FOO D AND ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT (FED) PROGRAM FOR LIBERIA

QUARTERLY REPORT: JANUARY-MARCH 2015 Contract Number: 669-C-00-11-00047-00

0 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development.

It was prepared by Development Alternatives Incorporated.

Contractor: DAI

Program Title: Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia (FED)

Sponsoring USAID Office: USAID/Liberia

Contract Number: 669-00-11-00047-00

Date of Publication: April 15, 2015

Photo Caption: USAID FED-supported Zeelie Farmers Association engaging in aggregation and trading, with its paddy rice purchased through a loan from the LEAD microfinance.

DISCLAIMER

The authors’ views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the

United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia

Quarterly Report, Q2 FY 2015

Acronyms

AEDE Agency for Economic Development and Empowerment APDRA Association Pisciculture et Development Rural en Afrique AVTP Accelerated Vocational Training Program AYP Advancing Youth Project BSTVSE Bureau of Science, Technical, Vocational and Special Education BWI Booker Washington Institute CARI Center of Agriculture Research Institute CAHW Community Animal Health Worker CBF County Based Facilitator CBL Central Bank of Liberia CILSS Permanent Interstates Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel CoE Center of Excellence CYNP Community Youth Network Program DAI Development Alternatives Inc. DCOP Deputy Chief of Party ETU Ebola Treatment Units EVD Ebola Virus Disease ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States ECREP Evangelical Children Rehabilitation Program EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan EO Extension Officer FtF Feed the Future FGD Focus Group Discussion FUN Farmer Union Network GAP Good Agriculture Practices GBCC Grand Bassa Community College GCAP Green Coast Agricultural Program GPS Global Positioning Systems IBEX Investing in Business Expansion Liberia IC Independent Consultant IFDC International Fertilizer Developmental Center IITA International Institute for Tropical Agriculture IP Implementing Partner IQC Indefinite Quantity Contract

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 1

ISFM Integrated Soil Fertility Management KRTTI Kakata Rural Teachers Training Institute LABEE IPG Liberia Agriculture Business Enabling Environment Inter-Agency Policy Group LAUNCH Liberia Agriculture, Upgrading Nutrition & Child Health LCCC Lofa County Community College LIFE Livelihood Improvement for Farming Enterprises LIPAS Liberia Integrated Professional Agriculture Service LMEP Liberia Monitoring and Evaluation Program LNGO Local Non-Governmental Organization MFI Micro Finance Institution MIS Market Information Systems MoA Ministry of Agriculture MoCI Ministry of Commerce and Industry MoE Ministry of Education MoHSW Ministry of Health and Social Welfare MoYS Ministry of Youth and Sports MoP Muriate of Potash MoU Memorandum of Understanding MSME Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise NDA National Diploma in Agriculture NCCC Nimba County Community College NIC National Investment Commission PERSUAP Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan PIDS Performance Indicator Database System PMP Performance Management Plan PUA Peri-Urban Agriculture R&RF Rights & Rice Foundation RFTOP Requests for Task Order Proposals RRA Rapid Rural Appraisal SDC Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation TAMIS Technical Administrative Management Information System TSP Triple Super-Phosphate TVET Technical, Vocational Education and Training UDP Urea Deep Placement UL University of Liberia USADF United States African Development Foundation

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 2

USAID United States Agency for International Development VET GOV Veterinary Governance in Africa WAAPP West Africa Agriculture Productivity Program WAFP West Africa Fertilizer Project WASP West Africa Seed Project WFP World Food Programme

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Table of Contents

Acronyms ...... 1 Table of Contents ...... 4 List of Tables and Figures ...... 5 Background ...... 8 Executive Summary ...... 9 Component One: Increase Agriculture Productivity and Profitability ...... 11 Task 1A: Increased Productivity and Profitability of the Rice Value Chain ...... 11 Task 1B: Increased Production and Profitability of Cassava Value Chain...... 20 Task 1C: Increased Productivity and Profitability of the Horticulture Value Chain ...... 24 Task 1D: Increased Productivity and Profitability of the Goat Value Chain ...... 31 Sub Task 1.1 Special Studies and MoA Data Collection System Development ...... 37 Sub Task 1.2 Improved access to Agricultural Inputs ...... 39 Sub Task 1.3: Agricultural Extension Support ...... 43 Sub Task 1.4 Youth in Agribusiness ...... 46 Sub Task 1.5: Improving Human Nutrition ...... 52 Task 2: Enabling Policy Environment for Private Sector Growth ...... 53 Task 3 Develop Existing Vocational Centers into Centers of Excellence in Vocational Agriculture Education (CoE) ...... 60 Task 4.1: Communications/Knowledge Management ...... 71 Task 4.2: Environmental Compliance ...... 71 Task 4.3: Monitoring & Evaluation ...... 72 Component Five: Management & Operations ...... 76

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List of Tables and Figures Tables

Table 1: FY14 Rice crop sales ...... 11 Table 2: Upland rice commercial sites harvests ...... 11 Table 3: Lowland commercial sites harvests ...... 12 Table 4: Upland rice farmer recruitment ...... 12 Table 5: Upland commercial sites cleared for planting ...... 13 Table 6: LNGOs contracted per County ...... 13 Table 7: Upland demonstrations sites establishment ...... 14 Table 8: Upland rice lead farmers trained ...... 14 Table 9: Lowland rice farmer recruitment ...... 15 Table 10: Lowland commercial sites cleared for planting ...... 15 Table 11: Lowland demonstrations sites establishment ...... 16 Table 12: Lowland rice lead farmers trained ...... 16 Table 13: Sites promoting two rice crops per year ...... 18 Table 14: Water management sites ...... 18 Table 15: Potential large scale owned lowlands for commercial rice production ...... 19 Table 16: FY13 Cassava crop harvests - demo sites and farmers’ fields ...... 20 Table 17: FY13 Cassava Crop sales ...... 21 Table 18: FY14 Cassava crop harvests - demo sites and farmers’ fields ...... 21 Table 19: FY14 Cassava crop sales ...... 21 Table 20: FY15 beneficiary signed up for production ...... 22 Table 21: Cassava Kuu leaders trained in GAP and ISFM ...... 23 Table 22: FY14 cluster sales ...... 25 Table 23: FY15 cluster sales ...... 25 Table 24: 2014 Rain shelters installed ...... 26 Table 25: Loan disbursements to FY14 clusters ...... 26 Table 26: FY15 Cluster identification ...... 27 Table 27: Horticulture beneficiaries signed up for FY15 production ...... 27 Table 28: Horticulture land preparation for FY15 production ...... 27 Table 29: Demonstration sites seed distribution and area of land cultivated ...... 28 Table 30: Loan disbursements by LEAD to FY14 beneficiary groups ...... 29 Table 31: FY 14 Goat herd statistics ...... 31 Table 32: Animal mortality ...... 32 Table 33: Goat sales from FY14 goat production sites ...... 32 Table 34: Animals that received veterinary care ...... 33 Table 35: FY15 goat lead farmer recruitment ...... 33 Table 36: FY15 goat farmer recruitment ...... 34 Table 37: Sawyer recruitment by County ...... 34 Table 38: Carpenter recruitment by county ...... 35 Table 39: Lead farmer training participants’ statistics ...... 36 Table 40: RSM sites harvest - upland rice ...... 40 Table 41: RSM sites harvest - lowland sites...... 40 Table 42: RSM Lowland and Upland sites - seed rice production estimates ...... 41 Table 43: FY14 Back to School Garden vegetable harvests and sales ...... 47 Table 44: FY14 Back to School Garden cassava harvests and sales ...... 47 Table 45: Beneficiaries signed up for Agribusiness pilots ...... 48 Table 46: Identification of youth entrepreneurs (power tillers)...... 50

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Table 47: Identification of trainee machine operators (Cassava processing and rice mills) ...... 51 Table 48: Number of CFOs and M&E recruited and trained per county...... 54 Table 49: Number of VSLA groups per county...... 54 Table 50: VSLA loan data summary for quarter two...... 54 Table 51: VSLA groups accessed loan from CBL ...... 55 Table 52: USAID FED supported farming groups benefited from LEAD loans during quarter two ...... 56 Table 53: Total Q2 loans in US$ accessed by farmers through VSLA, LEAD and Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) ...... 56 Table 54: MBDSP training participants ...... 57 Table 55: BSP Training breakdown...... 58 Table 56: BSP Training to the Rice Business Hub participant list...... 59 Table 57: Upland Farmers Training...... 72 Table 58: Lowland Farmers Training...... 72 Table 59: Verification and validation of FY15 beneficiaries ...... 73 Table 60: GIS mapping exercise ...... 73 Table 61: Employment generated through LNGOs contracted by USAID FED ...... 74

Figures

Figure 1: USAID FED delivering a presentation to the Vice President of Liberia Joseph Boakai ...... 9 Figure 2: Farmers from Payee Kolakeh farming group harvesting rice in Payee, Nimba County ...... 12 Figure 3: Lowland lead farmers training in Nimba County ...... 16 Figure 4: Lead farmers and LNGO technicians during training in Spillway site in Totota, Bong County ...... 19 Figure 5: USAID FED’s Rice Technical Specialist assessing storage in Voinjama, Lofa County ...... 20 Figure 6: Screening nursery in Voinjama, Lofa County ...... 22 Figure 7: Kuu leaders undergoing training on GAP and ISFM in Bong and Grand Bassa Counties respectively . 22 Figure 8: Liberia Business Incubator (LBI) constructing its cassava processing facility in Montserrado County. 23 Figure 9: Cassava processors meeting with producers in Lofa and Nimba Counties respectively...... 23 Figure 10: Cassava processors meeting with producers in Lofa and Nimba Counties respectively. Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 11: Farmers planting cucumber in the rain shelter at MAWAH cluster, Montserrado County Figure 12: Vegetable farmer and USAID FED Extension Officer with harvested cabbages at Gbofella cluster, Margibi County ...... 26 Figure 13: USAID FED’s Horticulture Specialist demonstrating how to make drainage holes in seedlings containers in Fortville cluster, Grand Bassa County...... 28 Figure 14: LEAD Loan Agent processing loan for Mawah and CGCWYEP members...... 29 Figure 15: Construction of Zero Energy Cooler at Red Light Market...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Figure 16: CAHW [Miss Penny Kpleh] treats Goat in Gbangee Town, Grand Bassa County ...... 33 Figure 17: Lead Farmers preparing mineral/salt lick block in Krukan, Quadu Gbondi District, Lofa County ..... 35 Figure 18: Forage Production Specialist, Samuel Turker, (right) identifies forage species with Leikwaga Momo, (Lead farmer) in Bong County...... 37 Figure 19: Farmer planting young seedlings in Gamue 2...... 42 Figure 20: Farmers applying urea briquettes with applicator...... 43 Figure 21: Members of Arise and Shine farming group during the grant signing ceremony with USADF in Buchannan, Grand Bassa County...... 46 Figure 22: Distribution of farming tools to youth groups in Todee District, Montserrado County...... 48 Figure 23: Field preparation for high value Okra production at Bernard Curve Sites, Todee District, Montserrado County...... 48 Figure 24: Training on power tiller operations in Lofa County...... 50 Figure 25: Nutrition poster approved by MOHSW...... 52 Figure 26: Dr. Charles McClain, Ministry of Agriculture, Deputy Minister for Planning and Development...... 53 Figure 27: USAID FED supported NGO Educare delivering training on leadership skills for VSLA groups...... 54

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Figure 28: Zeelie Farmers Association with its paddy rice purchased through the LEAD program with support from USAID FED ...... 55 Figure 29: BDSP training in Kakata, Margibi County...... 57 Figure 30: Rice Business Hub training in Bong County...... 58 Figure 31: CoE staff participating in compost training at BWI...... 60 Figure 32: Vice President of Liberia Joseph N. Boakai and U.S. Ambassador Deborah Malac touring the demonstration farms during the NDA launch...... 61 Figure 33: CoE staff participating in the study tour to Ghana...... 65 Figure 34: USAID FED supplied science laboratory equipment during the reporting period...... 66 Figure 35: USAID FED handing over textbooks to the CoE's...... 67 Figure 36: USAID FED delivering irrigation pumps to GBCC ...... 69

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Background

The USAID Food and Enterprise Development (FED) Program for Liberia is a USAID-funded development program that was launched in September 2011. USAID FED uses an all-inclusive strategy incorporating MSME farmers, processors, suppliers, women, and youth while partnering with the government of Liberia and local civil society to achieve food security.

The goal of USAID FED is to increase food availability, utilization, and accessibility by building an indigenous incentive structure that assists agricultural stakeholders in adopting commercial approaches.

This incentive structure is built upon:

• Improved technology for productivity and profitability • Expanded and modernized input supply and extension systems • Commercial production, marketing, and processing • Enterprise services • Workforce development

USAID FED works with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), civil society and the private sector in providing communities access to agricultural inputs, extension services, nutrition messages, processing services, market information, transportation, credit, agro-business education, training, and business development services.

In five years, USAID FED’s thrust to expand market linkages is expected to lead to substantial increases in income and job opportunities. USAID FED aims to significantly boost the production, processing, marketing and nutritional utilization of rice, cassava and vegetables, and to enhance the productivity of goat farming in the counties covered by the program.

