assessments - 0 0 0 0 4
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RESULTS FRAMEWORK BY PERFORMANCE Quarters Annual Project Performance INDICATOR FOR FY17
Cumul Cumul Cumul % Performance Indicators Disaggregations 1 2 3 4 FY17 FY14- Target Target (1) 16 (2) FY17 (3) (1+2/3) response mechanisms Response supported by USG mechanisms - 0 0 0 0 4 assistance Total - 0 0 0 0 4 100 4%
2.3.2. Number of women/… - 0 0 0 0 disputes mediated to youth/… - 0 0 0 0 the satisfaction of all Marginalized - 0 0 0 0 parties to the conflict youth/… Other - 0 0 0 0 Intermediate Result 2.4: Strengthened government and regional capacity and coordination
2.4.1. Number of local conventions integrated Total 0 0 0 0 0 2 20 10% into PDC/PCD
Total 18 26 0 0 44 231 70 392% 4D. Number of hectares of farmland registered Niger 18 12 0 0 30 in the name of women Burkina Faso - 14 0 0 14
Total - 250 0 0 250 53,679 - 0% 3.1.1. Number of Niger - 250 0 0 250 24,279 individuals with access Burkina Faso - 0 0 0 0 29,400 to an improved potable water source Wells - 0 0 0 0 - Boreholes - 250 0 0 250 38,479 Total - 1 0 0 1 194 465 42% Niger - 1 0 0 1 96 3.1.1bis. Number of Burkina Faso - 0 0 0 0 98 water points built or Wells built repaired through REGIS- - 0 0 0 0 20 ER Wells repaired - 0 0 0 0 - Boreholes built - 0 0 0 0 76 Boreholes repaired - 1 0 0 1 98 Total 564 8,802 0 0 9,366 37,982 63,414 3.1.3. Number of individuals with access Niger 564 8,124 0 0 8,688 33,734 to an improved Burkina Faso - 678 0 0 678 4,248 sanitation facility Pit latrine with slab 564 7,500 0 0 8,064 11,024
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RESULTS FRAMEWORK BY PERFORMANCE Quarters Annual Project Performance INDICATOR FOR FY17
Cumul Cumul Cumul % Performance Indicators Disaggregations 1 2 3 4 FY17 FY14- Target Target (1) 16 (2) FY17 (3) (1+2/3)
Ventilated improved - 1,302 0 0 1,302 3,654 latrine Composting toilet - 0 0 0 0 - Total 94 1,492 0 0 1,586 6,329 10,569 75% Niger 94 1,379 0 0 1,473 5,621 3.1.3bis. Number of Burkina Faso - 113 0 0 113 708 improved sanitation facilities built or Pit latrine with slab 94 1,334 0 0 1,428 4,058 repaired thanks to USG Ventilated improved - 158 0 0 158 2,492 assistance through latrine REGIS-ER Composting toilet - 0 0 0 0 811 Tippy Tap or 81 153 0 0 234 2,118 handwashing station Intermediate Result 3.2: Improved Health and Nutrition Practices
Total 8,822 11,134 0 0 19,956 120,940 93,100 151% 3.2.2. Number of Niger 8,280 8,524 0 0 16,804 children under 5 reached by nutrition Burkina Faso 542 2,610 0 0 3,152 programs Girls 4,362 5,503 0 0 9,864 59,621 Boys 4,460 5,631 0 0 10,092 61,319 Total 7,268 17,751 0 0 25,019 138,230 140,000 117% 3.2.4. Number of people trained in child Niger 6,817 8,276 0 0 15,093 health and nutrition Burkina Faso 451 9,475 0 9,926 thanks to USG through REGIS-ER Women 5,425 14,867 0 0 20,292 119,254
3.2.7. Percentage of target population who can state where they Total ------would go to get access to family planning
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REGIS-ER intervention zones The seven regions in which REGIS-ER intervenes are presented in the following map and table. Pink- shaded areas are REGIS-ER’s communes and red-shaded areas represent communes of our NGO partners, SOS Sahel International and AZND, and the blue-shaded areas are those of PASAM TAI. Our seven regions are Zinder, Maradi, Tillabery (Niger); and Centre-Nord, Est, Sahel, and Nord (Burkina).
Regionalization was initiated in FY16 under the scaling-up strategy which increased the responsibilities of individual regional offices. The eight programs introduced in the entire project ZOI were tailored to the potential and opportunities in each region. As a result, the programs vary from one region to the next in scope and degree of application.
