(SAFER) Project in South Sudan

(31 October 2019) Annual Report

Project Name Sustainable Agriculture or Economic Resiliency (SAFER) project in South Sudan Implementation /Funding Mechanism (Cooperative Grant Agreement/ Contract /Grant) Activity Start/ End Date 4 August 2017 to 3 August 2020 Name of Prime Implementing Partner The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Name of Implementing Sub-Partner N/A Contract/Agreement Number Grant NO. AID-668-IO-17-00001 Geographical Location The Republic of South Sudan Prepared for USAID/South Sudan, Juba Brian Dusza /Lemi Lokosang C/O American Embassy, Kololo Road Reporting period 1 October 2018 to 30 September 2019 Financial Expenditure for the Reporting Period To be sent separately as agreed Submitted by: Meshack Malo [email protected]

Acronyms AAP Accountability to Affected Populations AGRA Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa CAAFAG Children Formerly Associated with Armed Groups CBAHW Community-based Animal Health Workers CBO Community Based Organisation CBPP Community-based Participatory Planning CLA Collaboration, Learning and Adapting EMMP Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan FES Fuel Efficient Stove FFS Farmer Field School GEFE Gender Equality and Female Empowerment GBV Gender-based Violence WPS Women Peace and Security IDP Internally Displaced Persons IOM International Organization for Migration LoA Letter of Agreement M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MEP Monitoring and Evaluation Plan NGO Non-Governmental Organization NPA Norwegian People’s Aid NBeG Northern Bahr el Ghazal NRM Natural Resource Management PM Project Manager RFP Request for Proposal RIMA Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis SAFER Sustainable Agriculture for Economic Resiliency Program in South Sudan SP Service Provider SPEDP Sudan Peace and Education Development Program SSA Seed System Security Assessment STO Star Trust Organization UN United Nations UNICEF United Nations Children's Fund UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNMISS United Nations Mission in South Sudan UNOPS United Nations Office for Project Services USAID United States Agency for International Development VSF-G Vétérinaires Sans Frontières-Germany VSL Village Savings and Loans WASH Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WES Western Equatoria State WFP World Food Programme

Table of Contents

1. Project overview ...... 5 1.1 Key Achievements ...... 5 1.1.1 Beneficiary Mobilization ...... 5 1.1.2 Assessments ...... 5 1.1.3 Construction ...... 6 1.1.4 Establishment of groups ...... 6 1.1.5 Trainings...... 6 1.1.6 Training of beneficiaries ...... 7 1.1.7 Input delivery and distribution ...... 7 1.1.8 Procurement...... 8 1.1.9 Contracts ...... 8 1.1.10 Staff Recruitment ...... 8 1.1.11 Joint Programing and collaboration ...... 8 1.1.12 Communication...... 8 1.2 Key lessons learned, challenges encountered in this reporting period and windows of opportunities...... 9 1.2.1 Improved production for smallholder farmer ...... 9 1.2.2 Marketing and market linkages ...... 9 1.2.3 Innovative approaches and practices...... 9 1.2.4 Improved access to water ...... 9 1.2.5 Implementation ...... 10 1.2.6 Creating an enabling environment ...... 10 1.3 Key Challenges ...... 10 1.4. Recommendations...... 10 1.4.1 Inputs and seeds ...... 10 1.4.2 Promotion of improved access to water through climate smart technologies water technologies ...... 10 1.4.3 Marketing and market linkages ...... 11 1.4.4 Implementation and Organization...... 11 1.4.5 Fisheries ...... 11 1.4.6 Cooperation / collaboration / partnerships ...... 11

1.4.7 Creation of an enabling environment ...... 11 1.4.8 Innovative approaches, technologies and practices ...... 12 1.4.9 Revised Work plan and budget...... 12 1.5 Qualitative results ...... 12 1.6 Impact Analysis ...... 12 1.7 Geographical coverage ...... 14 2. The Sustainable Agriculture for Economic Resiliency project...... 14 2.1 Introduction and background ...... 14 2.2 Achievements of this reporting period ...... 14 2.2.1 Operational achievements ...... 15 2.2.2 Programmatic achievements ...... 15 2.3 Key lessons learned ...... 40 2.3.1 Marketing and market linkages ...... 40 2.3.2 Water Infrastructure and climate smart technologies...... 40 2.3.3 Implementation ...... 40 2.3.4 Creating enabling environment ...... 40 2.3.5 Diversification ...... 40 2.4 Challenges in this reporting period ...... 41 2.5 Recommendations ...... 41 2.5.1 Seeds ...... 41 2.5.2 Marketing and market linkages ...... 41 2.5.3 Fisheries ...... 42 2.5.4 Cooperation / collaboration / partnerships ...... 42 2.5.5 Creation of enabling environment...... 42 2.6 Way Forward ...... 42 2.6.1 Changes in the implementation environment ...... 42 3. Performance Monitoring and Supervision ...... 42 4. Actions for the upcoming quarter ...... 43 5. Management and administrative issues ...... 45 6. Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) ...... 45 7. Conflict sensitivity ...... 46 8. Branding, marking, outreach and communications and dissemination (ADS 320) ...... 46

Executive Summary 1. Project overview 1.1 Key Achievements 1.1.1 Beneficiary Mobilization  In the reporting period, the project continued forming and strengthening enterprise groups identified based on the results of the Community-based Participatory Planning (CBPP). The identified enterprises are being supported with a provision of a customized support package based on needs and basic economic analysis, a step towards turning identified enterprises into viable business entities. The support package includes tools and equipment as well as trainings.  The project has completed the formation of 366 enterprise groups in all the locations, these include 100 in Western Equatoria State (WES), 100 in Jonglei, 66 in Northern Bahr El Ghazal (NBeG) and 100 in Lakes state.  In the four project locations selected for implementing the Livestock Intensification Sub- activity, the livestock team sensitized government and NGO partners to mobilize beneficiaries participating in ‘Small Ruminant Conditioning and Marketing’, and ‘Milk Vendors’ (keepers of lactating cows) who supply milk to milk bars, to conserve and utilize locally available feed resources. The actual community mobilization and feed conservation at grassroots level is now progressing in full force. 1.1.2 Assessments  Completed Seed System Security Assessment report is complete. (Annex I)  A Rapid assessment to identify locally available feed ingredients was conducted and cost effective fish feed for fish farmers in Yambio town was formulated. Findings indicate the availability of grinding mill sweepings and rice husk by-products from local grain and rice grinding mills as an opportunity, of which farmers should take advantage as affordable fish feed ingredient. It is estimated that some 0.54 tonnes of grinding mill sweeping and 12.5 tonnes of rice husk can be sourced annually from Yambio town and this can support the farming of an estimated 6 500 kg of fish per year.  A Preliminary assessment focusing on fishery value chain, food safety and fish post-harvest losses was conducted in Jonglei State and Juba. Findings indicate that major contributing factors for the high post-harvest fish loss include: lack of proper fish landing facilities, lack of hygiene and sanitation facilities coupled with lack of community awareness on sanitation throughout the fish value chain as well as lack of fish preservation means (icing)/infrastructure (cold storage) and rudimentary preservation techniques. Fish post-harvest loss is highest during the rainy seasons, when access to markets is limited by impassable roads and the rainy weather impedes proper sun drying or smoking fish in the open air. (Annex II).  Data collection and compilation of feasibility study reports for water infrastructure development was completed. The reports are for four deep borehole sites in Aweil Centre, two in Aweil North in the Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, five sites in Bor South (four deep boreholes and one haffir) and three sites in Bor North (two deep boreholes and one haffir), in the Jonglei State (Annex III).  Fuel efficient baseline survey in Bor was conducted in March 2019 (Annex IV).

 Environmental and social impact assessments for four infrastructures in Jonglei State were completed, and three are on-going in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Additional infrastructure constructions will be undertaken during the next quarter. (Annex V)  The project in consultation with the members of the enterprise groups has provided basic economic analysis for different value chain commodities / enterprises that have been finalized for support through trainings and in-kind support for tools & equipment.  The project-developed business plans include a situation analysis, a proposed management structure, and a basic economic analysis for a number of infrastructures being developed in the project focused areas. 1.1.3 Construction  8 out of 13 infrastructure under construction were completed during the reporting period. These include: Market sheds (one in each NBeG-Aweil Center, Lakes-Yirol west and in Wulu; Jonglei- Bor South and in Twic East), a Slaughter slab (Jonglei- Bor South) and a Milk bar (NBeG- Aweil North), and a solar-powered borehole in Yambio at the Women Centre (see table in Annex VI)  Of the thirteen sites under construction two are FAO Field Offices: a new office in Yambio and an upgrading of the office in Bor. The Yambio office is complete and upgrading of the Bor Office is 50percent complete.  The contract for construction of a slaughter slab in Twic East County, Jonglei State was signed but due to inaccessibility, construction will start at the onset of the dry season.  Construction of a Milk bar in Jonglei State is at 90percent completion.  A total of seven (07) fish farming ponds were rehabilitated in former Western Equatoria State and three of the ponds were stocked with tilapia and catfish fingerlings for fish farming.  Although tendering was done for the five water infrastructure in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and two in Jonglei, due to budget cut only three water infrastructures will be constructed.  Due to decrease of an obligated amount for the project implementation, the proje ct will decrease number of initially planned infrastructures from 43 infrastructures to only 19 (this includes the 8 completed) (Annex VI: Infrastructure target versus achieved) 1.1.4 Establishment of groups  366 enterprise groups, (100 in WES, 100 in Jonglei, 66 in NBeG and 100 in Lakes state)  416 crop producer groups, 36 fishing groups, 308 community facilitators and 203 Community Based Animal Health Workers (CBAHWs) identified  Nineteen (19) Natural Resource Management Committees (NRMCs), seven (7) tree nursery groups  Nine (9) teak planting groups established in Western Equatoria  Eleven (11) beekeeping groups were established in WES totaling 315 people ( 226 male and 89 female  Six goat conditioning and marketing groups were established and being supported in improved livestock and feed management 1.1.5 Trainings  FAO participated in training on Fawligen, a naturally occurring biological insecticide, for the biological control of Fall Armyworm, as part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme on maize.  Four Trainings of Trainers (ToT) sessions were organized for project Service Providers (SPs) namely on gender, gender-based violence (GBV), nutrition, HIV/AIDS dynamics and

management; in business skills, enterprise development, group dynamics and management; best agricultural practices; natural resource management (NRM).  A field level ToT session was conducted on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for 31 participants (15 male, 16 female) in former Lakes State.  Capacity building of Natural Resource Management (NRM): The training of the Natural Resources Management Committees (NRMC) has resulted in 4 NRMCs in Western Equatoria also strengthening the capacity to manage natural resources in their respective areas through creation of awareness. The awareness reached 574 HHs in Yambio Central (Nangbimo Boma, Sakure Payam and Ndavuro Boma) and in Nzara Central Payam.  Practical on-farm training on fish pond construction and rehabilitation was undertaken in former Western Equatoria targeting one fish farming women group selected for piloting fish farming. 1.1.6 Training of beneficiaries Training of the beneficiaries in intervention areas continued throughout the reporting and a total of 10 719 HHs (5 995 males and 6143 females) were trained. Summary table showing the training by state (Annex VII) 1.1.7 Input delivery and distribution  Crop Production: FAO distributed crop seeds for the main season (i.e. maize, rice, sesame, and cowpea) and vegetable (i.e. eggplant, okra, watermelon, onion, amaranth, collard, pumpkin, Roma tomato, Moneymaker tomato) seeds and tools to crop production groups to the 416 crop production groups.  Post-harvest and storage support: distributed 5 000 hermetic storage bags, 500 tarpaulins, and 419 portable moisture meters to crop enterprise groups and crop production groups.  Fisheries: The project reached a total of 360 (333 male and 27 female) fisherfolk to increase their sustainable fish catch through the fishing kit distribution. The distributed kits comprised a total of 1 301 spools of fishing twines, 1 032 boxes of fishing hooks, and 396 mono-filament lines in Jonglei and Lakes state. In addition, the project distributed 32 fiberglass canoes to 8 fishing groups of a total of 240 members in Jonglei and Lakes states. To promote improved fish post-harvest handling practices, 14 tarpaulins were distributed to seven fishing groups comprised of a total of 240 members in Lakes state. Based on Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA) findings, fishing input support provided by the project has enabled beneficiaries to harvest an average yield of 11.3 kg fish per day.  Promotion of integrated aquaculture practices: distributed 424 spades and 48 wheel barrows to six fish farming groups comprising a total of 180 members in Western Equatoria to support the rehabilitation of fish farming ponds  Bee production: distributed improved bee hives and honey harvesting equipment to two beekeeping groups (60 members) in Western Equatoria and Jonglei States.  Tree nurseries and seedling production: Service Providers in Western Equatoria distributed 2 000 polythene bags to a tree nursery group (Navundio) for production of 1 500 Guavas seedlings and 500 jackfruit seedlings.  Promotion intercropping practices: In Western Equatoria, Yambio and Nzara, project procured 4 500 seedlings of teak tree for intercropping practices for two groups (2964 seedlings to Nakpanga to plant in six feddan1 and 1 536 seedlings to Mbarote farmers in Nzara to plan in 3 feddans).