These initiatives are being carried out in Bong, Lofa, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Montserrado, and Margibi counties. USAID FED focuses on these counties because they are situated along regional development corridors that are crucial in promoting intra and inter-county commerce. These growth corridors are expected to improve food availability and access for all Liberians.

USAID FED’s methodology is market-led and value chain-driven; it is committed to developing indigenous capacity building, with a specific focus on Liberia’s women and youth.

USAID FED is implemented by five partners: Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI), Winrock International, International Fertilizer Developmental Center (IFDC), Louisiana State University (LSU), and The Cadmus Group.

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Executive Summary

During the quarter, USAID FED delivered a presentation to the Vice President (VP) of Liberia, Joseph N. Boakai on USAID FED’s achievements and future plans. Vice President Boakai was impressed with USAID FED’s strategy and work and committed himself to visiting some of USAID FED’s sites. The presentation was delivered by USAID FED Chief of Party (COP), Agnes Luz. The meeting was also attended by USAID Deputy Mission Director, Barbara Dickerson and USAID Agricultural Development Officer, Ken Hasson. USAID FED Deputy Chief of Party Boima Bafaie, and Lofa County Manager Figure 1: USAID FED delivering a presentation to the Moses Jaygbah also attended the meeting. Vice President of Liberia Joseph Boakai

On February 13th, 2015, USAID FED hosted a stakeholders’ conference at the US Embassy to discuss the Program’s FY15 work plan. Influential members of the Government of Liberia (GoL) participated in this presentation including Hon. Fofi Baimba (Chair, Agriculture Committee House of Representatives), Dr. Charles McCLain (Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) Deputy Minister-Planning), Commissioner Saa Samoi (Liberia Revenue Authority), and many other high-level officials from the Ministry of Commerce & Industries (MoCI), Ministry of Education (MoE), Ministry of Youth & Sports (MoYS), and Customs. Mission Director John Mark Winfield, other USAID Officials and key private sector partners and other USAID projects were also present. This was an opportunity for USAID FED to highlight some of its achievements from FY14. The USAID FED COP also fielded many questions from the audience on topics such as cost benefit analysis for rice, import duties for agricultural commodities, and coordination. As an outcome of this stakeholders’ conference, Dr. Charles McClain committed to participate in weekly meetings with USAID FED, and Hon. Baimba expressed strong interest in visiting USAID FED sites.

During quarter two, a total of 2,291 MT of paddy rice from the FY14 rice crop was sold at a value of USD $959.579. Year to date, a cumulative total of 2,465.79MT of the FY14 rice crop has been sold at a value of USD $1,053,622.

During March, 1,683MT of FY13 cassava tuber was sold for USD $130,501. This brings the total sales of cassava from FY13 crop to 5,443MT for a value of USD $557,251.

In March, between the FY14 and FY15 vegetable clusters, a total of 104,901 kg of vegetables was harvested and sold for USD $47,281. A total of 254,383 kg (254MT) of vegetables was sold for USD $220,261 for the same clusters year to date.

During March, 222 goats were sold for USD $13,725. In total, 2,372 goats from the FY14 production sites have been sold for USD $122,543 year to date.

In February 2015, USAID FED organized its first Policy Forum of FY15 to discuss agricultural policies regarding the pricing of paddy rice by the government, as well as Executive Order # 64, the government policy that allows for a duty free waiver on all agricultural and forestry inputs. This Policy Forum was attended by officials of the MoA, MoCI, USAID, WFP, World Bank, Gro Green and many other organizations. USAID FED intends to hold additional Policy Forums over the remainder of FY15 on topics such as gross margins for rice and for other commodities in FED’s other value chains.

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On March 13, 2015, USAID FED in partnership with the MoE, officially launched the new National Diploma in Agriculture (NDA) Program at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) campus in Kakata, Margibi County. The Vice President of Liberia, Joseph N. Boakai, launched the National Diploma in Agriculture (NDA) which is Liberia’s first market-based, regionally integrated vocational training program in agriculture. The NDA is an innovative, skills-based, two year vocational program, which prepares high school graduates for agricultural employment in the formal sector or through entrepreneurship. It was developed by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in partnership with USAID FED. Starting in April 2015, students will be able to enroll in the program at the Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa Community Colleges, as well as at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI) in Margibi County.

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Component One: Increase Agriculture Productivity and Profitability Task 1A: Increased Productivity and Profitability of the Rice Value Chain

Rice Sales from FY14:

During quarter two, a total of 2,290.70 MT of FY14 rice crops was sold at a value of USD $959.578.82. A cumulative total of 2,465.79MT of FY14 rice crop has been sold at a value of USD $1,053,621.53 year to date (Table 1).

Table 1: FY14 Rice crop sales County Sales Sales value Sales Sales value Sales Sales value Sales Sales value Sales Sales value Volume January volume as of volume in in March Volume Q2 (USD$) Volume YTD (USD$) January 2015 February February March 2015 Q2(MT) YTD (MT) 2015 (USD$) 2015 2015 2015 (USD$) (MT) (MT) (USD$) (MT) Lofa 1,065.00 $426,000.00 446.00 $178,400.00 192 $77,252.00 1703.00 $681,652.00 1,825.09 729,635.31 Nimba 0.00 $0.00 31.25 $15,598.82 4.25 $1,617.50 35.50 $17,216.32 35.50 17,216.32 Bong 61.83 $32,081.50 216.5 $102,985.00 198.4 $120,566.00 476.73 $255,632.50 573.03 294,611.90 Grand 6.00 $2,200.00 1.00 $345.00 7.47 $2,533.00 14.47 $5,078.00 32.17 12,158.00 Bassa TOTAL 1132.83 $460,281.50 694.75 $297,328.82 402.12 $201,968.50 2229.70 $959,578.82 2465.79 $1,053,621.53

Rice crop harvests from FY14:

By the end of quarter two, all the 2,464.82 Ha of upland areas planted during the FY14 period had been completely harvested yielding 5,041.55MT of rice (Table 2). Thus, no additional harvests were reported in

March.

Table 2: Upland rice commercial sites harvests County Hectares Hectares Volume Hectares Volume FY14 Volume Hectares Volume FY14 Volume established harvested (MT) harvested (MT) Hectares harvested harvested (MT) Hectares harvested in FY14 in January harvested in harvested harvested in March as of Q2 harvested harvested YTD 2015 in January February in in March 2015 as of Q2 YTD 2015 2015 February 2015 2015 Lofa 226.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 226.00 483.85 Nimba 95.32 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 95.32 266.90 Bong 1,653.50 3.50 9.80 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 3.50 9.80 1,653.50 3,309.80 Grand 490.00 0.00 0.00 225.50 451.00 0.00 0.00 225.50 451.00 490.00 981.00 Bassa TOTAL 2,464.82 3.50 9.80 225.50 451.00 0.00 0.00 229.00 460.80 2,464.82 5,041.55

Similarly, by the end of quarter two, all the 1,091.51 Ha of lowland areas planted during the FY14 period had been completely harvested. Thus, no additional harvests were reported in March. The total yield reported was 4,138.68MT of paddy rice (Table 3). The overall total reported harvest from FY14 crop is 9,180.23MT. However, this is only the rice that was bagged. It doesn’t include the rice that was consumed and/or given away.

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Figure 2: Farmers from Payee Kolakeh farming group harvesting rice in Payee, Nimba County

Table 3: Lowland commercial sites harvests County Hectares Hectares Volume Hectares Volume FY14 Volume Hectares Volume FY14 Volume established harvested (MT) harvested (MT) Hectares harvested harvested (MT) Hectares harvested in FY14 in January harvested in harvested harvested in March as of Q2 harvested harvested YTD in February in in March 2015 as of Q2 YTD (MT) January February 2015 Lofa 139 16 64.5 0 0 0 0 16 64.5 140 532.45 Nimba 308.01 130.29 522.5 0 0 0 0 130.29 522.5 308.01 1027.73 Bong 622.5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 622.5 2490 Grand 22 0 0 11.5 46 0 0 11.5 46 22 88.5 Bassa TOTAL 1,091.51 146.29 587.00 11.50 46.00 0.00 0.00 157.79 633.00 1,092.51 4,138.68

Activity 1.A.1 Improving productivity and profitability of upland rice

Task 1.A.1.1 Identify and recruit 11,025 new upland farmers to produce upland rice:

By the end of quarter two, a total of 11,296 upland rice farmers (6,787 male and 4,509 female) had been identified and verified in the four counties to produce rice on 2,964.50 Ha of land. A total of 297 farmers’ groups signed MoU’s which were submitted to USAID FED. These farmers have commenced land clearing in their respective communities (Table 4).

Table 4: Upland rice farmer recruitment County FY15 Upland FY15 # of Farmers # of Male # of Female Farmer Target Upland verified by end Farmers Farmers Target Ha of Q2 FY15

Lofa 1,750 420.00 1,912 934 978

Nimba 4,550 182.00 4,550 2,684 1,866

Bong 4,060 2,030.00 4,064 2,599 1,465

Grand Bassa 665 332.50 770 570 200

TOTAL 11,025 2,964.50 11,296 6,787 4,509

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During March, a total of 295 Ha of upland were cleared in preparation for production. By the end of quarter two, a total of 2,761.00 Ha of upland had been cleared against a target of 2,964.50 Ha towards FY15 production (Table 5). The rest of the target will be achieved in April.

Table 5: Upland commercial sites cleared for planting County # of FY15 # of sites Targeted # of # of Total targeted identified hectares Hectares Hectares # of sites by for FY15 cleared cleared Hectares February production in in March cleared February YTD Lofa 61 61 420.00 420.00 22.00 442.00 Nimba 110 110 182.00 182.00 0.00 182.00 Bong 109 109 2,030.00 1,840.00 200.00 2,040.00 Grand Bassa 17 17 332.50 24.00 73.00 97.00 TOTAL 297 297 2,964.50 2,466.00 295.00 2,761.00

Task 1.A.1.2 Recruit local NGOs to provide implementation support to upland rice farmers

By the end of quarter two, a total of five local NGOs (LNGOs) had been contracted to provide technical implementation support to both upland and lowland rice farmer groups across four counties (Table 6). The five LNGOs held work plan development meetings with USAID FED County Offices during the month of March, and will commence implementation at the beginning of April. Under their contractual obligations, the LNGOs will train lead farmers, ensure that farmers receive inputs, supervise the establishment and management of demonstration sites, provide routine extension services, and monitor and report on production and sales. These LNGOs have employed 82 staff to provide the technical and extension support to the farming communities.

Table 6: LNGOs contracted per County County # of LNGOs Contracted LNGOs Ecological focus

Bong 2 Action for Safer Community Organization (ASCO), Both upland and lowland

Green-Coast Agriculture Program (GCAP) Both upland and lowland

Lofa 1 Rural Agriculture Alternatives (RAA) Both upland and lowland

Nimba 1 Agriculture Relief Services (ARS) Both upland and lowland

Grand Bassa 1 Community Youth Network Program (CYNP) Both upland and lowland

Task 1.A.1.3 Establish 297 hectares of new demonstration sites

In March, 20 Ha of new upland demonstration sites were cleared. In total, 242.5 Ha of demonstration sites were cleared across the four counties by the end of quarter two (Table 7).

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Table 7: Upland demonstrations sites establishment County Demonstration Demonstration # of Hectares # of Hectares Total # of sites target Hectares target cleared in February cleared in Hectares cleared 2015 March YTD Bong 109.00 54.5 54.50 0.00 54.50 Lofa 61.00 61.00 61.00 0.00 61.00 Nimba 110.00 110.00 90.00 20.00 110.00 Bassa 17.00 17.00 17.00 0.00 17.00 Total 297.00 222.5 222.50 20.00 242.50

Task 1.A.1.4 Train 297 lead farmers on improved upland rice production techniques

During February, USAID FED facilitated training sessions on improved upland rice production techniques for 280 new upland lead farmers (236 male and 43 female) (Table 8). These trainings were held in Bong County from February 9-11, in Nimba County from February 2-7 (two sessions), and in Lofa County from February 12-14 (Table 8).

Table 8: Upland rice lead farmers trained County # of lead farmer Male Female Bong 109 100 9 Lofa 61 51 10 Nimba 110 86 24 Total 280 237 43

Task 1.A.1.5 Develop and disseminate extension material on upland rice production practices This task is now reported under Task 1.3.3.1 Extension material and packages covering technical aspects of production techniques, production planning, integrated pest and disease management, variety selection and post- harvest handling developed for rice, cassava, goats and horticulture value chains.

Task 1.A.1.6 Procure and distribute 17.82 MT of Nerica-14 seeds to 297 ha of new demo-sites

During February, FED concluded solicitations towards the procurement of 17.82 MT of Nerica-14 seeds and selection of vendors at the county level, with the anticipation that all seed would have been distributed to all upland rice farming groups by the end of March.

A comprehensive list of USAID FED beneficiaries was provided to WAAPP and MoA for their consideration. After positive deliberations with MoA and WAAPP, the procurement of upland rice seed was put on hold, subject to confirmation by the MoA that USAID FED could actually receive upland rice seed for its FY13, FY14 and FY15 beneficiaries.