This section highlights the events and achievements specific to each region:
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Niger
Tillabery South (Balléyara)
During the quarter, nursery managers sold 8,366 plants valued at 762,300 CFA/$ 1,240 to direct customers. One nursery manager obtained a place in the market from the Mayor and marked his presence by placing an advertising sign with the support of the project. At the same time 2 nursery managers provide other related services, including grafting of wild jujube and nursery production of vegetable seedlings. 8 Oasis Gardens have been developed and inputs and materials provided. 5 Oasis Relays (RO) have been selected and received, along with 52 women producers from Tigri 2, training of trainers on setting up crops, having management tools kept by specialized committees set up for maintenance of irrigation materials. The project helped the producers of the African Market Garden of Garia Bakobé to convert the site into an Oasis Garden. A RO has started providing services and will be paid by REGIS-ER for 6 months and then by the producers. There has been clear progress: the producers harvested 5,440 kg of onion bulbs and 1,744 kg of onion leaves which are being stored and will be sold at the right time (when the sales price is higher) to put into the group’s cashbox or account. In addition, the proceeds from the sale of 8,320 kg of cabbage (240,000 CFA / $ 390) and moringa (281,000 CFA / $ 457) will be shared among the producers to meet their daily needs. Please note that producers procure inputs for the development of the garden with their own funds. They bought 40,000 CFA/$65 in Safi hot pepper seeds and sowed 0.5 ha in okra for rotation for cabbage and onions.
Tillabery North During the quarter, there were 2 goat habbanayé operations in 21 new villages. 385 beneficiaries received 1,287 goats (1,155 females and 132 males). The AEs trained for the 2017 national vaccination campaign vaccinated 127,978 small ruminants, 64,987 cattle and 734 camels in the department. 567 market gardeners at 18 community sites were trained on improved production techniques (preparing seed beds, transplanting, etc.). 661 market gardeners practice these improved technologies on 27.11 ha. (The adoption rate of these market garden technologies is high.) 4 guided tours were organized at 4 community sites. More than 150 market gardeners who have practiced improved technologies shared the results with those who have not. These visits made the technology known to producers in Sinder Commune (4 villages), which is outside the project zone of intervention. The producers were mainly interested in the IGESPLAM tool. Cascade training was provided to 380 producers on improved recessional gardening techniques. This training is of particular interest because it is the first of its kind in these areas, where recessional gardening is one of the main activities of the communities. 158 individual producers applied this technology over an area of 22.18 ha. 109 beneficiaries (members of 6 POs and 1 AE) received loans totaling 5,231,980 CFA/$8,507, divided as follows: 2,431,980 CFA / $ 3,954 for warrantage (4 POs), 2,550,000 CFA / $ 4 146 for animal fattening (2 POs) and 250 000 CFA / $ 407 for a CBSP (AE). The yields in CF and non-CF fields were measured and the data analysis was conducted by the local government technical services (by the communes and departments, respectively).
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Following the CLTS triggering in 13 villages, 141 latrines were built and 120 are under con- struction. The project also raised awareness about Open Defecation Free in 22 other villages.
Zinder The project identified beneficiaries for household gardens, provided support to fruit and forest plant nurseries, monitored Oasis Garden production, plant sales, and production of cassava cuttings and PDCO. 70 Local Development Committees were set up to ensure the adoption, buy-in and sustainability of project activities and those of other partners. Likewise, the project strengthened the capacities of the specialized committees of Droum commune. 164 groups have adopted SECCA since the beginning of the project. During the quarter, these groups (3,624 members, 90% of whom are women) saved some 6,018,085 CFA/ $9,786 and awarded loans totaling 3,384,225 CFA / $ 5,503. In collaboration with REGIS AG, the representatives of 2 groups went to the International Fair of Agriculture and Animal Resources (Dakar) with 50 sheep. 320 beneficiaries in 16 villages received 1,072 goats under the 2017 habbanayé operation. These animals are healthy and many are pregnant. In accordance with the contracts signed with the government’s local livestock services, vaccinations of the animals have begun. A 0.15 ha garden was set up at a school to introduce students to production with a minimum of water and of available space. 50 students all have a small garden there. To improve the profitability of the nursery managers’ business (production of fruit and forest plants), the project organized a study trip to Sadoré and Saga where women’s groups own and operate nurseries that are supported by ICRISAT and the NGO LIBO, respectively. The study trip strengthened the production and marketing techniques of Zinder's two nursery owners who developed ambitious production plans for the 2017 campaign.