1 Unit of measurement equal to 1.03 acres 7

1.1.8 Procurement  The identification of customized packages for tools and equipment has been completed for project value chain commodities, and procurement process has been initiated.  Tender invitation for viable fruit tree seed suppliers was done and the selected supplier will be delivering fruit tree seeds to FAO in the course of the quarter. 1.1.9 Contracts FAO has signed a contract with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the implementation of the project Building resilience, recovery and peaceful coexistence for conflict affected communities in Abyei and also with seven (7) organizations: Star Trust Organization (STO), Tearfund, Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA), HAGI, ACROSS, HAD, Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (VSF- Germany) for the operation of seed fairs in collaboration with FAO Emergency Response Livelihood Programme (ERLP) in the former Jonglei state, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Lakes state. 1.1.10 Staff Recruitment The project involved several staff, namely:

 Two international staff (Civil Engineer and Natural Resources Management Officer)  Eight National Staff;  Three Value Chain/Agronomist Consultants;  Two Farmer Field School National Officers;  Two National Engineers;  One National Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Consultant 1.1.11 Joint Programing and collaboration  WFP Smallholder Agriculture Market Support (SAMS) project to improve market access for the production groups in intervention areas;  UNICEF support to Children Associated with Armed Forces or Groups (CAFAG) to improve livelihoods;  Partnerships for Resilience and Recovery (PfRR): FAO has been engaged in the PfRR since the beginning of the partnership and plays a key role in coordinating the partnership. Most importantly, FAO plays a key role at the strategic level as a member of the Steering Committee and Technical Working Group, in Advocacy PfRR at global and national level, in facilitation with USAID and Management Systems International (MSI) the Joint Assessment Monitoring Group (JAMG) group (RIMA analysis per area), but also at field level - focal point for PfRR for Wau Area (with USAID and ACTED). Moreover, FAO is coordinating PfRR Pillar 3 Restore Productive Capacities and is also coordinating partners and activity mapping for the PfRR partnership areas. 1.1.12 Communication The project included the preparation of live-to-tape programmes across project areas on identified topics

Both programmes were recorded and produced by Radio Anisa, a local radio station in Yambio, which is part of CRN Catholic Radio Network.

The project captured various successful stories from different areas. The story on Supporting farmers’ choice for improved food security and nutrition was published on the FAO in Emergencies website http://www.fao.org/emergencies/fao-in-action/stories/stories-detail/en/c/1201357/; photographs from organized seed fairs were published on FAO in Emergencies website: http://www.fao.org/emergencies/resources/photos/photo-detail/en/c/1200307/ and FAO of the UN Flickr account: https://www.flickr.com/photos/faooftheun/albums/72157709357216347

1.2 Key lessons learned, challenges encountered in this reporting period and windows of opportunities

1.2.1 Improved production for smallholder farmer The provision of quality seeds resulted in increased production that also reduced the househol d and national food gap, which fortifies the consideration for continuous support to enhance local production of quality seeds to reduce seed import. 1.2.2 Marketing and market linkages Despite the increased yield that fishing groups have attained thanks to support from the project, it still remains a challenge for fisherfolk to access larger markets and secure a better price for their product. The traditional canoes currently used by fisherfolk limit their navigation ability, hinderin access to larger markets. Fiberglass canoes distributed by the project play an important role in enhancing their fishing capability and expanding market reach. Linking fish producer groups with private traders and providing canoes can significantly contribute to addressing the challenge.

Overall, linking farmer production groups with markets enables them to increase their sales and profit margins (e.g. market linkages in Yambio between SAFER production groups and WFP’s community- based collection points). This needs to be further strengthened through provision of seed storage facilities at community- and county- level. 1.2.3 Innovative approaches and practices The project introduced innovative solutions at the community level, including fiber canoes to fishing communities, fish-smoking ovens and multi-purpose water infrastructure. This needs to be further scaled-up through increased outreach and inclusion of more diversified value chain commodities. 1.2.4 Improved access to water Designing and constructing climate-smart water management technologies, such as the solar- powered multi-purpose borehole built near the Women Centre in Yambio, strengthened the community organization and management capacity through reduced operation and maintenance costs.

Furthermore, rain water harvesting has been shown to successfully supplement water for domestic use and irrigation purposed for up to two months.

1.2.5 Implementation The group approach has worked quite well to facilitate farmer communities during the implementation of the project. It was learnt, to support extend support to individuals, this would allow the inclusion and strengthening of the private sector to be part of value chain commodities supported by the project. 1.2.6 Creating an enabling environment To support the overall growth of the agriculture sector, there is a need to increase adaptive policies to create an enabling business environment for public institutions involved in quality assurance of the agriculture commodities and the extension services. This would allow for the expansion of agricultural activities at the national level and possibly facilitate participation in the export market.

1.3 Key Challenges  Despite the land ownership certificate obtained from the local government in Jonglei for milk bar construction in Bor, the municipality did not handover the site on time, which created delays in the construction process.  The construction of the market shade in Bor Town was suspended for three days because personnel of the construction company were threatened by local community members. The challenge was solved after discussion with community members and leaders in the presence of local authorities.  In the period between October and December 2018, normal long dry spells widely spread across Lakes State affected local vegetable production, mainly hindernig tomato and eggplant seedlings cultivated far from boreholes, rivers or swamps, which in turn had to rely solely on rain water.  Inter-communal conflict among communities in Yirol West and Yirol East broke out in November 2018 affecting implementation of project activities in areas including Aluakluak, Geer and Adior Bomas.  Following a presidential directive from the Republic of South Sudan dated 18 December 2018, suppliers were left stranded on the South Sudanese border due to customs clearance issues while many orders were still being delivered. This blockage created serious problems for delivery of procured goods and inputs. Discussions between affected UN Agencies and the Government of South Sudan finally resolved the issue.  Pests and diseases: Fall Armyworm (FAW) remains a big challenge to farmers as the pest continues to attack their crop, especially maize crop. 1.4. Recommendations 1.4.1 Inputs and seeds Provision of quality seeds resulted in increased production that also reduced the household and national food gap; there is a need for continuous support to ensure the local production of quality seeds and not having to drastically depend on seed import. 1.4.2 Promotion of improved access to water through climate smart technologies water technologies Designing and constructing climate-smart water management technologies, like solar-powered multi- purpose boreholes, can strengthen community organization and management capacity through reduced operation and maintenance costs. These need to be scaled up to be able to provide access to water through groundwater harvesting.

Moreover, there is a need to invest in water harvesting technologies to increase water availability for irrigation and domestic usage. 1.4.3 Marketing and market linkages There is a need to strengthen governance and management of markets, to be extended in urban and peri-urban areas. An important consequence of improved market share is the increased volume of goods sold on the market, which boosts market demand from the surrounding community.

The increased access to quality agricultural inputs, complemented with appropriate technical support and training throughout the production cycle, resulted in increased productivity for net producers, and an overall increase in availability of food, boosting food consumption at home, and generating income from the sale of surplus produce.

Based on the assessment conducted by FAO in the reporting period, landing sites and fish markets in Bor and Juba do not have reliable structures and facilities. There are no ports available for receiving, weighing, cleaning fish, handwashing and sanitation purposes. These facilities should be taken into account in the design of fish landing site infrastructures that are planned to be constructed by the project.

Fish farming that utilizes imported fish feed is not economically viable in Western Equatoria. Establishing a viable fish farming business requires the use of low-cost locally available by-products and feeding ingredients. Grinding mill sweepings and rice husks from local grinding mills, coupled with pig manure for pond fertilization, can serve as a low cost fish feed solution for fish farmers. 1.4.6 Cooperation / collaboration / partnerships Although under the SAFER project no vaccines and chemicals are distributed, linkages and collaboration with other FAO projects or other partners succeeded in providing emergency livestock vaccinations, while other treatment project under SAFER operation areas further helped to address the issue of diseases in livestock. 1.4.7 Creation of an enabling environment In light of supporting the overall growth of the agriculture sector, there is a need to increase adaptive policies to create an enabling business environment for public institutions involved in quality

11 assurance of the agriculture commodities and extension services. This would allow for the expansion agricultural activities at the national level and possibly facilitate participation in the export market. 1.4.8 Innovative approaches, technologies and practices The project introduced innovative solutions at the community level, including fiber canoes to fish communities, fish-smoking ovens and multi-purpose water infrastructure. 1.4.9 Revised Work plan and budget The work plan was revised and submitted to USAID in response to a decrease in obligated amount for the project implementation. During the revision, a detailed analysis of the activities and target was done, leading to a revised procurement plan to match the revised activities and targets. Support packages to enterprise groups were updated in terms of quantity, although the overall objectives, activities and targets were not revised. However due to high capital costs, the infrastructure numbers were reduced from a total of 43 to 19 across the implementation areas. Efforts were made to balance the allocation and also to make sure the enterprise groups strengthening activities are not grossly changed. An updated work plan is in Annex VIII. 1.5 Qualitative results Section 2.2.2 describes some of the products and services (outputs) delivered by the project so far as well as how these are being translated into early outcomes (in terms of capacities, knowledge, adoption of efficient/sustainable production and processing practices, value chain engagement, economic activity, market participation, among others). The mid-term evaluation conducted in September 2019 is still under finalization.

The qualitative achievements so far, which are descriptive dimensions of the quantitative indicators in the Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS), can be summarized as follows:

 Inclusiveness – half of the beneficiaries for the training and capacity-building interventions (excluding those under the natural resource management committees) were female.  Relevance and appropriateness of interventions – all the beneficiaries interviewed under the post-distribution monitoring surveys reported that the support received was timely and addressed a very pertinent production or livelihood constraints affecting their resilience.  Comprehensiveness of support – the wide range of training and capacity improvement has covered a wide range aspects of the multidimensional challenges affecting production and livelihoods in the project area.  Synergistic reinforcement of results – production skills improvement, prudent natural resource management, infrastructure improvement, capacity strengthening and promotion of value chains and market participation have fed into each other to generate improvements in household access to food (crops, fish, milk) and incomes, nutrition and resilience (as shown in the PIRS updates). 1.6 Impact Analysis In terms of the programme objective of contributing to improved resilience in the target areas, as well as achieving the project outcome of improving household food and nutrition security, there has been an observed positive trend in the impact and outcome indicators over the project implementation period, as reflected in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1 Targets and trends in the impact and outcome indicators (Source: FSNMS, 2018)

The indicator targets for 2018 were exceeded by at least 25 percent, while the average value of produce sold per household has almost quadrupled. Although the absolute Resilience Capacity Index (RCI) values have increased quite significantly, the percentages of food secure households and those with an Acceptable Food Consumption Score (FCS) remain relatively low. This can be attributed to the large percentage of food-insecure households in the project areas in particular. Assuming the pace at which the results are achieved remains constant, the linear projection of the indicator value trends shows that all the 2020 targets can be exceeded by varying amounts, with the value of produce sales and food consumption scores projected to be much higher than the established targets. There are implications in determining impact in the short term, and the indicator values on their own do not provide the necessary counterfactual to exclude any effects from other external interventions or adaptive action in the beneficiary communities and provide a valid measure of attribution. Moreover, the changes in the risks and assumptions in the programming logic are not considered yet they complete the plausibility of the theory underpinning the interventions. Therefore it is important to take into account the following considerations:  The project/programme is on course to achieving its stated impact of contributing to improved the resilience and food security of households and communities in the targeted areas.  A comprehensive impact assessment, covering other key evaluation questions like the relevance, effectiveness and sustainability of the project/programme, is required to ascertain whether these medium-term statistics and trends are maintained throughout the course of the programme and beyond. This is planned as part of the project’s evaluation schedule.

1.7 Geographical coverage

2. The Sustainable Agriculture for Economic Resiliency project

2.1 Introduction and background The Sustainable Agriculture for Economic Resiliency (SAFER) project completed its first year with a steadfast implementation. At this pace, the project is set to accomplish its objective on time, filling the nexus of humanitarian and development programming in South Sudan by enhancing sustainable livelihoods of vulnerable households and populations. The project focuses on supporting livelihoods and building resilience and recovery by addressing vulnerabilities at the household and community that hinder agriculture development among resident communities, returnees and internally displaced persons.

The project has three main pillars to address: (i) restoring and diversifying livelihoods, (ii) restoring and strengthening agricultural production practices and (iii) strengthening community and intercommunal resource sharing and management practices. 2.2 Achievements of this reporting period During the reporting period, from October 2018 to September 2019, the project had several achievements both within operational and programmatic aspects, as outlined below.

2.2.1 Operational achievements Recruitment of staff To ensure the smooth operations, the following staff members were recruited specifically for this project:

 An International Civil Engineer was recruited in November 2018;  Two National Engineers were recruited: a National Water Engineer was recruited in April 2019 to assist with the water demand assessment and feasibility studies in Jonglei and to supervise the construction. The second National Engineer was recruited in May 2019 to supervise the construction in Northern Bahr el Ghazal;  In June 2019, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment National Consultant (ESIA), was recruited;  A Value Chain/Agronomist Consultant for Jonglei and Lakes State joined the project in June 2019, and a Value Chain/Agronomist Consultant for Aweil joined in July 2019;  A Farmer Field School National Officer for Lakes and Western Equatoria joined the project in June 2019.