Task 1.A.1.7 Procure and distribute 60 MT of fertilizer to 297 ha of new demo-sites

In February, the procurement process for fertilizer was concluded and a vendor was selected. It is anticipated that all of the fertilizer will be delivered and distributed to farming groups before the end of April.

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Activity 1.A.2 Expanding lowland rice production

Task 1.A.2.1 Identify and recruit 7,175 new lowland farmers to produce lowland rice

By the end of quarter two, 11,154 lowland rice farmers (6,062 male and 5,092 female) were verified in the four USAID FED-supported counties to produce rice on 3,545.90 Ha of land (Table 9). After an assessment of the implementation capabilities of the USAID FED counties post-Ebola, lowland rice production was further expanded from 7,175 farmers planting on 1,908.20 Ha, to 12,100 farmers planting on 3,910.40 Ha in FY15. After verification of farming groups, the total number of new farmers that USAID FED will support in FY15 now stands at 11,154. They will be cultivating 3,545.90 Ha of lowlands.

Table 9: Lowland rice farmer recruitment County FY15 Lowland # of Farmers # of Male # of Female Farmer Target verified by end Farmers Farmers of Q2 February

Lofa 1,400 2,950 1,500 1,450

Nimba 4,060 4,435 2,437 1,998

Bong 1,400 3,280 1,826 1,454

Grand Bassa 315 489 299 190

TOTAL 7,175 11,154 6,062 5,092

During March, a total of 410.86 Ha of lowlands were cleared in preparation for production. By the end of quarter two, a total of 1,530.16 Ha of lowlands had been cleared against a new target of 3,545.90 Ha (Table 10).

Table 10: Lowland commercial sites cleared for planting County Targeted New targeted Hectares Hectares Hectares hectares for FY15 hectares for cleared in cleared in cleared YTD FY15 February March

Bong 700.00 1,654.50 978.00 287.00 1,265.00 Lofa 350.00 969.90 135.00 62.90 197.90 Nimba 812.00 835.50 0.00 60.96 60.96 Grand Bassa 46.20 86.00 6.30 0.00 6.30 TOTAL 1,908.20 3,545.90 1,119.30 410.86 1,530.16

Task 1.A.2.3 Establish 191 hectares of new demonstration sites

In March, 124.96 Ha of new demonstration sites were cleared. In total, 251.16 Ha of new demonstration sites were cleared across the four counties by the end of quarter two (Table 11).

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Table 11: Lowland demonstrations sites establishment County Demonstration sites New demonstration # of Hectares # of Total # of target Hectares sites target Hectares cleared in Hectares Hectares February 2015 cleared in cleared YTD March 2015

Bong 38.00 79.00 30.00 49.00 79.00 Lofa 37.00 50.00 37 00 87 Nimba 108.00 111.00 0.00 60.96 60.96 Bassa 8.00 27.00 9.20 15.00 24.20 191 267 76.2 124.96 251.16 Total

Task 1.A.2.4 Train 191 lead farmers on lowland rice production practices

During quarter two, USAID FED facilitated training sessions on lowland rice production practices for 240 (212 male and 28 female) new lowland lead farmers (Table 12). These training were held from March 10 -13 in Lofa County, from March 17-20 in Gbarnga, Bong County, from March 24 - 27 and March 30 - April 02 in Tapitta, Nimba County.

Figure 3: Lowland lead farmers training in Nimba County Table 12: Lowland rice lead farmers trained County # of lead farmers Male Female Bong 79 71 8 Lofa 50 47 3 Nimba 111 94 17 Total 240 212 28

Task 1.A.2.6 Procure and distribute 7.64 MT of Nerica-L19 seeds to 191 ha of new demo-sites

During February, vendors for the procurement of 10.68MT of Nerica-19 seeds were selected with the anticipation that all seeds would have been distributed to all lowland rice farming groups by the end of March. However, the World Bank informed USAID FED in early March that the importation of certified rice seeds that will be given free of charge to rice farmers. Procurement was put on hold as a result of this information. The MoA informed USAID FED later in March that the incoming seeds would only comprise upland rice seed. As a result, the selected vendors were instructed to proceed with delivery and distribution of lowland rice seed in the counties, which will be completed in April.

Task 1.A.2.7 Procure and distribute 59.4MT of TSP, MOP, and Urea Briquette & Urea fertilizer to 191 demonstration sites

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 16

In February, a vendor was selected to supply 220.67MT of fertilizer to the new demonstration sites for lowland rice production. It is anticipated that all of the fertilizer will be delivered and distributed to all lowland farming groups in April.

Task 1.A.2.10 Link low-land rice farmers to financial services providers and agro-inputs suppliers

During February, 11 rice farming groups comprised of 675 members were submitted to LEAD for possible microfinance loan assistance. In March, LEAD concluded the due diligence on the loan applications. Out of the 11 groups, 5 were selected (From God to Man, Boweh-lolewon, Fuamah Multipurpose Cooperative, Yalakporma Farmers’ Association and Lorkiah Farmers’ Association) for loan disbursements. Of the five, one group (Lorkiah Farmers’ Association) received a loan for USD $2,325.00 during the reporting period.

Activity 1.A.3 Enhancing mechanization for lowland rice production

Task 1.A.3.5 Procure paddy drum seeders for demonstration trials in the 4 counties

A drum seeder is an equipment that is used for planting rice seeds directly on the ground in a straight line. It is good for use in cases when farmers fail some reason to prepare rice seedlings in a nursery in a timely manner. This reduces the duration of the growing period of the crop as it skips the period where the rice seedling experiences transplanting shock. It is advantageous to use in areas where labor is expensive since it employs less man-days compared to transplanting. It is good to introduce in areas where transplanting rice is a new technology and therefore people are open to adopting other improved alternative technologies. Further, it is inexpensive.

In February, USAID FED selected and contracted a vendor to supply paddy drum seeders to the rice business hubs. In FY15, one paddy drum seeder will be distributed to each of the FY14 and FY15 rice business hubs, bringing the total number of paddy drum seeders to 20. These paddy drum seeders will ensure that lowland rice farmers have access to additional mechanized services through the rice business hubs. While it was anticipated that the 20 paddy drum seeders would be delivered in March, this was not possible as the vendor was still following through with the fabrication process.

Task 1.A.3.6 Procure and distribute cono-weeders for demonstration trials in the 4 counties

A cono-weeder is a simple device that is used for removing or killing weeds mechanically. It has a wheel that is used to trample the weeds and also incorporate the weeds into the soil with its front push and back pull action. It is advisable for use in rice fields where the spaces between plants are sufficient for the wheel to pass through without damaging the rice plant. It is easier to use when the weeds are still too short to remove by hand. Eliminating the weeds while they are still small, eliminates competition early on and gives the rice plant greater headway.

In February, USAID FED selected and contracted a vendor to supply cono-weeders to the rice business hubs. In FY15, one cono-weeder will be distributed to each of the FY14 and FY15 rice business hub, bringing the total number of cono-weeders to 20. These cono-weeders will ensure that lowland rice farmers have access to additional mechanized services through the rice business hubs. While it was anticipated that the 20 cono-weeders would be delivered in March, this was not possible as the vendor was still following through with the fabrication process.

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 17

Activity 1.A.6 Promoting 2 rice crops per years

In quarter two, a total of 9 out of 12 groups that benefited from the construction of spillways have begun planting their second crops on 10.5 ha of land. Additional sites are being prepared for production of the second crop of lowland rice as a result of the spillways construction (Table 13).

Table 13: Sites promoting two rice crops per year County Name of Group Name of Community Ha under second crop production Lofa Kanjala Kolahum 2.00

Kogbamai Voinjama 2.00

Rice and Food Crop Foya 1.00

Sadupassia Foya 0.5

Bong Doetintown Panta district 3.00

Yalakporma Garmue-2 0.5

Kukatona Gbarngasiaquelleh 0.5

Nimba Karmei Farm Zoelay Memorial Dekama Town 0.50

Gausi Farm Deaduk Sanniquillie 0.50

Total 10.5

Task 1.A.6.2 Construct 30 new irrigation spillways and head dykes

By the end of quarter two, a total of 30 water management infrastructure sites had been selected across the four counties for the construction of irrigation spillways and head dykes. 30 farming groups signed MoU’s as a commitment of their contribution to the water infrastructure, which will promote double cropping (Table 14). The firm that will supervise the construction of the spillways in the four counties was selected in February, and the construction of the proposed spillways will commence in April.

Table 14: Water management sites County # of sites Hectares Number of # of Males # of # of MoU signed targeted beneficiaries Females by end of March

Lofa 11 55.70 653 342 311 11 Nimba 6 35.00 296 195 101 6 Bong 10 55.00 574 322 252 10 Grand Bassa 3 14.50 60 32 28 3 TOTAL 30 160.20 1,583 891 692 30

In March, USAID FED also conducted a five day Training of Trainers (TOT) for 142 lead farmers and LNGO technicians (114 male and 26 female) on the basics of spillways construction and maintenance. These training sessions were held from March 2-6 in Gbarnga City Bong County, from March 9-13 in Kakata, and from March 16-20, 2015 in Lofa.

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Activity 1.A.7 Enhancing post-harvest management practices

Task 1.A.7.2 Construct and equip identified community rice business hubs

In February, USAID FED contracted an Architectural and Engineering (A&E) firm to carry out the design and supervision for the construction of 10 new rice business hubs. In March, the firm submitted the first draft of the construction designs to USAID FED. The construction of the 10 new rice business hubs will commence in May. Figure 4: Lead farmers and LNGO technicians during training in Spillway site in Totota, Bong County In quarter two, the FY14 community rice business hubs processed and sold 48 MT of 50kg rice valued at USD $35,520 to the World Food Program. The community rice hubs warehouse was used to store over 75 MT of Paddy rice for sale to the MoA and Fabrar Liberia Inc.

Activity 1.A.8 Stimulating private sector investment in commercial rice production

Task 1.A.8.2 Provide technical assistance to 2 large scale rice growers to develop business plan

During the quarter, USAID FED concluded mapping of large scale lowlands owned by four entrepreneurs. A total of 500 Ha of potential lowlands were verified on the four farms (Table 15). The farms are located in Margibi, Nimba, Montserrado and Bong counties. These large scale land owners are interested in investing in commercial lowland production of rice via cost share arrangements, with USAID FED assistance. In March, an investment cost analysis was drafted and shared with the land owners to generate discussions on which cost centers each partner’s contributions can be attributed to. It is anticipated that at least 3 of these entrepreneurs will open up an initial 50 Ha in FY15, if they can provide proof or guarantee that they are capable of meeting cost share obligations. The biggest challenge at this time is the capacity of these land owners to actually come up with their cost-share.

Table 15: Potential lowlands for commercial rice production County # of Large scale land Available Hectares Hectares mapped owners

Bong 2 200.00 150.00

Nimba 1 650.00 400.00

Margibi 1 390.00 390.00

Montserrado 1 270 .00 100.00

Total 5 1,580.00 1,040.00

Task 1.A.8.5 Facilitate linkages between Fabrar Liberia Inc., Government Agencies and Institutional buyers

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 19

During quarter two, Fabrar Liberia Inc. procured a total of 412MT of paddy rice at a value of USD $152,440.00 from USAID FED-supported farmers in Lofa and Bong Counties. FABRAR Liberia Inc. also supplied 250MT of milled rice valued at USD $185,000.00 to the World Food Programme.

Task 1.A.8.7 Recruitment of Rice Technical Specialist

During the quarter two reporting period, the Rice Technical Specialist Dr. Pandian Balamurugan provided technical assistance to the Rice Value Chain and Extension Support teams. This included review of upland and lowland extension materials, development of a training manual on harvest and post-harvest technologies, a twelve chapter Figure 5: USAID FED’s Rice Technical Specialist assessing storage in rice production curriculum, as well as the physical Voinjama, Lofa County assessment and recommended corrective action for rice storage facilities in Bong, Nimba and Lofa Counties. Task 1B: Increased Production and Profitability of Cassava Value Chain

FY13 cassava crop harvests and sales:

During the quarter, a total of 2,845.19MT of cassava tubers was harvested from 142.65 Ha of FY13 demo and farmer fields. The reported total volume of FY13 cassava crop harvested comes to 6,113.95MT from 1,036 Ha of FY 13 land planted (Table 16).