Maradi
The project held 2 meetings (one per commune in the zone of intervention) with the CBSPs (13 AEs and 52 FVVs) to explore possible solutions to their difficulties: illiteracy of almost all CBSPs, notebooks are not kept properly, inadequate monitoring of the CBSPs, the high cost of transport to renew supplies of products, the falling exchange rate of the Naira, etc. During the study trip to Sadoré, the nursery owners from the region increased their know-ledge of grafting techniques and marketing plans and updated their plans for the production of forest and fruit trees. One nursery owner produces 26,000 forest plants for which he has already signed a contract with ProDAF to provide 20,000 seedlings of Senegal acacia. In Sabon Machi, the Commune Committee for the CL was established. And the CL of Guidan Roumdji was summarized in 5 pages, translated into a local language and recorded by Anfani Radio in Maradi to ensure the dissemination of info on the CL to the local population. 11 hectares were made secure: 5 ha loaned for 3 years to the women of Konta, 2 ha loaned for 5 years to the women of Guidan Alkali and 4 ha donated to the women of Thibau-bawa. The project held introductory sessions on EAQs in Sabon Machi and Guidan-Roumdji Communes. 20 villages, government health agents, representatives from the communes and project staff attended. They agreed to set 2 improvement targets for nutrition: (1) all infants of 6-9 months consume a porridge prepared from enriched flour; (2) all members of all households will wash their hands with soap at the 5 critical times of the day.
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Burkina Faso
During this second quarter of the implementation of the FY17 ATP, all Burkina project teams tried to speed up the implementation of project activities by drawing lessons from performance in the first quarter; still within the context of “regionalization” (empowerment of regional teams). Therefore, within the three regions (Centre Nord, Est and Sahel), the eight programs implemented baskets of activities in accordance with regional planning. In addition, grants were allocated to target groups to finance productive investments.
At operational level, this quarter was also characterized by the effective launch of the activities of the ONF-BF (Observatoire National du Foncier au Burkina Faso), following the signature of a grant that aims to contribute to the strengthening of security processes in the various communes of intervention in BF. Also worth noting are the significant advancements made in the process of developing local agreements in various communes. These local agreements constitute the common core of all agro-sylvo-pastoral production activities, and their implementation will ensure the sustainability of the activities receiving project assistance, while at the same playing a preventive role in conflicts relating to natural resources.
Depending on the region, the following specific strong points can be identified as having influenced the second quarter of FY 17.
Centre-Nord (Kaya) The rehabilitation of 2 market garden sites and training of farmers in market gardening techniques; The setting up and training of more than a hundred community-based savings and credit groups; The introduction of the practice of CF, with 653 new groups constituted in the villages concerned, following the expansion of project activities; The construction of 10 new boreholes, launch of the triggering system in 17 CLTS (Community- Led Total Sanitation) villages. Est/Fada Training of lead farmers from CF groups, tasked with disseminating the technology among their peers; Validation of the Gayéri local agreement by the municipal council; Start of construction works on 11 new boreholes; Triggering of CLTS in 24 villages.
Sahel/Dori The success of habbanayé helped to expedite the selection of 44 new villages, of which 20 were identified for habbanayé Small Ruminants. Within the framework of the P2 program, monitoring of garden yields led to the recording of a total output of 50 tons by 420 women farmers from the Sebba, Tankougounadié, Titabé and Solhan. Bani and Seytenga communes. At P3 level, savings were mobilized in 210 SECCA groups and AGRs (market garden crops) were implemented. In this context, three grant files were compiled in favor of the SECCA groups that developed income-generating activities in Lontia, Diogota and Ioba in the Solhan commune.
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The construction of stone barriers over approximately 45 ha, in the Sebba and Seytenga communes. Rehabilitation works on 28 boreholes and the start of the construction of 10 new boreholes.
For all teams, the second quarter continues to be characterized by a volatile security environment, particularly in the Sahel region and, to a lesser extent, the Nord and Centre Nord regions (in the areas adjacent to the Sahel). This situation is said to be due to the emergence of a terrorist movement involving Burkinabe nationals. However, following a recent joint military operation (Burkina, Mali and France) in the preferred zone of this new terrorist movement, the security situation should improve significantly.
Finally, the REGIS-ER teams in Burkina, together with other projects under the RISE initiative, actively participated in the organization of a high-level mid-term review mission of the RISE program.
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