Contracts signed

FAO signed a contract with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the implementation of a project on “Building resilience, recovery and peaceful coexistence for conflict affected communities in Abyei”. For operation of seed fairs in collaboration with the Emergency Response Livelihood Programme (ERLP) in Western Equatoria, FAO has signed Letter of Agreement (LoA) with STO.

FAO has also signed Letters of Agreement (LoAs) with six service providers (i.e. Tearfund, NPA, HAGI, ACROSS, HAD, VSF-Germany) for the operation of seed fairs in collaboration with FAO ELRP in the former states of Jonglei State, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Lakes. 2.2.2 Programmatic achievements

Output 1: Household and community livelihoods restored and diversified During this reporting period, the focus was on formation/strengthening of viable or existing alternatives or secondary livelihood activities that especially engage women and youth groups. To enable identified enterprise choices, enterprise groups are formed and supported through capacity development, tools and equipment, and linking them with SAFER-supported infrastructures (e.g. slaughter slabs, market shades, etc.). All the attempted diversification activities are successful, signaling a high potential of diversification of agriculture in South Sudan. The value chains identified and being supported are:

 Beekeeping;  Food processing (maize, sorghum, groundnuts and cassava);  Improved production of vegetables;  Hides and skins;  Meat processing;  Milk;  Fisheries - SAFER has proposed a new system of fish conservation through improved smoking techniques.

Sub-output 1.1: Production enterprises diversified

Activity 1.1.1 Community-based participatory planning to identify enterprise choices.

In the reporting period, the project continued forming and strengthening enterprise groups identified based on the results of the CBPP. The identified enterprises are being supported with a provision of customized support packages based on needs and basic economic analysis, a step towards enabling the identified enterprises to become economically viable. The support package includes tools and equipment as well as trainings. Details are provided in the following sections. Activity 1.1.2 Technical, economic, social and environmental feasibility studies.

The project in consultation with the members of the enterprise groups has developed basic economic analysis for different value chain commodities/enterprises that have been finalized for support through trainings and in-kind tools and equipment. The economic analysis undertaken for various value chain commodities include improved production of vegetable, crop processing (maize, sorghum, groundnuts and cassava), beekeeping, milk processing and handling, hides and skins, fisheries, and meat. The outcome of the economic analysis indicates that enterprises that are being supported, have the potential to be profitable and sustainable.

The project value chain team developed business plans including a situation analysis, a proposed management structure, and a basic economic analysis for a number of infrastructures that are being developed in the areas identified by the project. These include market shades, seed stores, slaughter slabs, auction yards, hides and skins facilities, and milk bars.

Activity 1.1.3 Procurement of inputs, tools and equipment for identified livelihood enterprises. The project continued to prompt dry season farming activities across its implementation areas through input, tool and equipment distribution. The inputs include assorted vegetable seeds distributed to vegetable production enterprises. The tools and equipment include irrigation equipment including motorized water pumps, treadle pumps, hand hoes, wheelbarrows hose pipes, hoes, watering buckets, rakes and sickles. Identification of additional tools and equipment to support enterprise groups have been completed, these include—but are not limited to—post-harvest tools, crop processing mills, honey processing, tools for meat processing and hides and skins, as well as milk handling and processing equipment. The identification of a customized package for tools and equipment has been completed for the value chain commodities specified in Table 2.1, and the procurement process has been initiated.

Activity 1.1.4 Formation/strengthening of enterprise groups.

The project has completed training for 366 enterprise groups in all locations, including 100 in WES, 100 in Jonglei, 66 in NBeG and 100 in Lakes state. The strengthening of these enterprise groups is ongoing and will continue throughout the lifespan of the project. This includes trainings (i.e. enterprise/value chain commodity, business and enterprise development), cross-cutting issues (gender based violence (GBV), literacy and numeracy, village saving and loan schemes), and support through providing in-kind support for tools and equipment. Table 2.1 shows a detailed list of enterprise groups formed and tagged with specific value chain commodity identified as a potential business opportunity for the respective groups. In addition, 16 enterprise groups have been formed for the Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups (CAAFAG).

State Value Chain Commodity No of Enterprise Groups State Value Chain Commodity No of Enterprise Groups WES 100 Jonglei 100 Maize Processing 11 Vegetables Production 40 Groundnuts Processing 8 Sorghum Production 46 Cassava Processing 9 Sorghum Processing 2 Vegetables Production 9 Groundnut Processing 1 Teak Wood - Intercropping 9 with G-Nuts / Beans Meat 2 Beekeeping 27 Hide and Skin 2 Fisheries 6 Poultry Enterprises 1 Poultry 6 Goat 1 Goats 6 Milk 1 Piggery 3 Dry Fish 4 Agro dealers (inputs supply) 3 Eastern Lakes 45 Seed Multiplication 3 Sorghum Production 2 Groundnuts Production 39 NBeG 66 & Processing Sorghum Processing 7 Milk Processing 1 Groundnuts Processing 9 Vegetables 1 Vegetable Production 24 Grinding (Cereal Processing) 1 Fisheries 12 Fisheries 1 Poultry 2 Poultry 2 Meat Processing 1 Meat Processing 1 Milk Processing 3 Milk Processing 3 Tree Nursery 2 Tree Nursery 2 Hide & skins 2 Hide & skins 2 Beekeeping 4 Beekeeping 4 Western Lakes 55 WES - CAAFAG 16 Sorghum Processing 3 Maize Processing 2 Groundnuts Processing 3 Groundnuts Processing 1 Sesame / Cowpeas 3 Cassava Processing 2 Vegetable Production 38 Vegetables Enterprise 3 Beekeeping 1 Fish 2 Fish 2 Poultry 2 Poultry 3 Goats 2 Goats 2 Piggery 1 Seed Multiplication 1 Table 2.1 Enterprise groups trained within each location

Activity 1.1.5 ToT for partners on group development, enterprise development, gender and GBV, nutrition, HIV/AIDS group dynamics and management

During the reporting period, FAO organized TOTs on gender, GBV, nutrition, HIV/AIDS dynamics and management for project SPs, which took place in Juba from 26 to 28 March 2019 and were attended by twelve participants from the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Vétérinaires Sans Frontières- Germany (VSF-G), Support for Peace, Education, Development, Prosperity (SPEDP) and Star Trust Organization (STO). The training covered topics such as nutrition, food handling and processing, hygiene and food safety, GBV prevention, and the prevalence and impact of HIV/AIDS on food security and linkages with agriculture sector. Moreover, integrating nutrition sensitive agriculture in smallholder households was also discussed. Results from the post-training evaluation show that the training had a positive impact having increased the knowledge of participants by 34 percent.

With respect to trainings on group dynamics and enterprise development, the value chain expert conducted four TOTs for all the five partners in Yambio (STO), Bor (NRC), Aweil (SPEDP) and Rumbek (ACTED and VSG-G) States. The training covered different aspects of business skills, enterprise development, group dynamics and management.

Activity 1.1.6 Continuous trainings (for enterprise groups) on enterprise development, gender and GBV, nutrition, HIV/AIDS group dynamics and management In this reporting period a number of enterprise specific field-level trainings took place across the project areas. The trainings in different thematic areas (enterprise development, business skills, 17 record keeping, financial management, gender and GBV, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, group dynamics and management) for the enterprise groups are in progress and would continue in coming months.

In WES, eleven business skills and enterprise development trainings were conducted for 74 enterprise groups. The trainings were conducted in Yambio, Nzara and Tambura Counties - a total of 337 participants (212 males and 125 females); the trainings also included two cross-cutting thematic areas i.e. GBC and HIV/AIDS.

In Lakes State a total of 264 (235 female, 29 male) households from nine vegetable groups were trained on vegetable production techniques and marketing, one fish enterprise group (13 female, 17 male) was trained in fish processing and preservation, two poultry enterprise groups (35 female, 25 male) were trained in chicken production and animal disease control, one livestock enterprise group (13 female, 17 male) was trained in livestock production and marketing, and four crop production enterprise groups (59 female, 49 male) were trained in post-harvest handling, storage and marketing.

Moreover, 402 households (181 female-headed and 221 male-headed) from enterprise groups were trained in enterprise development, gender and GBV, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, group dynamics and management in Lakes state. In addition, two vegetable enterprise groups with a total of 60 members (48 females and 12 males) and four enterprise groups with 115 members (49 females and 66 males) received training in enterprise development, business skills, record keeping, financial management, gender and GBV, nutrition, HIV/AIDS, group dynamics and management. The vegetable enterprise groups were also trained on vegetable production best practices (i.e. vegetable nursery bed raising, nursery bed management, plots demarcation, spacing, and irrigation with motorized water pumps).

Sub-output 1.2: Local value chain activities supported

Activity 1.2.1 Training for small scale construction (beehives, fish ponds and kiln, poultry houses, market shades, improved seed granaries/storage facilities) In the reporting period, a ToT session for beekeeping enterprise groups was conducted in former WES. The training in thematic areas included beekeeping production, processing and marketing, and construction of improved beehives from locally available materials. The training was attended by 25 participants from Yambio, Nzara and Tambura counties, imparting various skills to manage certain aspects of the honey value chain. In addition, the training also supported the beneficiaries to acquire basic skills to build improved beehives using locally available material.

In addition, the project conducted training on beekeeping management, including cross-cutting topics, to 33 group members (22 male, 11 female) in Yambio. More trainings are scheduled for subsequent quarters.

Moreover in the reporting period, practical on-farm training was conducted on fish pond construction and rehabilitation in former WES. During the practical training and technical assistance, a total of seven fish ponds, with a total area of 4 250 square meters, belonging to four fishing groups were rehabilitated. Further trainings are planned for subsequent quarters.

Activity 1.2.2 Procurement of post-harvest equipment, tools and inputs

This activity is linked with Activity 1.1.3. The identification of post-harvest equipment, tools and input have been completed for all the enterprise groups and the procurement process has been initiated.

Activity 1.2.3. Construction of appropriate infrastructure, silos, granaries, slaughter slabs, hides and skin sheds, fish landing sites

Selection of sites for construction of appropriate infrastructure was finalized in project locations. The process included participatory discussions with communities and local government to identi fy the most suitable areas and reach an understanding of the future management and governance of the infrastructure as well as technical feasibility assessments. FAO also obtained land certificates from the local government for sites allocated for infrastructures.

The value chain team also developed business plans that include a proposed management plan along with projected financials and revenue. In the reporting period, the project handed over slaughter slabs in Twic East, Jonglei. For the development of each infrastructure, an MoU will be signed between the newly formed management committees and the respective state authorities before official handing over of the infrastructures to the communities.

To improve the management and sustainability of the infrastructure, including the water supply system, the project is preparing to train the groups and the management committee for operation and maintenance. The training are scheduled to start in the next quarter.

Activity 1.2.4. Training in use, maintenance and management of post-harvest technologies including food handling and hygiene

Steveral three to five-day long trainings on post-harvest technologies were organized in Western Equatoria and Lakes States. The trainings focused on reducing post-harvest losses from crops such as maize, sorghum, groundnuts and cowpeas, and included sessions on handling and packaging, storage, marketing, farm record keeping tools and standard financial tools. In addition, the training included cross-cutting sessions on nutrition, during which participants had an opportunity to learn about the importance of balanced diets and various food groups. A total of 174 (109 male and 65 female) community trainers were trained in Western Equatoria. These trainers will further facilitate trainings within project beneficiary groups.

In Lakes state, a total of 14 crop production groups comprising 391 households (140 female-headed, and 251 male-headed) have benefitted from the training. The post-harvest training continued to be conducted in the three counties of former Lakes state, namely Wulu, Rumbek Centre and Rumbek East. A total of 448 beneficiaries were trained (33 male, 415 female). The participants were drawn from 15 vegetable groups. The training covered, among other topics, general post-harvesting considerations, post-harvest technology procedures, harvesting time, harvesting tools, and packaging of vegetables, preservation and sun drying.

Trainings in post-harvest technologies are an ongoing activity and shall be continued in subsequent quarters as the delivery of post-harvest equipment is still ongoing.

Activity 1.2.5. Conduct continuous trainings programmes in basic literacy and numeracy and business skills The trainings on basic literacy, numeracy and business skills is a continuous activity undertaken by the enterprise group throughout the project life to enhance literacy levels and bookkeeping skills during their capacity enhancement processes. During the reporting period, a total of 120 households (106 female-headed and 14 male-headed) were trained in Jonglei State. In NBeG nine enterprise groups have been trained in basic literacy and numeracy trainings. This activity is linked with Activity 1.1.5 on the thematic area of business skills.

Activity 1.2.6. Establish start-up small grants and modalities of disbursement, management and monitoring, and saving schemes

During the reporting period, a total of eight enterprise groups in Jonglei and nine enterprise groups in NBeG were trained on basic understanding and methodology of village saving and loan schemes. The project also planned to provide Village Savings and Loans (VSL) kits (sandok – safe box, and stationary to maintain records) to well-performing enterprise groups.