Table 16: FY13 Cassava crop harvests - demo sites and farmers’ fields. County Hectares Expected Hectares Volume Hectares Volume Hectares Volume Hectares Volume Total Total planted harvest harvested harvested harvested harvested harvested harvested harvested harvested FY13 area FY13 crop FY13 crop FY13 crop in January in January in February in in March in March in Q2 FY15 in Q2 harvested harvested (Ha) (MT) (Ha) (MT) (Ha) February (Ha) (MT) FY15 YTD YTD (MT) (MT) (Ha)

Bong 32.7 719.4 6.42 147.6 10.18 232.2 15.2 355.68 31.8 735.48 743.75 921.08

Nimba 283.66 6240.52 8.10 139.29 23.6 418.29 8.71 156.7 40.41 714.28 844.1 3093.76

Lofa 22.9 503.8 10.9 239.8 11.6 253.13 0 0 22.5 492.93 500.97 670.3

Grand 697.2 12,818.40 13.82 291.30 22.12 455.2 12 156 47.94 902.5 984.13 2246.8 Bassa TOTAL 1,036.46 20,282.12 39.24 817.99 67.50 1,358.82 35.91 668.38 142.65 2,845.19 3,072.95 6,931.94

During March, 1,683.04MT of FY13 cassava tuber was sold for USD $130,501.48. A total of 6,113.95MT was reported harvested of which 5,443.12MT of FY13 cassava crop has been sold for USD $557,251.00 (Table 17). A survey of sample cassava fields showed yields ranging from 18 to 22MT per hectare. The total yield from 1,036 ha planted in FY13 is estimated at approximately 20,000 MT. It is estimated that most of the harvest has been consumed as what typically happens, but cannot be accounted for because farmers harvest in a staggered manner.

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 20

Table 17: FY13 Cassava Crop sales County Volume Value of Volume Value of Volume Value of Volume Value of Volume Value of Sold Sales Sold Sales harvested sales in sold Q2 Sales Q2 Sold sales January January February February in March March FY15 (USD) YTD YTD(USD$) (MT) (USD$) (MT) (USD$) (MT) (MT) (MT)

Bong 143.90 $9,811.00 79.90 $5,293.00 355.68 $22,279.00 579.48 $37,383.00 640.28 $41,816.30

Nimba 129.96 $16,951.64 271.00 $33,969.70 152.30 $20,478.26 553.26 $71,399.60 2480.66 $319,052.87

Lofa 0.00 0.00 13.00 $955.88 0.00 $0.00 13.00 $955.88 50.37 $3,458.35

Grand Bassa 291.30 $13,958.00 90.00 $4,285.00 156.00 $2,520.00 537.3 $20,763.00 1063.9 $55,967.00 TOTAL 565.16 $40,720.64 453.90 $44,503.58 663.98 $45,277.26 1,683.04 $130,501.48 4,235.21 $420,294.52

FY14 cassava crop harvests and sales:

During quarter two, 1,270.80 MT of cassava tuber was harvested from 64.90 Ha of FY14 demo and farmers’ fields. To date, a total of 1,190.20 MT of FY14 cassava crop has been harvested from 63.40 Ha of FY14 demo and farmers’ fields (Table 18).

Table 18: FY14 Cassava crop harvests - demo sites and farmers’ fields County Total Expected Area Volume Area Volume Area Volume Area Volume Total FY14 Total FY14 Area Harvest Harvested Harvested Harvested Harvested Harvested Harvested Harvested Harvested area crop planted FY14 January January February February March March Q2 FY15 Q2 FY15 Harvested Harvested FY14 Crop (Ha) (MT) (Ha) (MT) (Ha) (MT) (Ha) (MT) YTD (Ha) YTD (MT) crop (MT) (Ha) Bong 480.00 8,640.00 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 55.70 0.00 55.70 0.00 55.70

Nimba 960.00 17,280.00 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Lofa 240.00 4320.00 0 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Grand 720.00 12,960.00 4.00 80.60 10.90 234.50 50.00 900.00 64.90 1215.10 64.90 1215.10 Bassa TOTAL 2,400 43200 4.00 80.60 10.90 234.50 50.00 955.70 64.90 1,270.80 64.90 1,270.80

During quarter two, 1,215.10MT of FY14 cassava tuber was sold for USD $47,648.70. To date, a total of 1,215.10 MT of FY14 cassava crop has been sold for USD $47,648.70 (Table 19).

Table 19: FY14 Cassava crop sales County Sales Sales target Volume Value of Volume Value of Volume Value of Volume Value of Volume Value of volume value for Sold in Sales in Sold in Sales in Sold in Sales in sold Q2 Sales Q2 Sold YTD sales YTD Target FY14 crop January January February February March March FY15 (USD$) (MT) (USD$) for FY14 (USD$) (MT) (USD$) (MT) (US$) (MT) (USD$) (MT) crop (MT) Bong 7,191.00 $38,831.40 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00

Nimba 14,688.00 $79,315.20 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00

Lofa 3,672.00 $19,461.60 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 Grand 11,016.00 $58,384.80 234.50 $8,020.00 900.00 $37,508.70 1215.10 $47,648.70 1215.10 $47,648.70 80.60 $2,120.00 Bassa TOTAL 36,567.00 $195,993.00 80.60 $2,120.00 234.50 $8,020.000 900.00 37,508.70 1,215.10 $47,648.70 1215.10 $47,648.70

Activity I.B.1 Facilitating access to high yielding cassava varieties:

Task 1.B.1.1 Screening of cassava cuttings on 2 sites in Lofa through collaboration with CARI

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 21

In February, CARI technicians conducted the final inspections of the cassava cuttings varieties imported from IITA at the two screening sites in Lofa County. In March, USAID FED was informally notified by the MoA that 10 of the varieties have been identified as safe and adaptable for the Liberian environment and could be released once the necessary palatability tests are concluded. It is anticipated that the varieties will have been released and distributed to the 40 commercial nurseries for multiplication by the end of May.

Figure 6: Screening nursery in Voinjama, Lofa County Activity 1.B.3 Enhancing knowledge on improved technologies and varieties:

Task 1.B.3.2 Identify 12,960 new famers in 648 Kuus towards FY15 cassava production

By the end of quarter two, USAID FED had identified and mobilized a total 12,960 new beneficiaries represented in 648 Kuus across the four counties (Table 20). By the end of March, all the 648 Kuus had signed MoUs for submission to USAID FED for counter signature.

Table 20: FY15 beneficiary signed up for production County FY15 farmer FY15 Kuu Total FY15 Male Female # of Kuus # of MoU’s targets target farmers YTD signed identified No % No % by the Kuus YTD Bong 2,500 125 2,500 1,286 51 1,214 49 125 125 Nimba 5,360 268 5,360 2,791 52 2,569 48 268 268 Lofa 1,500 75 1,500 900 60 600 40 75 75 Grand Bassa 3,600 180 3,600 2,356 65 1,244 35 180 180

TOTAL 12,960 648 12,960 7,333 57 5,627 43 648 648

Task 1.B.3.3 Train 324 Kuu leaders on GAP and ISFM and disseminate extension material:

During March, 324 Kuu leaders and LNGO technical staff (188 male and 136 female) were trained on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) and Integrated Soil Fertility Management (ISFM) across the four counties (Table 21). The trainings were conducted by five selected Local NGOs (RAA, LIPAS, CWAP, LYADI and TECURD) selected to support implementation of cassava value chain activities in Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa Counties.

Figure 7: Kuu leaders undergoing training on GAP and ISFM in Bong and Grad Bassa Counties respectively

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Table 21: Cassava Kuu leaders trained in GAP and ISFM County FY15 Kuu target # of Male # of Female

Bong 80 47 33 Nimba 85 45 40 Lofa 75 36 39 Grand Bassa 84 60 24 TOTAL 324 188 136

Activity 1.B.4 Improving access to market information and market:

Task 1.B.4.2 Provide cassava clusters with market information on varieties, volumes and prices:

In quarter two, USAID FED facilitated meetings between Monrovia-based processors (LBI, FALAMA, YEAHD Agri-Processing and RASA Liberia) and cassava production groups in Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa Counties. During these contact meetings, relevant information on required volumes and varieties were disseminated. The buyers and producers were also able to discuss and negotiate pricing. More information on the outputs of these meetings is detailed under Task 1.B.4.3.

During quarter two, the Liberia Business Incubator (LBI) and YAEHD Agri-processing Center began construction of their individual processing facilities in Figure 8: Liberia Business Incubator (LBI) constructing its cassava Montserrado County. LBI will invest USD $35,760 processing facility in Montserrado County. towards construction of their facility (Figure 8). USAID FED will fund USD $44,950 worth of equipment to be installed in the facility. This will include a motorized grater, generator, cassava peeler, hammer mill, cassava roaster for gari production, cassava dryer and cassava sifters. YAEHD Agri-processing Center has invested USD $25,000.00 towards construction of their facility. USAID FED will fund USD $18,750.00 worth of equipment to be installed in the facility. This will include motorized grater, double screw press, cassava peeler, cassava roaster and bag stitching machine; both processors output capacity was previously at 2 MT per week. With USAID FED’s intervention their capacity is now at 5 MT per week.

Task 1.B.4.3 Organize meetings between processors and cassava clusters for trade linkages

During quarter two, USAID FED facilitated meetings Figure 9: Cassava processors meeting with producers in Lofa and Nimba Counties respectively.

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 23

between small processors from Monrovia and producer groups in its zone of influence (Figure 9 & 10). These meetings allowed value chain actors to share market information and negotiate potential cassava supply and prices. Agreements on weight, price per ton, weekly supply volumes and payment terms were negotiated. As a result of these meetings, two of the Monrovia- based processors (RASA Liberia and LBI) purchased eight metric tons of cassava from USAID FED farmers in Bassa and Bong counties valued at USD $810.00, while FALAMA and YAEHD Agri-processing Center purchased more than six metric ton from non-USAID FED supported farmers. Figure 10: Cassava processors meeting with producers Activity 1.B.5 Facilitating access to financial services for in Lofa and Nimba Counties respectively. processors:

Task 1.B.5.2 Procure and distribute processing equipment for 16 micro and small processors:

During quarter two, a total of 19 micro-processors out of the 25 to be supported in FY15 received modern processing equipment to upgrade their processing capacities. These included motorized graters, double screw presses, gari dryer beds and 100 kg suspension scales. All 19 processors received equipment valued at USD $107,100.00 through cost share arrangements with USAID FED.

In addition, 3 out of the 4 processors based in Monrovia received modern equipment to increase their processing capacities. This included weighing Scales 100 kg digital scales, motorized graters, generators 15Kva, cassava peelers(petrol 7.5hp), hammer mills, cassava roasters for gari production, cassava dryers (12 # tray size), bag stitching machines, impulse sealers for polythene bags and cassava sifter c/w 4 graded. Together all three processor received equipment valued at USD$164,700 through cost share arrangements with USAID FED.

Task 1.B.5.4 Link processors to financial services providers:

In February, the capital needs for 29 processors were assessed. Out of these, a list of 25 processors was submitted to LEAD for due diligence and possible loan consideration with the assistance of USAID FED’s Component 2. Task 1C: Increased Productivity and Profitability of the Horticulture Value Chain

During March, 19,546 kg of vegetables were harvested and sold for USD $29,232.10. A total of 117,642.51 kg (117MT) of vegetables were harvested and sold for USD $92,114.33 from the FY14 clusters to date (Table 22).

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Table 22: FY14 cluster sales County Total Total value Total Total Volume Value of Total Total sales Total Total Sales Volume of sales in Volume value of of sales in sales in Sales value Sales Value YTD of sales in January of sales sales in March March volume Q2(US$) Volume (USD$) January (USD$) in February (kg) (USD$) Q2(kg) YTD (kg) (kg) February (USD$) (kg)

Montserrado 7,657.00 $12,256.00 131.21 $3,728.00 15,387.00 $21,694.68 23,175.21 $37,678.68 46,896.51 $49,406.91

Nimba 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 9,000.00 $6,173.20

Margibi 19,409.50 $8,870.00 156.00 $5,211.00 4,031.00 $4,113.75 23,596.50 $18,194.75 61,618.00 $33,110.55

Grand Bassa 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 128.00 $3,423.67 128.00 $3,423.67 128.00 $3,423.67

Total 27,066.50 $21,126.00 287.21 $8,939.00 19,546.00 $29,232.10 46,899.71 $59,297.10 117,642.51 $92,114.33

Vegetable sales from FY15 clusters:

During March, 85,355.00 kg of vegetables were harvested and sold for USD $18,049.20. A total of 136,740.33 kg of vegetables was harvested and sold for USD $128,147.02 from the FY15 clusters year to date (Table 23).

Table 23: FY15 cluster sales County Volume of Value of Volume Value of Volume of Value of Volume of Value of Total Total Value of sales in sales in of sales sales in sales in sales in sales in Q2 sales in Q2 volume of sales January January in February March March (Kgs) (US$) sales Q2 (Kgs) (US$) February (US$) (Kgs) (US$) Q2 (Kgs) Montserrrado 6,835.00 $9,071.00 15,417.33 $30,644.47 70,068.00 48,672.53 92,320.33 $88,388.00 92,320.33 $88,388.00

Margibi 2,689.00 $1,181.00 8,310.00 $14,821.00 12,680.00 $15,640.75 23,679.00 $31,642.75 23,679.00 $31,642.75

Bong 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 1,775.00 $1,458.00 1,775.00 $1,458.00 1,775.00 $1,458.00

Nimba 0.00 $0.00 16,660.00 $5,338.82 0.00 $0.00 16,660.00 $5,338.82 16,660.00 $5,338.82

Lofa 0.00 $0.00 0.00 $0.00 265.00 $218.45 265.00 $218.45 265.00 $218.45

Grand Bassa 0 $0.00 1,474.00 $369.00 567.00 $732.00 2,041.00 $1,101.00 2,041.00 $1,101.00

TOTAL 9,524.00 $10,252.00 41861.33 $51,173.29 85,355.00 $18,049.20 136740.33 $128,147.02 136740.33 $128,147.02

Establishment of rain shelters on FY14 sites:

By the end of March, a total of 19 out of the planned 20 rain shelters were installed on selected FY14 sites in Montserrado, Margibi, Nimba and Grand Bassa Counties (Table 24). These rain shelters will be used for production of high value vegetables during the rainy season. Bokay’s town vegetable cluster in Montseraddo County was unable to secure suitable land for installation of their rain shelter. The rain shelter will thus be installed at Grain Coast Inc.’s land in April to support the efforts of producing vegetables for export. During March, cabbage and cucumber were planted in 19 rain shelters.