Sub-output 1.3: Market access improved Activity 1.3.1 Support formation/strengthening of marketing groups such as community based seed producers, hides and skin enterprises, artisans for agro-based inputs (carpenters, blacksmiths)

The enterprise groups are being further transformed to operate as market groups and linked with the project infrastructures developed; these include vegetable production, milk processing, meat and hides and skins, and are linked with market shades, milk bars, and slaughter slabs, respectively, to undertake their marketing activities. This activity would be continued and more enterprise groups would be linked as more infrastructures would be completed in the upcoming quarters.

Activity 1.3.2 Establish market linkages activities for various enterprises including honey, vegetables, shea butter, hides and skins, fish, poultry and livestock products

Establishing and strengthening market linkages for enterprise groups is an ongoing activity. The enterprise groups will be linked with infrastructures currently under construction to have market opportunities to increase their sales and enhance profit margins. Construction of various infrastructure is still ongoing and project beneficiaries have already been sensitized. Developed by the project, infrastructure business plans would be validated with the selected groups to manage them in the upcoming quarters. Activity 1.3.3 FAO ToT on intensive technical, hygiene and food safety, and business training

The ToT conducted for partners in four different project locations (Activity 1.1.5) also included business skills, in addition to business development, group dynamics and management. A field level ToT session on WASH was conducted in April/May 2019 for 31 participants (15 male, 16 female) in Rumbek, former Lakes State. Trained facilitators have organized field-level trainings for the project beneficiaries in subsequent quarters.

Activity 1.3.4 Procure and provide relevant inputs, equipment, tools and material not locally available

The procurement of inputs for enterprise groups is ongoing, and this activity is linked with Activity 1.1.3.

Activity 1.3.5 Set up and monitor small grant marketing groups

The project developed, infrastructure business plans to be validated with groups to manage the infrastructure in the next quarters. The market shade in Aweil Northern Bahr el Ghazala and Jonglei State, and the Slaughter slab in Twic East were handed over to the management committee comprised of SAFER-supported vegetable production, milk bars and meat enterprise groups. In Northern Bahr El Ghazal the construction of the milk bar has just been completed and plans for official handover and signing of the MoU with the management committee is in progress.

To improve the management and sustainability of the infrastructure, the project is preparing to train the groups and the management committee for operation and maintenance.

Activity 1.3.6 Establish seed banks for seed producers and link them to Input Trade Fairs

In order to support crop diversification, this year the project organized seed fairs to allow beneficiaries to procure additional varieties of seeds - each beneficiary received cash vouchers equal to USD 26 which were redeemed for the most preferred variety of locally available seeds..

To organize seeds fairs, FAO signed LoAs with Tearfund, NPA, HAGI, ACROSS, HAD, and VSF-Germany; through the organization seed fairs, beneficiaries were able to access high quality local varieties of seeds to diversify their agricultural production, while at the same time the project increased income of local seed sellers, thus having a positive impact on the local economy.

This activity also facilitated the connection between the project enterprise groups engaged in seed production and marketing, supported under Output 1, to participate in seed fairs as sellers/vendors with crop production groups supported under Output 2 who participated in seed fairs as buyers. In addition, to promote further linkages, seed sellers/vendors were able to participate in the seed fairs organized by FAO ELRP program.

Activity 1.3.7 Pilot warehouse receipt system for grain producers under 1.1 and link with WFP Purchase for Progress (P4P) programme

The SAFER project in Yambio and Nzara counties in Western Equatoria has supported the crop production groups to link with the WFP Small Agriculture Holders Market Support (SAMS) project to sell cereals to WFP, which is used to support school feeding programmes in Yambio and other nearby towns. One of the major challenges farmers face in Western Equatoria is access to markets and hence the two projects have worked together to ensure farmers are able to access markets within their own localities through the establishment of 23 Rural Aggregation Centres in Yambio and Nzara Counties. Both agencies (FAO and WFP) are using the same implementing partner (STO), making it much easier to identify the SAFER crop production groups that have available cereals for sale. A total of 374 tonnes were purchased by WFP, and SAFER beneficiaries account for 10 percent of farmers that have sold their produce through the SAMS project. The WFP project in former Western Equatoria state was closed in March 2019, and will re-open for next harvesting season, when FAO is planning to re-engage with WFP.

Activity 1.3.8 Support formation/strengthening of agro-based dealers

The identification of agro-based dealers was completed in all the project locations. In subsequent quarters, agro-dealers capacity to strengthen their business activities shall be enhanced through trainings and by creating linkages with the SAFER-supported crop production groups. Activity 1.3.9 Build infrastructure for marketing

This activity is linked with Activity 1.3.5 for milk bars and vegetable sheds. The project is supporting the construction of two auction yards, one each in Lakes and Jonglei states.

The market shade in Aweil Northern Bahr el Ghazala and Jonglei state, and the slaughter slab in Twic East were handed over to the management committee comprised of SAFER-supported vegetable production and meat enterprise groups. In NBeG the construction of the milk bar has just been completed and plans for the official handover and signing of the MoU with the management committee is in progress.

In Jonglei state, the construction of milk bars is still in progress and will be completed in the next quarter.

Four market shades, two each in Lakes (Wulu and Yirol) and Jonglei (Bor and Twic East) are also complete and preparations for the handover ceremonies are in progress. Moreover, the construction of the market shades in WES (Tambura and Nzara) will be initiated during the upcoming quarter.

Developed by the project, infrastructure business plans will be validated with groups to manage the infrastructure in the next quarters. The constructed market sheds are an improved model characterized by solar-powered lighting system and water supply provided by solar-powered boreholes for domestic consumption and sanitation purposes, which will also be accessible by the communities living near the market shed and.

Activity 1.3.10 Support of cold chain system for fisher-folks

Forty two cooler boxes procured by the project in the reporting period were received at FAO warehouse in the last month of the reporting period. Distribution of the cooler boxes will be carried out in the next quarter.

Output 2: Good agricultural production practices restored and strengthened The output aims at supporting households to strengthen good agricultural production practices. With improved access to quality agricultural inputs and complementary technical support and trainings throughout the production cycle, beneficiary households will be able to maximize production and increase productivity, becoming net producers. This is expected to increase food security and nutrition, because availability of food for home consumption increases as well as income by selling the produce. Particular attention is being given to strengthen the most critical points in the production chain.

Sub-output 2.1: Sustainable crop production promoted

Activity 2.1.1 Community-based participatory planning to identify major production constraints, prioritize potential interventions/technologies to address constraints

This activity was completed and reported in a previous annual report. The data collected assisted in prioritizing the interventions and activities being implemented.

Activity 2.1.2 Market and Seed System Security Assessment (SSA) to identify accessibility of agro-input: Between October and December 2018, FAO engaged with local authorities at state level for a buy-in into the SSA within their areas. This involved explaining the purpose of the SSA in South Sudan and the involvement of the Government at national level and the role the authorities at state level in allowing for the success of the assessment. The authorities also played a crucial role in the identification and training of enumerators at county level in all sampled clusters or areas across the ten former states. Collaboration with other stakeholders such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) was also done. The enumerators were trained in each location. Following the completion of trainings, a quantitative data collection tool (a household questionnaire) was administered to randomly selected households in each location. Qualitative data collection tools including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, a seed producer questionnaire, an agro-dealer questionnaire and a markets questionnaire were also administered to specific stakeholders to complement quantitative data. Following the completion of data collection, both quantitative and qualitative, each team entered the results into the database as well as narratives with key findings and recommendations from the qualitative data. The data collected and draft report was presented in a validation workshop after which the SSA was finalized (Annex I). 22

Activity 2.1.3 Form and strengthen producer groups to undertake different enterprises

The strengthening of the groups through training and distribution of inputs and tools continued in all the intervention areas.

The SAFER project has trained (cumulative from last year) a total of 416 crop producer groups. During the reporting period in Jonglei State five additional groups were trained in Bor South with a total of 140 Households (91 women and 49 men). In Western Equatoria additional groups as a result of collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in former Western Equatoria State, the project formed nine additional crop production groups from the families of the Children Formerly Associated with Armed Groups (CAFAG). Of the nine groups trained, 6 groups are for crop production, one fish farming group, one vegetable group, and goat farming group benefiting 270HH and 1 081 beneficiaries.

Activity 2.1.4 Procure relevant inputs, equipment and tools in order to pilot the different intensification and climate resilient technologies

FAO procured and distributed crop (i.e. maize, rice, sesame, cowpea) and vegetable (i.e. eggplant, okra, watermelon, onion, amaranth, collard, pumpkin, Rome tomato, Moneymaker tomato) seeds and tools (i.e. rakes, hoes, sickle hermetic storage bags) for the 2019 planting seasons to the 416 crop production groups across the project locations.

In order to support crop diversification, this year FAO organized seed fairs to allow beneficiaries to procure additional varieties of seeds. Each beneficiary received a livelihood kit that includes seeds and tools and were also able to participate in seed fairs. At the seed fairs, beneficiaries received a cash voucher equal to USD 26 which was exchanged for the most preferred locally available seeds. To organize seeds fairs, FAO signed LoAs with STO, Tearfund, NPA, HAGI, ACROSS, HAD, VSF-Germany. This was followed by a technical training to equip the SPs with the technical skills for the seed fairs in April 2019. In addition, the collection of information on seed sellers, and availability and quality assessment of seeds for the seed fair event was also performed. Thanks to the the seed fairs, beneficiaries were able to access high quality local varieties of seeds to diversify their agricultural production, while at the same time the project enabled an increase in the income of local seed sellers, thus having positive impact on local economy.

This activity also allowed to connect the project enterprise groups engaged in seeds production and marketing, supported under Output 1, to participate in seed fairs as sellers/vendors with crop production groups supported under Output 2 who will participate in seed fairs as buyers.

In addition, in order to link the project with the ELRP, seed sellers/vendors participated in the seeds fairs organized by ELRP. Activity 2.1.5 Identify appropriate technology transfer modalities

To deliver relevant agricultural technology to recipient farmers, the project has been following extension modality of utilizing different stakeholders (extension agents) from SPs’ staff and lead farmers identified from among project beneficiaries. The project has identified and is applying extension approaches, among which:

 improve smallholder access to quality seed of improved varieties/new crops;  development of market oriented activities with different business oriented enterprise groups;  arrangement of TOT sessions to develop capacity of SPs and government staffs along with lead farmers from different groups, so that they deliver improved knowledge to farming community; 23

 establishment of demonstration plots with new/improved technology under different production groups;  arrangement of field visits to disseminate the technology among various crop production groups; and  group approaches for easy communication with a larger community.  Farmer Field School (FFS) approach In Northern Bahr Ghazal site selection and establishment of 4 demonstration plots, two in Aweil north (majak bol, mayom-kuol) and two in Aweil center (Mayom-wel/kuom and Aroyo) benefiting 58males and 62 females was also done. While in former Western Equatoria State the project established one demo plot in Yambio Town, which serves for learning and knowledge transfer purposes. This brings the total amount of demo plots in Yambio Town to four. In the Western Equatorial State, 30 FFS (10 in Yambio, 10 in Nzara and 10 Tambura) were formed as knowledge transfer centers for crop production groups and nearby individual farmers to learn from best agronomic practices. In the FFS, most planted maize, cowpeas and groundnuts using the modern agronomic practice.

Activity 2.1.6 Identify and contract potential service provider NGOs and CBOs for provision of services:

This activity was achieved and reported on in the previous year. The monitoring of the service provider with whom FAO signed LoA s continued during g the reporting period.

Activity 2.1.7 Identify potential community facilitators (lead farmers, village facilitators) of 317 community facilitators identified by the Project (62 in Lakes, 66 in Northern Bahr El Ghazal, 180 in Western Equatoria and 9 in Jonglei state).

Activity 2.1.8 Provide both methodological approach and technical training to NGOs, CBOs, lead farmers and Village Facilitators on such topics as micro-irrigation, soil water management, integrated pest management, seed production, etc.

a) Training of NGOs/Service Providers staff

To further strengthen the capacity to deliver seasonal extension training on crop production techniques, the project organized ToT sessions for the project SPs. The training took place in Yambio from 28 February to 5 March 2019. The 18 participants (15 male, 3 female) came from five different SPs, namely STO, NRC, SPEDP, ACTED, and VSF-G. More specifically, the training aimed at improving technical skills and knowledge in crop and vegetable production, as well as the ability to identify and solve field problems.

b) Fawligen pilot project for FAW control

The project, in collaboration with USAID and CABI, AgBitech, has initiated a pilot project test Fawligen, a highly concentrate formulation of Spodoptera frugipierda nucleopolyedrovirus (NPV), for integrated control of FAW, as part of the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme on maize. Bio-pesticides are generally considered to be a categorically lower risk option, and can be a highly effective alternative for FAW management. They are based on FAW pathogens and when used in conjunction with good crop management they can help to keep pest levels under control. As a first step, the FAO technical team representatives from SPs and the Ministry of Agriculture participated in a ToT organized by USAID, CABI, AgBitech in Nairobi in March 2019.

After the training of the FAO technical team representatives from service providers and the Ministry of Agriculture by USAID, CABI and AgBitech in Nairobi in March 2019, the project launched the pilot project in the former states of Western Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes and Central Equatoria. (Report is in Annex VII) The base period was the current cropping season, although information was also obtained on farmer estimation of the seasons for the purpose of understanding any changes that might be attributable to the use of Fawligen. The survey targeted the household head or spouse, or any household member who was responsible for making farming decisions such as crops to cultivate, input use, pest management etc. Local harvest quantity units were converted to kilograms and area units were converted to feddans/acres to ensure comparability. Descriptive analysis was done by calculating frequencies and means where applicable.

Highlights of Activity 2.1.8

 The total land holding planted to maize in the previous season ranged from 0.5-12 feddans per household, and in the current season increased to 1-30 feddans per household, an increase of 86.7percent overall on the mean.  Number of Fawligen applications ranged from 2 to 12 during the cropping season, with a mean of 5.13 applications per farmer.  86.4 percent of the farmers reported that applying Fawligen was very easy.  66.7 percent of the farmers who applied Fawligen reported that crop damage in their fields as a result of fall armyworm was lower than what they had experienced the previous season.  63.2 percent of respondents indicated that the Fawligen treatment had been very successful.  95 percent of the respondents indicated that they were willing to pay for Fawligen if it was available at a stockist near to them, and if the price was reasonable.  Aggregate maize production was estimated as 455.5 kg/feddan without Fawligen, and 683.3 kg/feddan with Fawligen. This amounted to a 50.1percent increase in yield when using Fawligen

c) Training of the farmers and lead farmers

Lakes State

45 crop producer groups totaling 1 389 farmers (534 male members, 855 female members) were trained on improved agronomic practices including land preparation, row planting, weeding, seed selection, intercropping, the crop maturity stages of harvesting, soil fertility management, mulching and crop rotation.

23 crop producer groups (8 groups in Rumbek Centre, 10 groups in Rumbek East and 4 groups in Wulu) were trained on agronomic practices. Each group was trained for a duration of 2 days and saw the participation of 1 370 people, among which 848 were male and 522 female. The two 2-day trainings made an introduction on agronomy practices, land selection and land preparation, importance of crop production, planting, spacing and seed rate, weeding, thinning management in sesame, groundnut, sorghum and maize, weed control in crop production, soil and water conservation, crops production calendar.

Trainings were also conducted on the raising of nursery beds for vegetables, and taught techniques such as mulching and line planting for vegetables for Majak-Ayau group in Awerial County for 626 beneficiaries (258 male members and 368 female members).

Western Equatoria

In the Western Equatoria, 123 crop production groups totaling about 450 participants (262 male and 188 females farmers) participated in over ten trainings at payam-level and each group nominated 3 to 4 members each with an emphasis on at least one female per group. The selection criteria were based on members whose ability and skills lead and teach others with the knowledge acquired during the trainings. The lead farmers’ facilitators were selected in addition to other group members. Each training session on improved agronomic practices including land preparation, row planting, weeding, seed selection, intercropping, the crop maturity stages of harvesting, soil fertility management, mulching and crop rotation had 45 participants.

Jonglei state

In Jonglei state, 8 groups from Bor and Twic East counties comprised of 352 members (129 females and 223 males) were trained on crop production technologies, among the others site selection, land clearance, land preparation, planting types, weed management, water management, soil improvement and soil conservation, pest and disease control, weeding and water management, seed selection, as well as post-harvest handling techniques, group dynamics and management, GBV and gender, HIV/AIDS, and nutrition. In addition, in Jonglei, 20 crop producer groups comprising of 761 beneficiaries (297 male and 464 female) received a 3-day training in specific technologies and agricultural best practices. The training covered topics such as land clearance, land preparation, planting techniques, crop weeding and diseases control, seed selection, crop maturity stages of harvesting, sorting and drying, and crop storage. Northern Bahr el Ghazal

In NBeG, training was also done through the establishment of 4 demonstration plots, two in Aweil north (majak bol, mayom-kuol) and two in Aweil center (mayom-wel/kuom and arroyo. A total of 58 male and 62 female farmers participated in training on land preparation, demarcation, fencing and planting (groundnut, sorghum, maize and cow pea) using modern agronomic practices.

As the season progressed, trainings on the use, maintenance, harvest and post-harvest technology were also undertaken. And in the NBeG, a total of 618 farmers were trained (268 male and 350 female farmers). d) Soil and water management practices

In Lakes state, water treadle pump and motorized pumps were distributed. A demonstration and training on the use of flooding dykes and drainage channels to alleviate flooding was unde rtaken in Mingkaman with the Domriel enterprise group.

Activity 2.1.9 Facilitate cross learning actions among different farming groups locally and regionally: During the reporting season, exchange visits within and across regions were undertaken (Table 2.2.).

No. of Gender State Type of exchange visit farmers Male Female Western Equatoria State within region 35 20 15 across region - to Yirol West 17 7 10 Lakes State within region – Yirol, Atoroko 17 8 9 TOTAL 69 35 34 Table 2.2 Summary of the exchange visits 26

Activity 2.1.10 Establishment of Knowledge Management system

Under the knowledge management strategy, the project disseminates demand-driven and improved agricultural messages suitable for specific agro-ecology, transferred through effective extension services (training/demonstration/radio, etc.) to project beneficiaries and other stakeholders. It includes the increase in knowledge-based skills of different stakeholders associated with the improvement of production/processing/marketing/storage cycle of different agricultural commodities. In the field of agriculture, knowledge extension aims to provide effective dissemination of improved practices that increase farm production or add value to existing produce utilizing given input(s) or service(s) that are accepted by the end users to maintain their production cycle.

Different methods exist for transferring knowledge and skills to the field. The project does not follow a single method but it is based on a blending of methods to transfer improved technologies and build the capacity of stakeholders. These extension strategies enable FAO to reach the end users with the best available practices they can follow. Different methods of knowledge and skill extension tools in the field applied by the project are as follows:

 ToTs: A group of people from service providers are grouped and trained to disseminate the knowledge among the second and sometimes third layers of stakeholders (community facilitators and farmers respectively);  Short training (one to five days or more): Arranged for target groups on specific commodities and with specific objectives (i.e. enterprise specific trainings – beekeeping, tree nursery);  Training farmers following FFS tools: Farmers are to be assisted by trained facilitators throughout the season;  Technology demonstration plots: Specific improved technology is to demonstrate in the field showing its improved features to convince users to adopt it. The project is establishing demonstration plots for crops and pen fattening for livestock;  Training lead farmers on specific technology: Knowing and considering the influence of lead farmers among the local folks, key personnel of a locality are trained to disseminate on a targeted technology;  Use of radio frequency to reach distant people. In order to strengthen messaging on selected topics among wider audience in far areas, the project is disseminating knowledge through radio programming. In this reporting period the project initiated preparation of radio programming.

Sub-output 2.2: Sustainable fish catch increased

Activity 2.2.1 Assess fishing potential and sustainability in activity areas

The status of fish production among project-supported households was assessed as part of the second round of the Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA) assessment. Based on the findings of the assessment, on average, fishing households fish four days a week and catch an average of 11.3 kg of fish in a typical day. The catch is dominated by tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and catfish (Clarias gariepinus) followed by Hetrotis sp., Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and Gymnarchus sp. (Figure 2.1).

Gymnarchus sp. 10% Nile Perch 11% Tilapia 40%

Hetrotis sp. 13%

Catfish 26% Tilapia Catfish Hetrotis sp. Nile Perch Gymnarchus sp.

Figure 2.2 Fish catch composition

The main challenges for fishing operations in the project area as revealed by the surveyed households include a lack of fishing equipment, fish preservation challenges, unpredictable water levels, limited access to fishing grounds due to insecurity and lack of access to markets (Figure 2.2). The SAFER fishing input provision intervention is playing a crucial role in addressing the main challenges of fisherfolk, including access to fishing inputs as reported by 86 percent of fisherfolk.

Lack of fishing input 86

Lack of means to preserve 42 surplus catch Unpredictable fishing ground 38 water levels

Limited access to fishing grounds 22

Lack of access to markets 17

0 20 40 60 80 100

Figure 3.2 Main challenge for fishing operations

Moreover, the main sources of fishing equipment as indicated during the survey among fishing households were FAO and partners (68 percent), purchase from the markets (34 percent) and self-made equipment (29 percent).

Activity 2.2.2 Support sustainable fishing Through fisheries co-management, training of local fisherfolk and local leaders as per the guidelines and regulations of the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries and FAO Technical Guidelines for Responsible Fisheries:

The project organized a 15-minute radio programme, broadcasted by Jonglei FM radio, which focused on sustainable fisheries, fish post-harvest handling and improved fish preservation techniques. The programme involved discussions with fisherfolk, fish traders and fish consumers on the harmful effects of destructive fishing methods for sustainable fisheries, the causes of fish spoilage and methods on 28 preventing spoilage, in addition to practices of improved drying and salting techniques. Table 2.3 shows a summary of the training on improved fishing practices.

HHs/ Total Activity/ Training Topic (Activity 2.2.3 / No. of number Femal State/ Region/ Activity 2.2.4) Groups trained Male e

Jonglei - Bor, Twick improved fishing practices, and post- 8 216 210 6 East harvest handling and processing Lakes Rumbek Centre, East and improved fishing methods and business 3 89 76 13 Wulu skills

business skills, marketing, fish post- 132 129 3 harvest processing and preservation business skills and fish marketing using 268 263 5 8Ps techniques Lakes, Yirol East, improved fish handling, processing and 7 205 201 4 West and Awerial preservation methods fisheries co-management and sustainable 27 23 4 fisheries GBV), nutrition, HIV/AIDS, group dynamics 262 257 5 and management TOTAL 18 1199 1159 40 Table 2.3 Summary of trainings

In addition, in Jonglei and Lakes states, the project is promoting cash saving and record keeping among fishing group members. In Jonglei, one fishing group and four fish marketing enterprises comprised of a total of 150 members have started record keeping. In Lakes, seven fishing groups started record keeping and managed to save a total of SSP 54 200.

Activity 2.2.3 Provide fisherfolk with appropriate fishing equipment

The project reached a total of 360 (333 male and 27 female) fisherfolk to increase their sustainable fish catch through fishing kit distribution. The distributed kits were comprised of a total of 1 301 spools of fishing twines, 1 032 boxes of fishing hooks, and 396 mono-filament lines in Jonglei and Lakes state.

In the reporting period, FAO designed a fiberglass canoe appropriate for small-scale fishing activities in South Sudan. The design of the canoe, which was developed taking into account fisherfolk feedback by FAO South Sudan technical team got clearance from FAO fisheries team in headquarters in the second quarter of the reporting period and procurement of 40 fiber glass canoes were completed in the last quarter. The project distributed 32 fiberglass canoes to 8 fishing groups comprised of a total of 240 members in Jonglei and Lakes states. The remaining canoes will be distributed in Duk and Twic East when roads become accessible in the next quarter.

To promote improved fish post-harvest handling practices, 14 tarpaulins were distributed to seven fishing groups comprised of a total of 240 members in Lakes State. Based on the RIMA assessment, fishing input support provided by the project has enabled beneficiaries to harvest an average fish yield of 11.3 kg fish per day.

Activity 2.2.4 Identify potential fisher folk and fish farmer groups and strengthen existing groups through training on improved fishing practices

In Lakes and Jonglei state members of 18 fishing groups totaling 540 (512 male, 28 female) fisherfolk were trained on improved fishing methods, post-harvest fish handling, processing and preservation. In addition, members of 12 fishing groups totaling 400 (392 male and 8 female) fisherfolk were trained on business skills, saving and record keeping. Following the training, eight of the trained groups have already started record keeping and saving. Moreover, four fish marketing enterprise groups comprised of 150 members have started saving and record keeping following the training provided by the project. In Lakes, two fishing groups which record keeping and managed to save a total of SSP 54 200.

Activity 2.2.5 Support fish farmers in integrated aquaculture practices

In the reporting period, the SAFER project initiated the piloting of fish farming in Western Equatoria state to assess its feasibility and potential for scaling-up. Fish farming is a business venture and its feasibility and economic viability has to be critically assessed. Local people in Western Equatoria in general have great interest in engaging in fish farming and there are earthen fish ponds which were constructed through previous projects. However, based on field assessment, a feasible fish farming venture in the area will be challenged by a number of constraints including a lack of affordable fish feed, poor construction design of existing fish ponds, and lack of fingerlings. It was further identified that existing ponds are not well designed for fish farming. The SAFER selected one women group with a total of 30 women members to pilot fish farming before scaling up. The group was supported with fingerling provision (tilapia and catfish), tools (wheelbarrows, spades and hoes) for rehabilitating and expanding their fish ponds. Practical on-farm training was also provided on construction of dug-out earthen ponds, as well as training on fish farming and pond management. Lack of cost effective fish feed is one of the identified major challenges for fish farming in the area. To address the challenge, a rapid assessment to identify locally available feed ingredients was conducted and cost effective fish feed for fish farmers in Yambio area was developed. In addition, a practical training on the preparation of fish feed from locally available byproducts and feeding techniques were provided to members of the pilot fish farming group. Findings of the assessment identified an opportunity in the availability of grinding mill sweepings and rice husk by-products from local grain and rice grinding mills, which farmers should take advantage of as a means for affordable fish feed ingredients, costing about SSP 9 per kilogram. It is estimated that some 0.54 tonnes of grinding mill sweeping and 12.5 tonnes of rice husk can be sourced annually from Yambio town and this can support the farming of an estimated 6 500 kg of fish per year. Although availability of affordable local feed ingredients is an opportunity which can significantly reduce fish farming/production cost, the viability of fish farming in the area remains to be seen, as there are a number of technical challenges which affect economic profitability of fish farming. Results of the pilot activity, which is expected to be completed in the next quarter, will provide comprehensive lessons that inform programing for fish farming interventions. Performance of the pilot group should be analyzed, and based on its findings, it should influence the decision on whether to scale-up interventions or not in the upcoming quarter.