Figure 11: Farmers planting cucumber in the rain shelter at MAWAH cluster, Montserrado County

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 25

Table 24: 2014 Rain shelters installed County # of rain shelters installed

Montserrado 5

Margibi 8

Nimba 4

Bassa 2

Total 19

Activity 1.C.1 Improving access to affordable seeds of improved vegetable varieties

Task 1.C.1.3 Identify financing needs of continuing and new farmers:

During February, USAID FED assisted 14 vegetable producer groups from the FY14 clusters to apply for for loans from LEAD to enable them to expand their vegetable production efforts. LEAD conducted a due diligence process, assessing the potential ability of the groups to repay the loan request and the cohesiveness of their members. On March 3, FY14 clusters (Low Cost Village, CGCYEP and Mawah clusters) received loans valued at USD $4,770.00 after successfully qualifying for assistance (Table 25). Figure 12: Vegetable farmer and USAID FED Extension Officer with harvested cabbages at Gbofella cluster, Margibi County Table 25: Loan disbursements to FY14 clusters Cluster # of farmers Loan Amount Interest Rate Interest Loan received (US$) Deducted (US$)

Mawah 20 $1,745.00 16% $279.20 $1,465.80

CGCWYEP 16 $700.00 16% $112.00 $588.00

Low Cost Village 18 $2,325.00 16% $372.00 $1,953.00

Total 54 $4,770.00 $763.20 $4,006.80

Activity 1.C.2 Promoting Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices

Task 1.C.2.1 Identify 3,750 farmers and establish 18 demonstration plots in 6 counties:

By the end of March, a total of 3,757 farmers (2,209 men and 1,548 women) in 188 clusters across the six USAID FED counties had been mobilized for FY15 vegetable production. These clusters will produce both local and high value vegetables on 125 Ha of land. Local vegetables are commonly consumed vegetables such as bitterball, chili pepper, eggplant, kale and local variety of okra. High value vegetables are predominantly hybrid vegetables that are generally grown for the expat market such as cabbage, lettuce, watermelon, export variety of okra, cucumber, and tomatoes. USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 26

Table 26: FY15 Cluster identification County FY15 Finalized # # of MoU’s Target of clusters signed by Clusters for FY 15 lead farmers

Montserrado 48 52 52 Margibi 41 37 37 Nimba 28 28 28 Lofa 25 25 25 Grand Bassa 19 19 19 Bong 27 27 27 Total 188 188 188

Table 27: Horticulture beneficiaries signed up for FY15 production County FY15 Farmer Finalized # of # of Male # of female Target farmers for farmers farmers FY15

No % No % Montserrado 967 1,040 620 17 420 11 Margibi 777 740 422 11 318 8 Nimba 569 686 432 11 254 7 Lofa 509 485 221 6 264 7

Grand Bassa 379 391 285 8 106 3

Bong 549 415 229 6 186 5 Total 3,750 3,757 2,209 59 1,548 41

In March, the clusters had already prepared 96 Ha out of the targeted 125 Ha towards production of high value and local vegetable varieties (Table 28).

Table 28: Horticulture land preparation for FY15 production County FY15 Hectares Area cultivated to Total Area mapped Target date (Ha) with GPS

(Ha)

Montserrado 31.00 31.00 31.00

Margibi 25.00 25.00 25.00

Nimba 20.00 8.50 8.50

Lofa 17.00 6.50 6.50

Grand Bassa 13.00 6.00 6.00

Bong 19.00 19.00 19.00

Total 125.00 96.00 96.00

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Task 1.C.2.2: Provide demo sites with improved seeds and pesticides to demonstrate IPM:

In February, 13 demonstration sites received and planted high value vegetable seeds to include water melon, cabbage, cucumbers, lettuce and African Eggplant. During this period, 4.59 Ha of land had been planted. In April, field maintenance of area planted will be carried out (Table 29).

Table 29: Demonstration sites seed distribution and area of land cultivated County Demonstration # of Area cultivated site Targets demonstration YTD (Ha) sites prepared

Montserrado 3 3 1.00

Margibi 3 3 2.40

Bong 3 2 2.00

Nimba 3 3 0.75

Lofa 3 0 0.00

Grand Bassa 3 2 0.60

Total 18 13 4.59

Task 1.C.2.6 Recruitment of Horticulture Specialist (STTA):

During quarter two, the Horticulture Specialist continued to provide technical assistance to FY14 and FY15 clusters on pest and disease control, land preparation, nursery layouts and maintenance, as well as on the best utilization of installed rain shelters (Figure 13). The horticulture specialist will provide training to lead farmers on GAP and IPM during April.

Activity 1.C.3 Reducing harvesting and post-harvest losses

Task 1.C.3.2: Identify 5 new trader associations in Bong, Nimba, Grand Bassa, Lofa and Margibi:

During March, five traders association were identified in five counties. These included Gbarnga vegetable Marketing Association in Bong, Ganta Vegetable Marketing Association in Nimba, Buchanan Vegetable Marketing Association in Grand Bassa, Voinjama Vegetable Marketing Association in Lofa and Kakata Vegetable Marketing Association in Margibi. It is anticipated that all the trader associations will sign MoUs with USAID FED in April, benefit from zero energy cooling systems and provide a market for the 188 clusters supported by USAID Figure 13:: USAID FED’s Horticulture Specialist demonstrating how to make drainage holes in FED. seedlings containers in Fortville cluster, Grand Bassa County. Task 1.C.3.4: Identify financing requirement for trader associations and private sector firms towards establishing cold storage facilities:

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 28

During March, 10 members of the Monrovia Vegetable Traders Association received a loan of USD $9,000.00 from LEAD at 16% interest per annum (Table 30). The table below shows the breakdown of loans received per group, including the FY14 producer groups mentioned under Task 1.C.1.3. These loans are to be repaid by September 2015.

Figure 14: LEAD Loan Agent processing loan for

Mawah and CGCWYEP members.

Table 30: Loan disbursements by LEAD to FY14 beneficiary groups Group # of Loan Amount Interest Rate Interest Loan Received Name beneficiaries (US$) Deducted (US$)

MVTA 10 Traders $9,000.00 16% $1,440.00 $7,560.00

10 $9000.00 16% $1440.00 $7560.80

Task 1.C.3.6: Provide 6 trader associations with low cost cooling technologies on cost share

In February, a carpenter was contracted by USAID FED through an EOI process to construct prototypes of cooling technologies. During March, construction of the first zero energy cooler began at Red Light Market in Monrovia, Montserrado County. This technology will be used by the Monrovia Vegetable Traders Association to preserve the shelf life of vegetables in the market before sale. FED also issued an RFQ to identify vendors who will supply material for the construction of the charcoal coolers. FED developed and sent out MOUs for signature with the trader associations. It is anticipated that the construction of 5 zero energy coolers and 18 charcoal coolers will commence in April once MoU’s have been signed with identified trader associations.

Zero energy and charcoal coolers are based on the principle of evaporative cooling. As water evaporates it produces a cooling effect. Temperatures in the coolers in the tropical areas can thus be 2-3 degrees Celsius below that of the external environment. This principle works in very dry low humidity areas. Additionally, the evaporating water raises the humidity of the surrounding air up to 95%. This effect is able to increase the shelf life and retain the quality of produce compared to those kept in the ambient temperature.

Task 1.C.3.7: Provide 2 private sector firms with cold storage facilities on cost share Figure 11: Zero energy cooler in Red Light Market, During February, Greenfield Liberia Inc. was contracted to supply Monrovia. cold storage refrigerated containers. The importation process for

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 29

the refrigerated containers began during the same month. It is anticipated that the containers will be delivered and distributed to the beneficiary firms by May.

Activity 1.C.4: Farmers produce vegetables for the markets during the wet and dry seasons

Task 1.C.4.1 Procure and distribute 360 drip irrigation kits to high value vegetable producers:

In January, Gro Green signed a contract to supply 360 drip irrigation kits. It was anticipated that these would be delivered by early March. However, the drip irrigation kits have yet to arrive in country and be distributed to the beneficiary sites. Gro Green has indicated a delivery date at the end of April.

Task 1.C.4.2 Procure and distribute motorized pumps to 188 vegetable farming clusters:

In January, Gro Green was contracted to supply motorized pumps. It was anticipated that these would be delivered by March. However, the vendor has yet to deliver the motorized pumps to the beneficiary sites. Gro Green has indicated a delivery date of April 14.

Task 1.C.4.3 Procure and distribute vegetable seeds as starter kits of seeds, chemical and tools to 360 farmers

In February, distribution of tools and seeds began in clusters. A total of 115 kg of high value vegetable seeds (water melon, chilies, aubergine, lettuce, cucumbers and cabbage) were distributed to 360 high value vegetable producers in 18 clusters. These seeds are currently being cultivated on 16 Ha of land. The distribution of pesticides was not carried out due to lack of availability of the chemicals in Liberia. The vendors are still trying to import the required chemicals.

Task 1.C.4.4: Train 3,750 farmers in improved production of local and exotic vegetables

Towards ensuring that 3,750 high value and local vegetable farmers can be trained and supported to produce during FY15, USAID FED contracted three local NGOs (TECURD, Gborkwado and Human Development Foundation) to provide technical support in improved production of local and exotic vegetables. These LNGOs will be deployed to commence their work plan activities during April. In addition, USAID FED hired four vegetable extension officers to support the Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa County offices.

Task 1.C.4.5 Improve wet season production through protected cultivation

In February, 18 high value vegetable sites were identified for the installation of rain shelters to improve wet season vegetable production in FY15. A vendor (AIM Global) was contracted to import and install the 18 rain shelters in 5 counties. AIM Global were able to successfully import 18 rain shelters into Liberia, which were inspected by USAID FED’s Horticulture Specialist and Horticulture Value Chain Manager in March. Installation of the rain shelters on FY15 sites will commence in April.

Task 1.C.4.6 Enhancing linkages with local and high value vegetable markets

In February, USAID FED signed a MoU with Grain Coast Inc (GCI) toward establishing an outgrower scheme to produce vegetables for export. The focus crop for export is okra. GCI has also subcontracted CHAP as its partner to produce vegetables. An initial 14 hectares will be cultivated for the export market (GCI - 3 ha, CHAP - 3 ha, Youth groups - 3 ha, USAID FED supported Horticulture clusters - 5 ha). In

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March, USAID FED distributed 2,000 grams of okra seeds to GCI, CHAP and two youth groups for the export production of okra. Seeds will be distributed to the five horticulture clusters in April. Task 1D: Increased Productivity and Profitability of the Goat Value Chain

FY14 Goat production sites - kidding and mortality rates:

During March, a total of 263 new kids (89 male and 174 female) were born in FY14 goat production intensification sites. In total, 1,281 new kids (508 male and 701 female) were recorded during the quarter two reporting period (Table 31). The total herd size of FY14 goat production intensification sites stands at 7,184 goats (3,926 does, 1,127 bucks and 2,131 kids). At the end of March, a total of 511 kids (158 males and 353 females) born in October of quarter one reached maturity and were added to the Does and Bucks statistics.

Table 31: FY 14 Goat herd statistics County # of # of # of Total # of # of # of # of Kids # of Kids # of Kids Total # farmers Males Females # of Does Bucks Kids recorded recorded recorded of Kids supported Goats born in in in March recorded in FY14 in Q1 January February in Q2 herd

Nimba 637 341 296 1,267 509 227 292 125 49 65 239

Grand 277 166 111 1,290 954 240 46 9 18 23 50 Bassa

Bong 672 493 179 2,707 1,632 404 349 161 114 47 322

Lofa 474 260 214 1,920 831 256 163 311 231 128 670

Total 2,060 1,260 800 7,184 3,926 1,127 850 606 412 263 1,281

In February, 17 does died in Lofa County, the causes of death have not been established. An official visit was made to the site (Kugbormai) to ascertain the cause of death. The farmers mentioned the following symptoms prior to the death of these goats: foaming from the mouth of the goats, bloody diarrhea, discharge from the nose and a rough coat of affected goats. The goat production intensification site is located 15 km from Guinea, where cross border trade is usually carried out. It is suspected that the death of these goats is due to potential transmission of diseases from sick animals being imported from Guinea by traders. USAID FED has advised farmers to keep their animals in the fence whenever live goat traders are importing animals from Guinea to avoid contact with imported goats who might be carrying diseases.

In March, two does in Nimba County died as a result of snake bites. In the same month, six does and two bucks died as a result of diarrhea. This brings the total mortality count to 27 animals during quarter two (Table 32).

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Table 32: Animal mortality County Mortality Mortality Total recorded recorded Mortality by in March recorded February in Q2

Nimba 0 2 2

Grand Bassa 0 0 0

Bong 0 8 8

Lofa 17 0 17

Total 17 10 27

FY14 goat production sites - sales:

In March, 222 goats were sold for USD $13,725.00. In total, 2,372 goats from the FY14 production intensification sites have been sold for USD $122,542.78 year to date (Table 33).

Table 33: Goat sales from FY14 goat production sites

County FY15 FY15 Goat # of Value of # of Value of # of goats Value of # of Value of # of Value of Goat Sales Target goats goats sold goats goats sold Sold goats sold goats goats goats goats sold sales (USD$) sold Q1 FY15 Sold by January February February Sold in sold in sold YTD target Q1 January (USD$) March March YTD (USD$) FY15 (USD$) (USD$)

Nimba 932 $65,280.00 142 $6,395.78 115 $5,100.00 23 $1,185.00 40 $2,275 320 $14,955.78

Grand 330 $23,040.00 133 $8,475.00 34 $2,210.00 16 $810.00 17 $1,120 200 $12,615.00 Bassa

Bong 795 $55,680.00 388 $32,070.00 172 $13,980.00 106 $8,610.00 53 $5,055 719 $59,715.00

Lofa 686 $48,000.00 310 $13,177.00 176 $9,985.00 535 $6,820.00 112 $5,275 1133 $35,257.00

Total 2,743 $192,000.00 973 $60,117.78 497 $31,275.00 680 $17,425.00 222 $13,725 2,372 $122,542.78

FY14 goat production sites veterinary care

In March, 130 animals in 45 communities in Bong, Nimba and Grand Bassa were treated for various ailments including internal and external parasites, physical injuries and diarrhea. During the quarter two reporting period, a total of 802 animals were treated by the Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs)(Table 34).

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Table 34: Animals that received veterinary care # of # of # of Total animal animal animal animals County treated treated in treated in treated in February March Q2 January FY15 FY15 FY15

Nimba 62 35 47 144

Bong 109 229 37 375

Lofa 0 29 0 29

Grand Bassa 0 208 46 254

Total 171 501 130 802

As a result of the veterinary treatment provided to production intensification sites, 90 community animal health workers were able to generate USD $154.60 as service fees during quarter two. USAID FED will be conducting a survey in quarter three to determine the number of animals of non-USAID FED farmers that have been treated by the CAHWs year to date, their total earnings from this activity, and also the outcome of their services to the overall goat farming business in the USAID FED zone of influence. Figure 16: CAHW [Miss Penny Kpleh] vaccinates a goat in Gbangee Town, Grand Bassa County Activity I.D.I Promote Goat Shelters

Task 1.D.1.1 Identification and recruitment of Lead farmers:

During quarter one, a total of 77 farmers (69 men and 8 women) representing 77 goat producer clusters signed up as lead farmers for FY15 goat production intensification sites (Table 35).

Table 35: FY15 goat lead farmer recruitment County FY15 Total Lead # of Male Lead # of Female Farmers Farmers Lead Farmers Lead Identified YTD Farmer No % No % Targets

Bong 22 22 22 (100%) 0 (0%)

Nimba 26 26 23 (87%) 3 (13%)

Lofa 19 19 15 (79%) 4 (21%)

Grand Bassa 10 10 9 (90%) 1 (10%)

Total 77 77 69 (90%) 8 (10%)

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 33

Within the 77 identified new goat production clusters, a total of 1,545 beneficiaries (929 male, 616 female) were mobilized during the same period (Table 36).

Table 36: FY15 goat farmer recruitment County FY 15 # of Total # of # of # of Female Farmer Target Farmers Male Farmers Target Sites Identified Farmers YTD No % No %

Nimba 522 26 522 370 71 152 29

Grand Bassa 201 10 201 101 50 100 50

Bong 441 22 441 202 46 239 54

Lofa 381 19 381 256 67 125 33

Total 1,545 77 1,545 929 60 616 40

In February, all the goat producer groups signed MoU’s with USAID FED towards the implementation of goat activities in the FY15 period.

Task I.D.I.2 Contract and train eight sawyers to cut wood for shelter construction:

In February, four Local NGOs (LNGOs) were contracted to assist with the implementation of the FY15 Goat Value Chain Work Plan. These included Gborkwado (Nimba), Liberia Integrated Professional Agricultural Services (Lofa), Human Development Foundation (Bong) and Community Youth Network Program (Grand Bassa). In March, the 4 LNGOs recruited a total of 35 sawyers to cut wood provided by the beneficiary communities (Table 37).

Table 37: Sawyer recruitment by County County # of Sawyers Male Female recruited

Nimba 12 12 0

Bong 6 6 0

Grand Bassa 10 10 0

Lofa 7 7 0

Total 35 35 0

Task I.D.I.3 Contract and train eight carpenters (two per county) on shelter construction

During quarter two, the four LNGOs recruited under Task 1.D.1.2 also recruited 45 carpenters to construct goat shelters in the various goat production intensification sites (Table 38).

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Table 38: Carpenter recruitment by county County # of Male Female Carpenters recruited

Nimba 14 13 1

Bong 11 11 0

Grand Bassa 10 10 0

Lofa 10 10 0

Total 45 44 1

Task 1.D.1.5 Design and construction of two wells in Grand Bassa County

Proposals from various companies for developing alternative water wells in FY14 sites in Neorpeh and Blaygbah in Grand Bassa County were evaluated and the Organized Community for Reconstruction and Rehabilitation (OCRAR) construction firm was selected in January. The sinking of wells did not commence as planned in February as USAID FED was conducting background checks for the selected firm. In March, the construction firm deployed its technical staff to Grand Bassa and commenced the sinking of the wells. It is anticipated that the two wells will be completed and operational by May.

Task 1.D.1.7 Construct 77 shelters in Bong, Nimba, Lofa, and Grand Bassa through cost share:

In February, four Local NGOs (LNGOs) were contracted to assist with the implementation of the FY15 Goat Value Chain Figure 17: Lead Farmers preparing mineral/salt lick Work Plan, which includes the construction of goat shelters. In block in Krukan, Quadu Gbondi District, Lofa County March, the four LNGOs recruited a total of 35 sawyers and 45 carpenters to assist with the construction of the shelters. Shelter construction materials (i.e. Zinc (roofing sheets), galvanized fence wire, hinges, drinkers (tub) and wire nails) were distributed to the various sites within Lofa and Grand Bassa counties. Distribution of shelter construction materials for Nimba and Bong counties will be completed in the first week of April. The communities have already made wood available, to be cut by the sawyers.

Task 1.D.1.9 Train farmers on shelter management, improved forage feeders, salt/mineral block fabrication, and breeding management:

In March (from March 3-6), 77 (67 males and 10 females) lead farmers from the FY15 goat intensification sites in Bong, Nimba, Lofa, and Grand Bassa Counties received training on goat herd production and management, as well as mineral salt lick block fabrication procedures (Table 39). Subsequent to the training, all the lead farmers received mineral lick ingredients (cement, oyster shells and salt) to produce mineral/salt lick blocks at their various goat production intensification sites.

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 35

Table 39: Lead farmer training participants’ statistics County District # of Male Female Lead Farmers Nimba Yarwin 9 7 2 Mesonoh Saclepea Mah 10 10 - Sanniquellie 4 3 1 Mah Tappita 3 3 - Grand #2 2 2 - Bassa #3 3 2 1 #4` 5 4 1 Lofa Voinjama 7 5 2 Foya 5 4 1 Quardi Gondi 2 2 - Kolahun 2 2 - Zorzor 2 2 - Salayea 1 - 1 Bong Kpaai 5 4 1 Jorquelleh 8 8 - Yelequelleh 6 6 - Panta 3 3 - TOTAL 77 67 10

Activity 1.D.2 National PPR Campaign

Task I.D.2.I Acquire MoA agreement to provide PPR vaccine and contract BRAC to implement PPR campaign

In FY14, USAID FED in collaboration with BRAC and the Ministry of Agriculture planned to implement the National Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccination campaign. However, due to the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, implementation of the activity was deferred to FY15. During the first quarter of FY15, meetings were held with the BRAC Country Representative to plan new timelines for implementation. It was agreed that implementation could commence during March to April 2015. In follow up meetings, MoA and USAID FED agreed that USAID FED will fund the procurement of the required vaccines, while the MoA will assume responsibility for the importation process. For the entire exercise, a total of 1,500 vials valued at USD $5,000 will be required to vaccinate approximately 150,000 animals in all six FED supported counties. During February, revised scopes of work for the execution of the PPR Campaign were developed and a Request for Proposal (RFP) was sent to BRAC. In March, the revised RFP was submitted by BRAC as part of the contracting process. It is now anticipated that the PPR vaccination campaign will commence implementation in April with USAID FED support.

Activity 1.D.5 Formalizing livestock markets

Task 1.D.5.6 Facilitate one marketing event every month in each county

In February, two meetings were held with live goat traders in Monrovia under the auspices of the National Livestock Union of Liberia, to determine their interest in purchasing goats from USAID FED-supported goat clusters during planned marketing events. The traders stated their requirements, which included a minimum of 100 healthy goats made available for sale during each event. Information on the herd population size from

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 36

the four counties was also compiled towards prioritizing clusters with higher numbers of bucks that can be sold.

In order to ensure that goat producers select animals of the right size and health that are marketable, a scope of work was developed towards hiring a Trader Independent Consultant, who will train goat farmers on selection and fattening of animal for the market. The first marketing event is scheduled to be held in Bong County during April.

Activity 1.D.6 Improving nutrition for higher livestock value Figure 18: Forage Production Specialist, Samuel Turker, (right) Task I.D.6.I Develop databases for forages most identifies forage species with Leikwaga Momo, (Lead farmer) in suitable for Liberia Bong County.

Towards developing a comprehensive database of forages and animal nutritional requirements that goat farmers can benefit from, USAID FED recruited a Forage Production Expert, Mr. Samuel Tucker, to assist with the identification, selection and training of farmers on which forage species are the best for herd health and fattening. Mr. Tucker, commenced his assignment in March. Sub Task 1.1 Special Studies and MoA Data Collection System Development

Deliverable 1.1.2 Program Indicators Surveys Conducted

During quarter two, the M&E Team reviewed and realigned all activities for special studies and surveys to prioritize and include relevant studies that will fill existing data gaps within the program. Scopes of work were prepared for two STTAs who will support the development, coordination and implementation of special studies and surveys over a period of four months. The earmarked special studies will include:

1. Gross Margins estimates per unit of land or animal for USAID FED’s four value chains in the six counties of operation for FY-15 to include information on: a) Area (ha) b) Yield (MT) c) Sales (MT) d) Sales (US$) e) Costs (US$) f) Prices (US$) 2. Post-Harvest Losses in rice, cassava and vegetables without USAID FED intervention and with USAID FED intervention 3. What is the impact of increase in rice production to the economies of the HH (savings, consumption)? 4. What is the impact of USAID FED interventions to diet diversity at the HH level? 5. Adoption rate of USAID FED and non-USAID FED farmers of technologies introduced by USAID FED 6. Study on the effects of Extension Materials 7. Women Agricultural Empowerment Index (WAEI) three years after USAID FED 8. Impact of USAID FED supported shelters in goat production

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9. Optimal goat shelter size, materials and cost 10. Rice seed requirements in Liberia 11. Impact of rice business hubs in the communities 12. Freshwater shrimp culture in lowland rice paddies

During the reporting period, USAID FED received approval from USAID for one of the STTAs selected to support the development, coordination and implementation of specific special studies. Administrative and deployment arrangements are being concluded to enable the STTA to commence his assignment by the third week of April.

The second STTA is still in the process of being identified and recruited. Most of the candidates who responded to the advertisement are available in May, June or July. USAID FED prefers to commence work in April.

Deliverable 1.1.3 Equipment available and delivered to MoA for effective monitoring

Activity 1.1.3.1 Equipment and materials procured for the MoA Offices in Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa Counties:

As the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak situation began to show significant improvements in Liberia, USAID FED and the MoA committed to start implementation of the pilot initiative to support the MoA’s M&E systems in Bong County. USAID FED and the MoA developed a road map with clearly delegated responsibilities and commitments on cost share arrangements to support the pilot. At the end of March, USAID FED facilitated the transfer of all the donated equipment to the MoA Bong County office. The equipment included one (1) Yamaha motorbike, four (4) HP Elitebook 840 laptops, one (1) HP printer, four (4) eTrex Vista Garmin GPS devices, three (3) Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and four (4) internet modems. The pilot program will be officially launched by the MoA and USAID FED in April.

To date, NXP requests for additional materials and equipment that would support the MoA with their M&E systems in Lofa, Nimba and Grand Bassa counties have been forwarded to USAID for review and approval. However, this procurement will be subject to final approval from USAID depending on the success of the pilot activity in Bong County.