Sub-output 2.3: Livestock production intensified and risk of livestock disease outbreaks reduced

Activity 2.3.1 Identify major production constraints and apply community-based participatory planning for potential interventions to address these constraints

A report on production constraints such as common animal diseases, access to grazing land and water and mapping of migration routes was completed and shared in the last annual report. In Western Equatoria around mid-August 2019, there was a cattle disease outbreak which started in one cattle camp located in Hia Matara residential area, Yambio town and quickly to other nearby cattle camps within Yambio and Nzara Counties. A task force led by FAO was formed to assess the situation and present their findings. After examination of the samples at the veterinary laboratory in Juba built with FAO technical assistance, the outbreak was confirmed to be East Coast Fever (ECF). FAO provided vaccines to the State Ministry of Agriculture to vaccinate the cattle in the state.

The disease affected the cattle camps in Yambio and Nzara Counties and reports indicate a high mortality rate of more than 80 percent with at least over 400 dead cattle. There is no proper mechanism for carcass disposal, which remains a high environmental risk from a public health point of view.

In addition, FAO has facilitated the mobilization of resources to contain the disease outbreak and directly intervene in the collection of samples and diagnosis of the causes of the disease outbreaks and the treatment of the affected animals. At national and ground level, FAO carried out awareness creation workshops and a series of consultation meetings to raise the awareness of all concerned parties. In connection to the disease outbreak, FAO started mobilizing resources necessary for effectively containing the disease outbreak.

During the later parts of the reporting period, FAO sensitized Government and NGO partners to mobilize targeted beneficiaries planned for pen fattening and supply of milk to the milk bars on the timely conservation of locally available feed.

Activity 2.3.2 Identify and engage the main actors (community, civic, public and private) associated with animal health services

In the Western Lakes state, in addition to the active CBAHW association in Rumbek Centre the SP identified a livestock traders group. This CBAHW association of 30 members (27 male, 3 female) is very active in animal health and provides animal health services including selling veterinary drugs on a cost recovery basis.

FAO is continuing to provide technical backstopping of the CBAHW and linking the group with livestock keepers and agro-vet suppliers.

Activity 2.3.3 Provision of training on disease control and surveillance, pasture management, improved animal feeding practices and breeding, destocking and restocking activities Training of the CBAHW Associations:

 In Lakes state, 2 CBAHW associations in Rumbek East and Rumbek Centre 55 CBAHWs (48 male, 7 female) were trained in disease control and surveillance in December 2018.  In the Lakes state, Yirol East, Yirol West and Awerial Counties, 120 CBAHWs (120 male) were trained on animal health.  26 CBAHWs (2 females, 24 males) were trained on disease control and surveillance during the second quarter of the year and a refresher course in September 2019.

 Through the project-implementing partner, FAO has provided basic animal husbandry and grazing management training to beneficiaries planning to participate in livestock based enterprises

Training Livestock Traders Groups:

 The livestock traders group (30 members) was trained on transboundary disease control in December 2018.

Activity 2.3.4 Procure production inputs to the selected groups unable to access such inputs

In NBeG, the project distributed salt licks and milk jelly to 90 pastoralists (79 males and 11 women). To speed up the procurement of livestock, and most notably of goats, the livestock team is exploring an alternative approach. One of the option considered of practical relevance was the use of the voucher- based system.

Activity 2.3.5 Pilot fattening pens in suitable areas

FAO established six goat conditioning and marketing groups in Rumbek, Yambio, Bor and Aweil using criteria that include prior experience, homogeneity, shared vision and cost-sharing. Preparatory works for the establishment of pen fattening physical structure (overnight enclosure) in Rumbek town nearly completed. Similar initiatives are underway in three more places namely Bor, Yambio, and Aweil. In these places, FAO is closely working with project implementing partners to construct the animal sheds using locally available materials. In the reporting period, a goat fattening pen construction was completed in former Lakes state. The goat piloting pen will be managed by Anguaga goat fattening rearing group. The structure is made with mostly local materials with the walls and floors made of bamboo while the roof is made of iron with a grass coating on it to control extreme weather conditions.

In Western Equatoria the project has identified group called Azanza Group with site at Asanza Boma within Yambio central Payam. The proposed group is an independent group compri sed of a few members who owned goats, sheep and gigs that shall be used and expand as our pen fattening demonstration unit for all counties. Planned activities with group include the re-organization of the group into structure and site clearance. Pen fattening enables the animals to fully express their genetic potential for faster growth. The market demand for live animals, beef, mutton, lamb and pork is very high in Western Equatoria region, especially in Yambio where an average of about 12 to 15 heads of cattle are slaughtered and consumed every day in Yambio County alone due to the population growth prompted by rural-urban migrations, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), presence of refugees and foreigners.

Activity 2.3.6 strengthening the cold chain through procurement of solar fridges and training to cold chain technicians

Procurement of the solar fridges is in progress. A training in vaccine and cold chain management will be conducted for partners in Juba in the next quarter.

Activity 2.3.7 Formation of pastoral associations and support existing one to lobby and share information on issues of marketing, trading and improving management of production

In the reporting period, two pastoralist associations were formed: Zogosi Pastoralist Association comprised of 35 members (25 male, 10 women) in Tambura and Kinapai Pastoral Association comprised of 30 members (21 male, 9 female) in Yambio.

In NBeG, the SP is working with a pastoralist association which comprises 90 members (81 men and 9 women). The various pastoralist associations formed by the project will be linked with the South Sudan chapter of the North Eastern Africa Livestock Council. This will enable more effective dissemination of information on issues of marketing, trading and improving management of production as well as the support for the formation of more pastoralist associations in other locations.

In addition to the Associations, the project is also forming Livestock enterprise groups. The project Service Provider in the Western Equatoria undertook an assessment exercise in Tambura and formed 5 livestock groups in July 2019. The objective of the livestock enterprise groups is to rear animal/poultry as an enterprise and improve livelihoods. The five groups are constituted by indigenous chickens, Tambura piggery enterprise group (piggery enterprise), Gbazuru poultry group (poultry rearing) and Zugosi Goat enterprise (goats).

Activity 2.3.8 Pilot cost-recovery schemes for animal health services with Community Based Animal Health Workers (CBAHW) associations

Community-based animal health worker (CBAHW) networks were identified and supported to form associations in Rumbek Centre, Awerial and Yirol (Lakes state) and Aweil (Northern Bahr el Ghazal State). A cost-recovery approach will be piloted with the Rumbek Centre CBAHWs Association during the next reporting period.

Recruiting of a consultant has been initiated in order to assess the ongoing cost recovery initiatives by different partners and oversee the feasibility of the approach. Once the assessment work is completed, FAO will roll out the approach at a wider-scale.

A continuing key constraint to service delivery was reported to be the (re)supply of drugs and the rising prices due to inflation. In order to fully utilize the CBAHWs trained under Activity 2.3.3, FAO established separate partnerships with the SAFER project SPs in Western Equatoria, Lakes (Yirol East, Yirol West and Awerial Counties), and NBeG to provide livestock treatment and vaccination services. 22 700 livestock have been vaccinated and 14 500 treated in Yirol East, Yirol West and Awerial Counties of Lakes State, as a result of CBAHW trainings. The costs of the vacation and treatment activities are covered through other complementary projects. However, efforts to sensitize livestock-keeping communities to embrace the cost-sharing arrangement in animal health services is in progress.

Activity 2.4 Building resilience, recovery and peaceful coexistence for conflict affected communities in Abyei

FAO signed a contract with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for the implementation of the project titled “Building resilience, recovery and peaceful coexistence for conflict affected communities in Abyei”. The project, running from 1 January to 31 December 2019, is contributing to the SAFER project objective to improve the resilience of households, communities and agriculture systems in food-insecure regions of South Sudan, and more specifically to increase household income through diversification of livelihoods in a manner which contributes to sustainability and fosters peaceful coexistence (contributing to FAO SAFER project outcome 1).

The project update report, covering the period from 1 January to 30 June 2019, was submitted in the last quarterly report. The next report is due and will be shared in the upcoming quarter.

Output 3: Community and intercommunal resource sharing and management practices strengthened This output aims to protect, secure and reduce tension in accessing natural resources through peacebuilding platforms and community activities. The intervention paves the way for communities to strengthen traditional management systems in regards to access and use of natural resources like wood,

33 land and water. These were expected to improve pasture and water availability in the natural range for sustainable and improved resilience of households. Integrated community level management will enhance cooperation and coexistence among the different groups and communities, and conflicts related to natural resource use will reduce as a result of all community groups benefiting. Confidence and trust will increase through coexistence through resource sharing and local economic or trade ties.

Number of groups established during the reporting period:

 19 Natural Resource Management Committees (NRMCs), and 7 tree nurseries  9 teak planting groups established in Western Equatoria, clearing an area surpassing 51 feddans.  11 beekeeping groups were established in WES totaling 315 people (226 male and 89 female)

Sub-output 3.1: Enhanced sustainable management of natural resources through promotion of peacebuilding dialogue process and safe access to bio-energy at community level

Activity 3.1.1 Mapping of natural resources-based conflicts, identification of key conflict drivers and priority areas, including stakeholders and power asymmetries analysis

During the reporting period, an NRM specialist was recruited by FAO South Sudan, and has since provided support towards the implementation of NRM activities linked to Output 3.

During the reporting period, established NRM committees in the project areas were supported in mapping the natural resources in their county. These sketched maps also include zones where natural resources are highly contested, and in some, migratory routes used by cattle during the dry season. Partners have been oriented on the need to undertake important collection of GPS coordinates of natural resources, as well as in areas where natural resource-based conflicts are known. The land cover mapping currently being undertaken at FAO headquarters should help with the preparation of the socio- ecological maps of the different counties, which will enable relevant stakeholders to apply conflict sensitivity when making decisions surrounding natural resource management.

Activity 3.1.2 Develop training material using Lessons Learned from NRM components in previous projects and provide comprehensive and rigorous training to service providers in Conflict Sensitive Programme across all outputs

Training material was developed. The FAO technical NRM team provided training to the SPs in the previous reporting year. During the period, a total of 103 NRM committee members (81 male and 22 female) were trained in Jonglei and Lakes States. Committee members were trained on how to sensitize the community on the importance of NRM, and more importantly, on the regulation and monitoring of the sustainable use of natural resources. In addition, they were trained on how to reduce intra and inter- community conflicts During the reporting period, training material was developed and the FAO technical NRM team provided training to the SPs on the participatory approach to NRM approach. SPs were given guidance on the steps required to effectively form and establish NRMCs, how to support the sketch mapping of land areas and natural resource inventory, as well as supporting NRMCs in developing their NRM plans. NRM committee members in Jonglei and Lakes States all received training on how to sensitize the community on the importance of NRM, and more importantly, on the regulation and monitoring of the sustainable use of natural resource while also reducing intra and inter-community conflicts. A peacebuilding training material was developed for workshops to be delivered in the course of the 3rd year in order to build the capacity of clan leaders, administrative leaders and some NRMC members on conflict management and mediation skills.

Activity 3.1.3 Strengthening of local institutions to manage productive resources, land, water and pasture, as well as existing natural resource management mechanisms and/or support the establishment of Natural Resource Management Committees (NRMCs) for ensuring equitable access, with a special emphasis along the main migration routes: To further strengthen SP’s capacity, a participatory NRM approach training was organized by FAO in March 2019. SPs were given guidance on the steps required to effectively form and establish NRMCs, how to support the mapping of land areas and natural resource inventory, and importantly supporting NRMCs in developing their NRM plans.

At field-level, four NRMCs, composed of 156 members (112 males and 44 females), were trained in NRM and their roles in Lakes and Western Equatoria States. Moreover, during the same quarter in Lakes State, analysis of the history of payam, mapping and generation of maps was done with the participation of 97 households from the NRMC (19 female and 78 males). While in March, 24 NRMC members (1 female, 23 male) were supported on the elaboration of their vision statement, goals, Terms of Reference and shown how to map migration patterns. In former Lakes state, the project organized trainings in April 2019 on NRM, targeting 22 representatives from NRM committees (16 male, 6 female). The training that was conducted and covered topics such as the sustainable use and preservation of natural resources, legal aspects regarding natural resources, and the negative effects of the misuse of natural resources.

During the reporting period, NRMCs totaling 299 members (219 males and 70 females) in NBeG and Jonglei, who received support to strengthen their mandates and Terms of Reference, vision statements and carry out mapping of land areas and natural resource inventory as a means to better understanding migration patterns. Members also received training on sustainable use and preservation of natural resources, legal frameworks regarding natural resources, and the negative effects of misusing natural resources.