Deliverable 1.1.4 USAID FED online database available and operational

Activity 1.1.4.1 Recruitment of data repository system consulting firm

After re-advertising the Expression of Interest for a data repository firm, USAID FED finalized the selection process of a local firm, HAK Technologies, to implement the development of the online database system through a fixed price purchase order. The scope of work was revised to indicate changes in the timelines of specific deliverables and to indicate provisions that will enable the firm to prepare training materials, manuals, and modules that will be used for training system users. The development of the online database system began in March. At the end of March 2015, USAID FED and HAK Technologies conducted a user information gathering meeting in order to develop a full understanding of database implementation, including system administrator and design rights.

Activity 1.1.4.2 Piloting quality assurance of the database system design

The M&E team conducted a post-award meeting with HAK Technologies to develop a shared understanding of timelines and expected outcomes. The post-award meeting was followed by three days of user USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 38

information gathering sessions, which enabled HAK Technologies to fully understand how the development and design of the database would evolve so that the system can function efficiently.

HAK Technologies is expected to present an analysis of the system requirements specification (SRS) to USAID FED for approval in April as part of USAID FED’s M&E quality assurance to the database system design. The data sharing policy is one of the key deliverables of the online database design. Additionally, training manuals and users guides will be developed for the system.

Deliverable 1.1.5 Assessment of the training capacity needs for technical and M&E Staff Capacity

Following a meeting held between USAID FED and key staff of the MOA, a road map was developed on specific responsibilities and timelines towards conducting M&E training for MOA staff. Two types of training will be provided. The first type of training will target Central Government ministry staff to include Directors of Planning, Technical and Extensions and Project Coordinators of PMU projects, M&E officers from Smallholder Agricultural Productivity Enhancement & Commercialization (SAPEC), West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP), Smallholder Tree Crop Revitalization Support Project (STCRP/IFAD) and Smallholder Tree Crop Revitalization Project (STCRP/WB). The second type of training will target county based staff to include field technicians on data collection analysis and reporting and MoA staff who are involved in survey and information collection.

During quarter two, the M&E unit developed the relevant training manuals to be used. It is anticipated that in-house USAID FED staff will be used to facilitate the training. The second type of training is expected to commence in April, while the first type will be carried out in quarter four.

Deliverable 1.1.6 Technical assistance provided to all components for special studies

During the reporting period, the M&E unit provided technical assistance to USAID FED Component One rice and cassava teams on two studies. For rice, a cost of production and processing survey with selected farmers in Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa counties was conducted to gathering information that can be used to discuss optimal pricing during a Rice Policy Forum held in March. For cassava, a farm gate cost of production survey was conducted with farmers in Grand Bassa County to determine what farmers actually spend as recurrent costs to produce cassava tubers on one hectare, and to determine optimal farm gate prices of tubers. Sub Task 1.2 Improved access to Agricultural Inputs Deliverable 1.2.1 Improving access to good seeds and other planting materials

Activity 1.2.1.1 Establishment of commercial production and marketing of rice seeds

Task 1.2.1.1.1 Technical Assistance (TA) and Business Development Support (BDS) to 22 Rice Seed Multiplication (RSM) site operators

By the end of January, all of the 22 FY14 Rice Seed Multiplication sites had been harvested (Table 40 and 41). The 17 rice seed inspectors collected samples from the 22 RSM sites, and bagged and labeled them for onward submission to CARI for analysis. The samples were submitted to CARI in March. The analyses will include seed health, analytical purity and germination tests. The results of the tests are expected to be released in April. In addition to seed testing, Africa Rice was supposed to conduct field inspections to certify compliance of the seed multiplication sites to seed production protocols. However, due to the Ebola crisis, USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 39

Africa Rice was unable to conduct all the necessary inspections to ascertain conformance with certified seed protocols. Similar inspections will be conducted in FY15 to ensure that all USAID FED-supported rice seed multiplication sites are inspected and approved by Africa Rice.

Table 40: RSM sites harvest - upland rice County # of Sites Target Area (ha) Area Harvested Volume Harvested Avg. Yields YTD (ha) YTD (MT) (MT/ha)

Grand Bassa 1 10.00 10 19.8 1.98 Bong 9 90.00 90 179.9 2.8 Nimba 1 10.00 9 25.2 2.8 Lofa 1 10.00 10 20.21 2.02

TOTAL 12 120.00 119 245.11 2.06

Table 41: RSM sites harvest - lowland sites. County # of Sites Target Area (ha) Area Harvested Volume Harvested Avg. Yields YTD (ha) YTD (MT) (MT/ha)

Grand Bassa 0 0.00 0 0 0 Bong 5 20.00 20 80 4.0 Nimba 4 16.00 16 58.14 3.63 Lofa 1 4.00 4 18 4.5 TOTAL 10 40.00 40 156.14 3.90

Task 1.2.1.1.3 Identification, engagement and support of private sector firm for commercial production and marketing of rice seed:

During February, USAID FED decided to repossess equipment that was provided to Arjay Farms. This decision was made after close consultation with USAID, and taking into consideration the failure of Arjay Farm to utilize the equipment for the intended purpose, or deliver results in accordance with the expectations of the partnership. During February 26 and 27, USAID FED was able to recover seven power tillers from Arjay Farm. Efforts to recover other vital equipment such as the seed cleaning machine, motorbikes and threshers have been unsuccessful due to refusal of Arjay Farm management to turn over the equipment.

In March, discussions were held with four firms (Arise & Shine, Sumo Farms, Kamara and FABRAR Liberia Inc.) to explore the possibility of partnership, discuss ideas regarding commercial rice seed production and marketing strategy, and gauge their interest in investing in the same.

Task 1.2.1.1.6 Identification and development of 22 additional sites for rice seed production and training of new seed producers

In an effort to ensure that the life of project target of producing and creating access to 3,000MT of improved seed is met, the total number of rice seed multiplication sites to be supported in FY15 was increased from 40 ha in FY14 to 315 ha in the lowland areas where irrigation spillways have been constructed. The upland rice seed multiplication sites established in FY14 will be replanted in FY15. The total area to be utilized for rice seed multiplication in FY15 will be 435 Ha, which is expected to yield 1,474MT in FY16 as well as in FY17 (Table 42).

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Table 42: RSM Lowland and Upland sites - seed rice production estimates Year Harvest is Completed FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17

Lowland Total Ha 0.00 0.00 40.00 315.00 315.00 315.00 10 FY14 Sites (MT) 0.00 0.00 0.00 156.00 156.00 156.00 48 FY15 Sites (MT) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1073.00 1073.00 Sub-total yield (MT) 0.00 0.00 0.00 156.00 1229.00 1229.00 Upland Total ha 0.00 0.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 120.00 12 FY14 Sites 0.00 0.00 0.00 245.00 245.00 245.00 Sub-total yield (MT) 245.00 245.00 245.00 Total Upland and Lowland Yield (MT) 401.00 1474.00 1474.00

Task 1.2.1.1.7 Collaboration with WAAPP and WASP in developing the rice seed industry in Liberia

In February, USAID FED’s Input Supply Specialist held a meeting with World Bank Representative Mr. Abimbola Adubi, to discuss potential partnership opportunities in rice seed development. During the meeting, the World Bank representative mentioned that through WAAPP, the World Bank was willing to provide certified seed rice to USAID FED farmers engaged in rice seed multiplication. In March, USAID FED met with Mr. Cyrus Saygbe of WAAPP to explore possibilities for USAID FED rice seed multiplication sites to access foundation seed being financed by the World Bank. USAID FED provided WAAPP a list of all project rice seed multiplication sites and beneficiaries. It is anticipated that WAAPP will communicate a final decision on the seed to USAID FED in early April.

Activity 1.2.1.2 Support to commercial production and marketing of cassava cuttings

Task 1.2.1.2.1 New improved varieties released by CARI distributed to and multiplied by 40 commercial nurseries

In February, CARI technicians conducted final inspections of the cassava varieties imported from IITA at the two screening sites in Lofa County. In March, Mr. Dan Johnson, a technical expert on cassava with CARI, informed USAID FED that one of the 11 varieties planted at CARI showed symptoms of Mosaic Virus. However, the same variety in the USAID FED sites in Lofa did not show similar Mosaic Virus symptoms. It is anticipated that the approved varieties will be released by CARI in April, after the necessary palatability tests are concluded. These varieties will then be distributed to the 40 commercial nurseries for multiplication by the end of May.

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Deliverable 1.2.2 Improved Access to and Increased Utilization of Inputs

Activity 1.2.2.2 Support to adopt optimal packaging sizes

Task 1.2.2.2.1 Hire STTA to determine optimal packaging:

During February, USAID FED began the process of recruiting a specialist (International STTA) to support optimal packaging for seed, fertilizer and chemical products. The consultant is expected to also provide technical assistance to farming groups in rice and vegetable value chains to pilot group marketing. It was anticipated that the STTA would be deployed in March but the paperwork for submission to USAID for approval was still being finalized at the end of March. Submission to USAID for approval is anticipated in April.

Deliverable 1.2.3 Efficient inorganic fertilizer use and organic fertilizer mix introduced and promoted

Activity 1.2.3.1 Promote UDP, MoP and TSP use in rice based on soils analysis

Task 1.2.3.1.1 Zoning of FED rice sites carried out based on soils analysis and fertilizer recommendations developed for each zone:

A total of 60 more soil samples need to be analyzed in order to complete the data set for the development of a soils map showing fertilizer recommendations for growing rice in the lowlands that USAID FED is supporting. The soils analysis is expected to be completed in April.

Activity 1.2.3.2 Demonstrate on-farm composting for vegetables:

Task 1.2.3.2.1 Support demonstration of composting and training in composting in at least one farm in FED's vegetable clusters:

The shredder equipment for compost-making arrived in March. The composting training and establishment of compost demonstration sites for vegetables will be done in May 2015.

Activity 1.2.3.3 Demonstrate Fertilizer Deep Placement (FDP) in vegetable farming

Task 1.2.3.3.1 Pilot Fertilizer Deep Placement using fertilizer rates based on soils analysis

This activity will be carried out in quarter three of FY15.

Activity 1.2.3.4 UDP+SRI research

Task 1.2.3.4.1 Complete UDP+SRI research and carry out comparative analysis of cost and benefits vs. UDP only and SRI only

During January, it was established that two of the UDP+SRI sites in Nimba County, Gwenimah, and Taylay had water shortage challenges Figure 19: Farmer planting young seedlings in Gamue 2. during the dry season. It was thus imperative that the two sites be USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 42

replaced, as water supply is critical for SRI technology. In February, two new UDP+SRI trial sites: Karmei Farm Zoelay Memorial, and Gausi Farm Deaduk were selected in Nimba County as replacements for Gwenimah and Taylay. The sites in Garmue 2 and in Gbarngasiequelleh, Bong County were retained. Gro Green produced 1.8g urea briquettes for application to these sites in March using briquetting machines. Transplanting commenced in all 4 trial sites during weeks one and two of March.

During the fourth week of March, fertilization with urea briquettes was carried out at the 4 UDP+SRI sites in March.

Activity 1.2.3.5 Adoption of UDP to old sites

Task 1.2.3.5.1 Establish UDP adoption for FY14 rice sites through 50% voucher Figure 20: Farmers applying urea briquettes This task is related to Task 1.2.2.2.1. As mentioned above, the with applicator. paperwork for the STTA for this task is in process for submission to USAID. Implementation of this task is expected to commence in quarter three of FY15.

Activity 1.2.3.7 Support to marketing of legumes (cowpeas and peanuts)

Task 1.2.3.7.1 Collection of baselines on projected volumes available for sale

The local NGOs hired in quarter two to provide technical support to rice and cassava production will work with USAID FED county offices in April/May 2015 to collect information on inventory of cowpeas and peanuts harvested from FY14 crop and currently in stock with Lead Farmers. The seed needs for crop rotation and inter-cropping of individual upland rice and cassava farmers will be determined and only the excess seeds will be sold.

Task 1.2.3.7.2 Identification of buyers for cowpeas and peanuts

This activity will be implemented in quarter three, simultaneously with the inventory of peanuts and cowpeas in the possession of Lead Farmers.

Task 1.2.3.7.3 Support to bulking of legumes for the market

This activity is dependent on volume of peanuts and cowpeas available for sale; see Task 1.2.3.7.1.

FFigure 3 Sub Task 1.3: Agricultural Extension Support

Activity 1.3.1 Development of de-concentration and decentralization strategies with MoA

Task 1.3.1.1 Working group established in collaboration with MoA, ADCC representatives from the counties and national level to evaluate existing strategies and to develop new strategies that address the need to de-concentrate and decentralize extension for implementation in FY15:

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In January, a Technical Agriculture Core Team (TACT) was established in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture to review and validate extension materials developed as part of the de-concentration and decentralization strategy. This technical team is represented by USAID FED Horticulture Specialist and Extension Specialist.