To further strengthen SP’s capacities, FAO organized a backstopping mission in former Jonglei and Lake states to support the development of community maps and NRM plans in Bor and Yirol counties. Partners were involved in the training and received guidance on how they will be supporting all the remaining NRM committees. This led to FAO supporting NRMC members in Bor with the development and drafting of an NRM action plan in July 2019. Service providers in NBeG, Lakes, Jonglei and Western Equatoria received guidance and tools from FAO on the processes towards supporting NRMCs in drafting their NRM action plans. These NRM action plans should help guide the NRMCs and respective local authorities towards strengthening the management of prioritized natural resources, which also comes with formulated indicators to measure impacts of interventions.

NRMCs in Western equatorial have been actively engaged in the creation of awareness in their communities on the sustainable use of natural resources highlighting the importance of forest, rivers, land wildlife, bees, and fish, as well as on existing challenges such as logging, fire burning, land disputes and fishing malpractices especially during the dry season. In Western Equatoria Service Provider raised 600 avocado seedlings and distributed to 6 NRMCs as a way to encourage the NRMC to raise awareness in their communities (Table 2.4)

The training of the Natural Resources Management Committees resulted in 4 NRMCS in the Western Equatoria also strengthening the capacity to manage natural resources in their respective area through creation of awareness. This reached 574 HHs in Yambio (Nangbimo Boma, Sakure Payam, Ndavuro Boma) and Nzara (Nzara central payam).

Location Message Number reached Yambio Central payam

Nangbimo Boma awareness on land dispute and 75 community members gender-based violence Sakure Payam on natural resources management 15 689 males and 67 females Ndavuro Boma Awareness on sustainable use of 308 (176 males and 132 natural resources highlighting the females) importance of forest, rivers, land wildlife, bees, and fish Nzara Central Payam

On NRM challenges logging, fire 167 persons (127 males and burning, land disputes and fishing 40 females) malpractices Table 2.4 Raising awareness in the community

During the next quarter, plans are underway to organize a peace conference between pastoralist communities in the three counties of former Lakes State, namely Yirol East, Yirol West and Awerial. The peacebuilding intervention would involve training clan leaders, administrative leaders and some NRM committee members on conflict management and mediation skills in each of the three counties. This would then be followed by a peace conference where all three trained groups will sit together and draw up a peace resolution that would benefit all parties, which could have a positive impact on how pasture resources are managed and shared equitably among different communities.

Activity 3.1.3 Conduct GIS-based assessment of changes in the availability of natural resources in and around crowded displacement hotspots

During the reporting period, a land cover exercise was conducted by FAO, with maps of SAFER counties in Western Equatoria and Lakes readily available. The mapping of SAFER counties from NBeG and Jonglei should be completed in the course of the SAFER project’s third year. These maps will provide an up-to- date dataset enabling the accurate assessment of land cover types throughout Counties, which, with GPS collected waypoints from transect exercises, will also enable the development of socio-ecological maps for local stakeholder to use for NRM planning purposes (maps attached in Annex IX).

Activity 3.1.5 Procure relevant inputs Tree nursery groups were supported in terms of tools in some locations as shown in Table 2.5 below.

Location Hoes Watering Slashes Motorized Rakes Sickle Gum Wheelbarrow Hose cans pump boats pipe 100m Tambura 30 5 30 1 15 30 2 1 Yambio 30 3 30 1 15 30 30 2 1 Nzara 30 3 30 1 15 30 10 2 1 Rumbek 30 5 15 15 5 2 TOTAL 120 16 90 3 60 75 70 11 5 Table 2.5 Quantities of tools given to tree nursery groups

Fruit tree seeds, intended for nursery groups, are currently being procured by FAO for delivery to different project locations before the year end. Before delivery, the seeds will undergo germination testing for all varieties in order to ensure the quality and viability of seeds.

Activity 3.1.6 Provide support to groups in establishing tree nurseries and supporting beekeeping

This includes support such as provision of seedlings and hives, including farmer-assisted natural regeneration and agroforestry schemes with multi-purpose species for food, fuel and income, targeting women and youth. During the reporting period three tree nursery groups comprised of 87 (50 males, 37 females) were formed in Yambio and Tambura (Western Equatoria) and Yirol (Lakes). The groups in Western Equatoria were provided with assorted tree seeds inputs by the service provider and training to promote agro-forestry schemes.

Four nursery groups trained on tree nursery management in Lakes and Western Equatoria States, a total of 130 (68 male and 62 female) and also provided with nursery tools

Under the beekeeping component, the project conducted training on beekeeping management including cross-cutting topics for the promotion and enhancement of knowledge on modern management of beekeeping activities among communities, processing and marketing skills as well as on the construction of improved beehive from locally available materials.

In addition in the Lakes state (Wulu) four groups comprising of 120 individual beekeepers were assisted with assorted equipment (improved KTB hives, hive smokers, beekeeper protective attires(gumboots, gloves, suit hats), bee knives, double sieves, uncapping fork, bee brushes, foundation wax sheets, packaging plastic bottles and weight scales)

Activity 3.1.7 Provide training sessions and follow up to support the establishment of fuel-efficient stove (FES) production centers in communities, focusing on youth and women:

The objective is to support the establishment of fuel-efficient stove production centers in communities, focusing on youth and women. A fuel-efficient stove baseline study was conducted in Bor South in Jonglei State in March 2019, and in Aweil, Northern Bahr el Ghazal in June 2019. The FES Assessment report is available in Annex IV.

Following a fuel-efficient stove study, it was revealed that beneficiaries were interested in acquiring the Lorena and Fire Shielded stoves. During the reporting period, a ToT has been delivered on the production of the Lorena stove, with a training manual developed to train youth and women in the production process. Since the Lorena stoves are fixed type of stoves, beneficiaries were very interested in obtaining stoves that are more portable and moveable in the household. An FES women’s group was established and received training to produce ceramic stoves. The result was the production of fuel-efficient stoves prototypes, which caught interest of local city dwellers in Aweil, with many orders already placed. The FES group was awarded space within the Forestry Department on which the production center will be put up in the course of the SAFER project’s 3rd year. The group will receive support for the purchase of materials and installation of a kiln as a startup. A FES needs assessment was also conducted in Bor during the reporting period with plans to establish an FES group to receive training during the third Year.

In Northern Bahr El Ghazal, 992 households (837 female and 155 male) trained on the establishment of fuel-efficient stoves production centers while in Malou Awer, 30 women had a refresher training on practical FES production using local material.

While in Lakes the SP engaged a team of technical trainers on the construction of fuel efficient stoves, of which 39 enterprise groups were composed of 1 229 people (156 males and 1073 females) who benefitted from the skills and knowledge acquired.

Activity 3.1.8 Carry out studies to document the social and environmental impact of technologies piloted under the activity, including contributions to sustaining peace

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment is one of the key principles of FAO. The activity is an integral part of the components of the SAFER activities implementation system. In this view, an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) Consultant was recruited.

With reference to the Special Provisions IV of the SAFER Project document, all activities funded under SAFER will be implemented in accordance with all relevant FAO environmental policies and procedures, in particular all applicable environmental impact assessments and monitoring procedures. The completed activities include:

 An ESIA and EMMP for Panapet Market Shade in Bor South County and awaits disclosure to stakeholders. The disclosure meeting will also serve as a training on EMMP to the beneficiaries and market shed management committee  A draft ESIA report and EMMP for Panapet Slaughter Slab is under review.  Baseline environmental and social survey in Panyagor was conducted (26 July to 3 August) for the development of ESIA and EMMP for Garlei Market Shade and Slaughter Slab.

The progress was hampered by some challenges which include accessibility to site for example Chuikeer, where a water supply facility is planned to be commissioned, was not possible because there was insecurity (intra-communal conflict) and Panyagor was not accessible during the period June-July because of the flood (wet season). The EMMP for the Malual Chat market shade and slaughter slab is completed (see Annex III).

In subsequent quarters, the project will focus on the development of the ESIA and EMMP for various activities in NBeG, Aweil, Yambio and Rumbek, environmental monitoring of the activities, training of beneficiary groups on environmental monitoring, and tree planting in/around activity sites.

Sub-output 3.2: Increased water access for livestock and farmers through the construction of the most suitable infrastructure

Activity 3.2.1 Conduct feasibility study and environmental impact analysis of water infrastructure

The feasibility study reports were completed for all the targeted sites except for the Lakes state. The completed reports are for four deep borehole sites in Aweil Centre, two in Aweil North in NBeG, five sites in Bor South (four deep boreholes and one haffir) and three sites in Bor North (two deep boreholes and one haffir), in Jonglei. Due to decrease of an obligated amount for the project implementation, the project will decrease the number of infrastructures initially planned. The feasibility study for the Lakes which was earmarked for the 2019 dry season, will not be undertaken.

Activity 3.2.2 Construction and/or rehabilitation of water sources for livestock and farmers, shallow wells, water harvesting structures, small haffirs, and boreholes

Only one borehole constructed in Western Equatorial is complete. The borehole is to supply water for the Women Empowerment Centre for income-generating activities including irrigation plot for vegetables.

Activity 3.2.3 Establish and train water management committees on appropriate water management techniques and maintenance, and conflict mitigation measures. The formation of the Water Management Committees will coincide with the siting of the boreholes and participate at all the stages including construction so as to create a sense of ownership.

The trainings on the operation and maintenance of the infrastructure will start at the end of the construction of the water infrastructure.

Output 4 Livelihoods of the most vulnerable households protected. In 2018, 35 400 households were reached under this component of the project in the following counties: Maridi, Iba, Yambio, Nzara, Ezo, Tambura, Mundri East, Mundri West, Mvolo in Western Equatoria; Yei and Kajo Keji in Central Equatoria. During the dry season period, the distribution targeted 12 500 households in Terekeka, Kajo Keji and Tambura. Terekeka experienced inter-communal fighting in October 2018, causing people to flee their homes. The vegetable seeds and fishing kits were distributed to help the families get back on their feet until they are safe to return to their homes.

Korijo village has become a hotspot and has transformed into an IDP camp, following eruptions of fighting between warring factions and instability in the surrounding areas affecting Ajio, Kerwa and Logo IDP camps. IDPs have found refuge in Korijo and come from various locations in Central Equatoria, namely Kajo Keji, Lainya, Morobo and Yei.

An inter-agency assessment conducted in November-December 2018 found that needs were increase with the number of people. With no functioning market and shortage of food, the dry season intervention is expected to help supplement their nutrition and livelihoods until the main season.

FAO released agricultural and fishing inputs for distribution to 99 665 vulnerable families in IPC Phases 3, 4 and 5 during both the dry season and 2019 main season campaign in the following counties: Abiemnhom, Akobo, Aweil, Aweil East, Aweil North, Awerial, Boma, Bor, Fashhoda, Ganyiel, Gogrial West, Guit, Jieech, Juba, Kajo Keji, Kapoeta, Lankien, Maban, Mabior, Malakal, Mathiang, Mayendit, Mayom, Nyal, Paloich, Pariang, Pieri, Pochalla, Renk, Rubkona, Rumbek, Rumbek North, Terekeka, Tonj North, Torit, Warrap, Wau and Yirol East. 16 In addition, FAO has released 498 325 kg of maize seeds, 303 360 kg of cowpea seeds, 129 705 kg of sorghum sesso 3, 1 595 kg of amaranth seeds, 1 000 kg of collard seeds, 3 737 kg of okra seeds, 1 495 kg of tomato and Onion seeds, 1 933 of pumpkin seeds and 2 242 kg of watermelon seeds. Further, 47 498 hoes, 132 806 malodas, 22 645 gunny bags, 44 788 spools of twine and 91 955 coils of monofilament were distributed.

2.3 Key lessons learned

2.3.1 Marketing and market linkages Despite the increased yield that fishing groups have attained through support from the project, access to larger markets where fisherfolk can get better price for their product remains a challenge. The traditional canoes currently used by fisherfolk limit their navigation ability to access larger markets. Linking fish producer groups with private traders and supporting fishing groups with canoes can significantly contribute to addressing the challenge.

Linking farmer production groups with markets enabled them to increase their sales and profit margins (e.g. market linkages in Yambio between SAFER production groups and WFP community- based collection points). This needs to be further strengthened through the provision of seed storage facilities at community- and county- level. 2.3.2 Water Infrastructure and climate smart technologies Designing and constructing climate-smart water management infrastructures like solar powered multi-purpose boreholes strengthen the community organization and management capacity through reduced operation and maintenance costs. An example is the borehole at Women Centre in Yambio, where rain water harvesting can supplement water for domestics and irrigation uses of up to two months. 2.3.3 Implementation The group approach has worked quite well to facilitate farmer communities during the implementation of the project. By extending support to individuals, it allowed for the inclusion and strengthening of the private sector in the value chain commodities supported by the project. Moreover, this would encourage private sector by absorbing the initial risk and facilitate their entry to work directly with the farmer communities. 2.3.4 Creating enabling environment To support overall growth of the agriculture sector, it was learnt that there is a need to increase adaptive policies to create an enabling business environment for public institutions involved in quality assurance of the agriculture commodities and the extension services. This would allow for the expansion agricultural activities at the national level and possibly facilitate participation in the export market. 2.3.5 Diversification All attempted diversification activities were successful, signaling a high potential of diversification in agriculture in South Sudan. The value chains identified and being supported are:

 Beekeeping  Food processing (maize, sorghum, groundnuts and cassava)  Improved production of vegetables  Hides and skins  Milk  Aquaculture: local protein access for families rather than large-scale fish production  Fish: fisheries on the Nile hold huge potential, although there is a need to improve transport and conservation of fish. SAFER has proposed a new system of fish conservation through improved smoking techniques.  Improved value chain system from the catchment up to the market

2.4 Challenges in this reporting period Despite the land ownership certificate obtained from the local government in Jonglei to build a milk bar in Bor, the municipality did not handover the site on time, which created delays in construction.

The construction of the market shade in Bor Town was suspended for three days because personnel of the construction company were threatened by local community members. The challenge was solved after discussion with community members and leaders in the presence of local authorities.

In October and December 2018, normal long dry spells widely spread across Lakes state affecting vegetable production, mainly tomato and eggplant seedlings cultivated far from boreholes, rivers or swamps, which could only rely on rain water.

Inter-communal conflict among communities in Yirol West and Yirol East broke out in November 2018 affecting implementation of project activities in areas including Aluakluak, Geer and Adior Bomas. Furthermore, lack of skilled labor in the communities is also a huge driver of inefficiency. What remains difficult is the pressure coming from community leaders to hire labour from the village/Boma resulting in disputes between the laborers and FAO contractors, which slows the construction process.

Following a presidential directive from the Republic of South Sudan dated 18 December 2018, suppliers are stranded on the South Sudanese border due to customs clearance issues while many orders are being delivered. This blockage could create serious problems in the delivery of procured goods and inputs. After discussions took place between affected UN Agencies and the Government of South Sudan, the issue was finally resolved. As regards issues related to pests and diseases, both ECF and FAW present a big challenge for farmers as the outbreaks continues.

Interference and interruption by the community members and local authority in daily construction activities

The rainy season negatively affected the progress of work, as roads get blocked due to heavy rain

Lack of some of construction materials, including machinery and equipment, and hindered accessibility to the construction site during the heavy drives delays in construction.

2.5 Recommendations

2.5.1 Seeds There is a need for continuous support to ensure production of locally-produced seeds to decrease reliance on import. Promotion of improved access to water through climate-smart technologies entails the implementation of solar powered multi-purpose boreholes that strengthen the community organization and management capacity through reduced operation and maintenance costs. These types of technologies need to be scaled-up to facilitate water access through groundwater harvesting. 2.5.2 Marketing and market linkages There is a need to strengthen governance and management of markets, to be extended in urban and peri-urban markets. An important consequence of improved market share is the increased volume of goods sold on the market, which boosts market demand from the surrounding community. The increased access to quality agricultural inputs, complemented with technical support and trainings throughout the production cycle, resulted in increased productivity for net producers, and an overall 41 increase in availability of food, boosting food consumption at home, and resulting in income generation from the sale of surplus produce.

Linking farmer production groups with markets enabled them to increase their sales and profit margins (e.g. market linkages in Yambio between SAFER production groups and WFP’s community- based collection points). This needs to be further strengthened through the provision of seed storage facilities at community and county level. 2.5.3 Fisheries Fishing groups supported by the project reported an increase in production, although access to larger fish markets remains a challenge. There should be more emphasis placed on linking fishing groups with private traders. In addition, locally made fiberglass canoes for fishing groups can improve navigation capacity of fisherfolk for accessing distant market. More efforts should be made to train local entrepreneurs or fish groups to build fiberglass canoes as a business. 2.5.4 Cooperation / collaboration / partnerships Although under the SAFER project no vaccines and chemical are distributed, linkages and collaboration with other FAO or partners to provide emergency livestock vaccination and treatment in SAFER operation areas helped to address the issue of diseases in livestock. 2.5.5 Creation of enabling environment To support the overall growth of the agriculture sector, there is a need to increase adaptive policies to create an enabling business environment for public institutions involved in quality assurance of the agriculture commodities and the extension services. This would allow for the expansion of agricultural activities at the national level and possibly facilitate participation in the export market. 2.6 Way Forward The updated Project Work plan for next year until July 2020 is found in Annex VIII. The work plan for the next quarter is in section 4 below. The work plan was revised and submitted to USAID in response to the decrease in funds for the project implementation. During the revision, a detailed analysis of the activities and target was done which also led to a revised procurement plan to match the revised activities and targets. Support packages to enterprise groups were revised in terms of quantity but the overall objectives, activities and targets were not revised. However, due to high capital costs, the infrastructure numbers were reduced from a total of 43 down to 19 across the implementation areas.

2.6.1 Changes in the implementation environment

Despite the relative calm in most parts of the country, there is a spike in cattle-related criminality, including in SAFER operational areas of Jonglei and Lakes states.

3. Performance Monitoring and Supervision

The RIMA assessment (Annex X) shows a significant improvement in resilience among project beneficiaries. The study is a follow-up survey whose main objective is to examine the progress of project activities and results. The primary tool used in this study is the Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA-II) model developed by FAO.

A three-day long monitoring mission was held by the FAO Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and SAFER Project Specialist to monitor the implementation of the project by one of the SPs (NRC) in Jonglei State.

The joint monitoring mission, which included the participation of FAO, a representative of local government (Ministry of Agriculture) and FAO’s SP, took place in February 2019. In summary, the monitoring mission concluded that the project is progressing well, the SP has strong capacity to deliver activities, and project beneficiaries are well engaged in the project.

Moreover, during the reporting period the SAFER Project Manager and SAFER Project Specialist held meetings with the USAID monitoring and evaluation team (March 2019) to discuss the results of last year’s Data Quality Assessment Exercise (November 2018).

FAO recruited two International Consultant to undertake the mid-term evaluation of the project. The exercise was from the mid to the end of September 2019. The Consultants will share the report by end of October 2019.

4. Actions for the upcoming quarter

Action proposed for next quarter Planned activities Sub-output 1.1: Production enterprise • Technical, economic, social feasibility studies for the diversified enterprises and / or business plans for the infrastructures • Enterprise specific livelihood kits to be procured and distributed to beneficiaries (inputs, tools and equipment) • Continued strengthening of enterprise groups through trainings and support through delivery of tools and equipment. Sub-output 1.2: Local value chain activities • Trainings on small scale construction (beehives, supported improved seed granaries/storage facilities) • Completion of construction of appropriate infrastructures for value chain development (completion of slaughter slabs and milk bar) • Procurement of post-harvest equipment, tools and inputs. • FAO led ToTs Training in use, maintenance and management of post-harvest technologies (fish drying racks) and food safety • Capacity development of enterprise groups through Village Saving & Loans (VSL) scheme Sub-output 1.3: Market access improved • Organize business to business (B2B) linkages between enterprise groups and the markets • Provide business training to groups • Strengthening of agro-based dealers through trainings • Construct infrastructure for marketing- market sheds in Western Equatorial • Training on governance, management and business skill to the management committees of infrastructures

Sub-output 2.1: Sustainable crop production • Identify potential community facilitators (lead farmers, promoted village facilitators) • Provide both methodological approach and technical training to facilitators on topics such as micro- irrigation, soil water management, integrated pest management, seed production (refresher trainings) • Establish of Knowledge Management system -To be managed by FAO Sub-output 2.2: Sustainable fish catch • Technical aspects training on fish post-harvest training increased in project implementing areas and at national level- Juba • Assorted fishing kits and post-harvest fishing equipment distributed • Support fish farmers in integrated aquaculture practices • Innovative post-harvest technologies - Thiaroye fish smoking ovens (pilot) Sub output 2.3 : Livestock production • Procure and distribute production inputs to the intensified and risk of livestock disease selected groups outbreaks reduced • Conduct ToT training on feed resource management and utilization, Livestock Husbandry and Breed Improvement • Promote the production and efficient management and utilization of locally available feed resources • Support agro-pastoral households to improve the nutrition of lactating animals and improve management of production • Refresher Training CBAHWs (disease control and surveillance) • Strengthen cold chain through distribution of solar fridges • Establish cost-recovery scheme for animal health services with CBAHW associations • Train pastoral associations on issues of marketing and trading Sub-output 3.1: Enhanced sustainable • Support the establishment of NRM committees management of natural resources through • Support NRM committees in developing their action promotion of peacebuilding dialogue process plans and safe access of bio-energy at community • Conduct GIS/remote sensing assessment of changes on level the availability of natural resources in and around crowded displacement hotspots • Support tree nurseries groups with seed and tools input to produce seedlings Sub-output 3.2: Increased water access for • Construct 3 water infrastructure in NBG and Jonglei livestock and farmers through the construction • Establish and train water management committees on of most suitable infrastructure appropriate water management techniques and maintenance, and conflict mitigation measures

5. Management and administrative issues Recruitment process update

In January 2019 the new NRM Officer joined the SAFER Team

 The International Civil Engineer was recruited in November 2018  Two National Engineers were recruited. The National Water Engineer was recruited in April 2019 to assist with the water demand assessment and feasibility studies in Jonglei and also to supervise the construction of works. The second National Engineer was recruited in May 2019 to supervise the construction in the Northern Bahr el Ghazal.  The project recruited the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment National Consultant (ESIA), was recruited in June 2019.  The Value Chain/Agronomist Consultants for Jonglei and Lakes State joined the project in June 2019, and Value Chain/Agronomist Consultant for Aweil joined in July 2019.  The Farmer Field School National Officer for Lakes and Western Equatoria joined the project in June 2019. Contracts

 FAO has signed a contract with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for implementation of the project “Building resilience, recovery and peaceful coexistence for conflict affected communities in Abiyei”.  FAO has signed Letters of Agreement (LoA) with the Star Trust Organization (STO) for operation of seed fairs in collaboration with the Emergency Response Livelihood Programme (ERLP) in Western Equatoria  FAO has signed Letters of Agreement (LoAs) with six service providers (i.e. Tearfund, NPA, HAGI, ACROSS, HAD, VSF-Germany) for the operation of seed fairs in collaboration with FAO’s Emergency Response Livelihood Programme (ERLP) in the former states of Jonglei State, Northern Bahr el Ghazal and Lakes.

6. Collaboration, Learning and Adapting (CLA) Collaboration WFP - SAMS project to improve market access for the production groups in intervention areas

UNICEF – support to CAFAG to improve livelihoods

Partnership for Recovery and Resilience (PfRR): FAO is engaged in the PfRR since the beginning of the partnership and plays key role in coordination of the partnership. Most importantly, FAO plays key role at the Strategic Level as member of Steering Committee and Technical Working Group, in Advocacy PfRR at global and national level, in facilitation with USAID and MSI the JAMMG group (RIMA analysis per area), but also at field level - focal point for PfRR for Wau Area (with USAID and ACTED). Moreover, FAO is coordinating PfRR Pillar 3 Restore Productive Capacities and is also coordinating partners and activity mapping for the PfRR partnership areas.

7. Conflict sensitivity FAO has developed a conflict sensitivity training programme for service providers.

Disruptions to project activities due to conflict (also note mitigating measures taken) Not applicable Negative Impacts of project activities on local dynamics (also note mitigating measures taken). Not applicable

Positive contributions of the project to social cohesion across lines of division. Not applicable

8. Branding, marking, outreach and communications and dissemination (ADS 320) Visibility items (including banners, T-shirts, caps etc.) with USAID and FAO branding have been dispatched to all field locations. The project initiated preparation of live-to-tape programmes across project areas on identified topics:

 In March 2019, a 15 minute radio broadcast focusing on fish post-harvest loss and improved fish processing and preservation techniques was produced and broadcasted in Jonglei State.  In May and June 2019, a 15 minute radio broadcast focusing on support to families with children formerly associated with armed groups (CAFAG) and other related parties was produced and broadcasted in former Western Equatoria State, and a live-to-tape radio programme about Fall Armyworm management and the use of Fawligen. Both programmes were recorded and produced by Radio Anisa, a local radio station in Yambio, which is part of CRN Catholic Radio Network.  The project captured various successful stories from different areas. The “ Supporting farmers’ choice for improved food security and nutrition” story was published on the FAO in Emergencies website (http://www.fao.org/emergencies/fao-in-action/stories/stories- detail/en/c/1201357/), and photographs from organized seed fairs were published in FAO in Emergencies website (http://www.fao.org/emergencies/resources/photos/photo- detail/en/c/1200307/) and FAO of the UN Flickr account (https://www.flickr.com/photos/faooftheun/albums/72157709357216347

Annexes Annex I: Seed System Security Assessment report Annex II: Preliminary assessment on fishery value chain, food safety and fish post-harvest losses Annex III: Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan (EMMP) Annex IV: Fuel efficient stove (FES) baseline survey in Bor Annex V: Environmental and social impact assessments for infrastructures in Jonglei State Annex VI: Table of construction of infrastructure Annex VI: Infrastructure targets versus achèvement Annex VII: Summary table of training of beneficiaries Annex VIII: Revised work plan and budget Annex IX: Mapping of SAFER counties in Western Equatoria and Lakes Annex X: Resilience Index Measurement and Analysis (RIMA)