Activity 1.3.2 Development of standardized agricultural extension curricula

Task 1.3.2.2 Extension learning material from various stakeholders collected and evaluated for relevance:

In March, the USAID FED Extension Support and Rice Specialists met with the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Extension, Thomas Gbokie, and the Deputy Minister of Agriculture for Technical, Dr. Sizi Subah, to discuss whether extension curricula for agricultural commodities, such as rice, have been developed by the MoA. It was ascertained that such curricula did not yet exist. Dr. Sizi Subah also mentioned that the MoA was currently working with a Swiss rice expert through its partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) to develop a manual for the intensification of lowland rice systems. Based on these discussions, USAID FED’s Rice Technical Specialist, Dr. Pandian Balamurugan developed a draft rice curriculum. Similarly, USAID FED Extension Support staff and value chain technical experts developed draft curricula for cassava, horticulture, and goat value chains. These curricula will be validated by MoA and other stakeholders during workshops that will be held on April 23 and 24.

Task 1.3.2.2 Developed curricula tested with the formal and informal education institutions to ascertain effectiveness of the content:

Subsequent to the validation workshops to be held in April, revisions on rice, cassava, horticulture, and goat curricula will be made, and extension materials developed for distribution to extension workers and farmers. The materials targeted for extension workers will be in the form of simple 5-10 page booklets, while those targeted for farmers will be simple one page pictorial guides.

Activity 1.3.3 Development of extension materials and Information Access points

Task 1.3.3.1 Extension material and packages covering technical aspects of production techniques, production planning, integrated pest and disease management, variety selection and post-harvest handling developed for rice, cassava, goats and horticulture value chains:

During January, all eleven lowland rice extension materials that were prepared by USAID FED’s Rice Technical Specialist were revised and the first three chapters packaged into booklets. In February, the fourth chapter was revised and packaged into a booklet. All rice brochures and four cassava fact sheets were re- branded and are currently being reviewed by the technical teams and County Managers.

In February, the Extension Unit and USAID Food for Peace videographers Adam Parr and Jonathan Gaynes collaborated on capturing video content of the USAID FED project. USAID Food for Peace is developing documentary material to highlight the impact of USG funds in sustaining food production and distribution during the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak period. The following groups were included in the footage: Fabrar Liberia Inc., WFP food distribution sites, Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs), Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) survivors and affected communities, as well as the USAID FED-supported War Affected Women’s group in Bong, who produce cassava and rice. The first draft of the Food for Peace video is expected to be shared in April.

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In March, the Extension Support unit and goat value chain teams developed a draft manual on “Goat selection for markets.” This guide will be revised and finalized in April.

Task 1.3.3.3 Demonstration sites for training and technology transfer established in collaboration with MoA and ADCCs in Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa counties (one in each county):

In anticipation of facilitating practical demonstration field days in the counties, the Extension Support Unit and value chain technical teams developed an implementation schedule and four training modules covering Rice, Cassava, and Horticulture in February. While the demonstration field days were anticipated to start in March within the counties, USAID FED decided to postpone the events until all the curricula are validated by the MoA, and until local NGOs supporting USAID FED’s value chains are recruited and deployed to the counties. These demonstration events will commence in May after the curricula validation exercises are completed.

Task 1.3.3.5 Agricultural radio program content for monthly radio shows produced in collaboration with communications unit and five community radio stations:

In January, USAID FED entered into an agreement with the United Methodist Radio in Monrovia towards broadcasting the MoA’s agricultural radio program “On the Farm” in the counties of Montserrado, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Cape Mount, Gbarpolu, Bomi and Bong. Under this agreement, “On the Farm” will be aired once a week for 30 minutes at no cost to USAID FED. However, due to a lack of MoA response on a proposed radio collaboration, no programming has been aired yet on United Methodist Radio. During the same month, editing of content for four editions of “On the Farm” was completed. These include the following topics:

• Effects of late planting and water management in lowland rice production (featuring the Koitonon farming group in Bong County) • Farmer’s experiences with improved cassava varieties and planting methods (featuring a host of cassava farmers in Bong County) • Advantages of protective cultivation in vegetable production (featuring a host of vegetable farmers in Mount Barclay, Lower Montserrrado County) • Access to finance (featuring ZILEH Farmers Association in Lofa County who used loans to procure 4,000 bags of paddy rice from ther members and sold to MOA and FABRAR Liberia Inc.)

Content material was also collected for a fifth edition of “On the Farm,” showcasing the facilitation of market linkages between cassava producers, and cassava market linkages between producers in Lofa County and Monrovia- based processors.

In February, USAID FED’s Extension Support and Communication teams also met with the MoA Public Relations Specialist, Mrs. Gertrude Francis Deshield, to discuss possible collaboration and merger of FED’s “On the Farm” radio program with MoA’s “Back to the Soil” radio program aired on ELBC radio, Truth FM and UNMIL Radio. The MoA was provided with a copy of “On the Farm” on February 19 in order to provide feedback on the quality of programming. USAID FED has followed up numerous times with the MoA Communications Department regarding this collaboration, but haven’t received any feedback yet.

In March, content material for a sixth edition of “On the Farm” was collected in Grand Bassa County. Members of the Arise and Shine farming group were interviewed based on their receipt of a USD $76,000 grant from the United States African Development Foundation (USADF) to support their agriculture activities. Farmers from vegetable clusters in District #3 were also interviewed. USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 45

Task 1.3.3.6 Agricultural radio shows aired once weekly by five radio stations in Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa and Montserrado counties:

During the quarter two reporting period, USAID FED’s partner community radio stations Radio Tamba Taikor in Lofa, Kergheamahn in Nimba, Super Bongese in Bong, and LACSA in Grand Bassa counties continue to produce and air agriculture radio programs based on the farming calendar to allow farming audiences to get messages on good agriculture practices through interviews and success stories. A total of 59 radio programs have been produced by the partner radio stations Figure 21: Members of Arise and Shine farming group since the beginning of the fiscal year. In March, a total of 16 during the grant signing ceremony with USADF in radio programs were submitted to USAID FED by Super Buchannan, Grand Bassa County Bongies from Bong County for cataloguing. It is anticipated the community radio stations from Nimba, Grand Bassa and Lofa will submit their radio programs to USAID FED in April.

Task 1.3.3.7 Information on listenership coverage collected from each radio station on a monthly basis to gauge number of people receiving extension information through radio.

After consulting a report by the International Research and Exchanges (IREX), it was noted that the community radio stations partnering with USAID FED were not included in the report in terms of listenership information and market share. The report only focused on urban capitals of the various counties. IREX has committed to providing updated information on listenership information that will include community radio stations. This information will be provided in April. Sub Task 1.4 Youth in Agribusiness

FY14 Back-to-School Garden Program

In FY14, USAID FED and the Advancing Youth Project (AYP) partnered to support 120 schools to establish school garden programs. A total of 120 schools participated in the school garden programs in Bong, Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa and Margibi counties. The objective of establishing school garden programs was to develop the skills of young students through technology transfer, as well as to encourage their participation in agriculture and food production. The schools received training and technical assistance on how to establish agriculture youth clubs through four local NGOs contracted by USAID FED. Faculties and students in 60 schools supported directly by USAID FED continued to tend to their cassava and vegetable crops, despite schools being closed because of the Ebola Virus outbreak. In March, 129Kgs of assorted vegetables were harvested from 60 schools. Vegetable sales amounted to USD $631.25 during the same period. A total of 351Kgs of vegetables have been harvested since January 2015. USD $1,349.00 was realized as cumulative sales for quarter two (Table 43).

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Table 43: FY14 Back to School Garden vegetable harvests and sales County Sales Sales Volume Value of Volume Value of Volume Value of Volume Value of Volume value sold sales sold in sales in sold in sales in sold sales Target target January January February February March March YTD YTD for FY14 FY14 (kg) (USD$) (kg) (USD$) (kg) (USD$) (kg) (US$) crop crop (kg)

Bong 90.58 $36.90 39.89 $191.00 23.09 $26.00 18.07 $11.00 81.05 $228.00

Nimba 90.58 $36.90 45.09 $205.64 20.03 $20.00 35.08 $310.00 100.20 $535.64

Lofa 90.58 $36.90 20.08 $98.00 10.20 $17.00 30.5 $194.00 60.78 $309.00

Grand Bassa 90.58 $36.90 25.30 $125.00 18.14 $12.00 23.04 $94.50 66.48 $231.50

Montserrado 90.58 $36.90 0.00 $0.00 10.07 $13.00 13.30 $15.00 23.37 $28.00

Margibi 30.43 $12.37 0.00 $0.00 10.14 $10.00 9.04 $6.75 19.18 $16.75

TOTAL 483.33 196.87 130.36 $619.64 91.67 $98.00 129.03 $631.25 351.06 $1,348.89

In March, 50 schools harvested a total of 17MT of cassava tuber which was sold for USD $833.00. During quarter two, a total of 18.91MT of cassava has been sold for USD $958.00 year to date (Table 44).

Table 44: FY14 Back to School Garden cassava harvests and sales County Sales Sales Volume Value Volume Value Volume Value Volume Value volume value sold in of sales sold of sales sold of sales sold of sales target target January in Feb in Feb March in YTD YTD for for (MT) January (MT) (USD$) (MT) March (MT) (USD$) FY14 FY14 (USD$) (USD$) crop crop Bong 90.00 $9,115 0.00 $0.00 0.29 $20.00 2.60 $125.00 2.89 $145.00 Nimba 90.00 $9,115 0.00 $0.00 0.58 $34.00 4.50 $186.00 5.08 $220.00

Lofa 90.00 $9,115 0.00 $0.00 0.23 $16.00 4.00 $178.00 4.23 $194.00

Grand Bassa 90.00 $9,115 0.00 $0.00 0.43 $27.00 3.60 $188.00 4.03 $215.00

Montserrado 90.00 $9,115 0.00 $0.00 0.09 $9.00 1.30 $89.00 1.39 $98.00

Margibi 30.00 $3,040 0.00 $0.00 0.26 $19.00 1.03 $67.00 1.29 $86.00 TOTAL 480.00 $45,575 0.00 $0.00 1.88 $125.00 17.03 $833.00 18.91 $958.00

Since schools reopened in March, 60 schools have cleared 30 ha of the old vegetables and cassava gardens to plant new crops.

Activity 1.4.1 Establishment of agribusiness horticulture pilots

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Task 1.4.1.1 Identification of 500 youth in 25 clusters in 2 counties of Montserrado and Margibi:

In January, USAID FED signed up 500 youth in 25 clusters to participate in peri-urban and urban agriculture. These 25 clusters will establish horticulture pilots on 125 ha of land (Table 45). In addition, the clusters will be encouraged to produce cassava to supply to Monrovia based cassava processors. USAID FED also completed GIS mapping of a total of 125 ha within the 25 clusters where demonstration plots will be established. All the 25 clusters signed MoU’s for submission to USAID FED for signature.

Table 45: Beneficiaries signed up for Agribusiness pilots County FY15 Youth # of Youth Male Female # of Ha # of MoU’s signed Targets Identified by by clusters in January 2015 January

No % No % Montserrado 360 360 191 (53%) 169 (47%) 90.00 18 Margibi 140 140 80 (57%) 60 (43%) 35.00 7 Total 500 500 271 (54%) 229 (46%) 125.00 25

Task 1.4.1.2 Establish income and baselines for the identified clusters inputs cost:

In March, baseline surveys were conducted to determine current production and sales of the 25 agribusiness horticulture pilots. The survey exercise will be completed and a final analysis made available in April.

Task 1.4.1.3 Establish 25 demonstration plots of 0.25 ha each:

Towards establishing 25 horticulture demonstration plots where Figure 22: Distribution of farming tools to youth groups in Todee District, Montserrado County. technologies will be demonstrated, USAID FED distributed assorted farming tools valued at USD $33,637.50 to the 25 youth clusters. This includes spraying cans, weighing scales, watering cans, ledgers, rakes, shovels, axes, regular hoes, scratching hoes, cutlasses, wheelbarrows, rain boots and twining ropes for field layout. Each of the 500 youth will cultivate 0.25 ha of land and 25 demonstration plot sites have been cleared pending the planting of seeds.

Task 1.4.1.4 Link vegetable clusters to local and high value markets:

In addition, 6 of the 25 clusters were selected to produce vegetables Figure 23: Field preparation for high value Okra as out-growers for Grain Coast Inc. (GCI) under the Horticulture production at Bernard Curve Sites, Todee District, value chain activity titled “Producing high value vegetables for Montserrado County. Export”. The 6 clusters will start the production of Okra on 3 Ha of land. Grain Coast will sign buyer agreements with the 6 clusters in April. It is anticipated that the 6 clusters will commence supply of vegetables to GCI in July.

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Task 1.4.1.5 Contracting of LNGOs to support implementation:

In February, USAID FED contracted Green Coast Agriculture Program (G-CAP), a Local NGO (LNGO) that will provide technical assistance to the 25 agribusiness pilots in Montserrado and Margibi counties. G- CAP deployed its technical staff to the field in mid-February to commence implementation of activities.

Activity 1.4.2 Supporting job creation through youth extension aides

Task: 1.4.2.1 Identify and recruit 25 youth extension aides from peri-urban localities in 2 counties:

In February, G-CAP, the LNGO contracted under task 1.4.1.5, recruited 25 young graduates from universities and technical institutions with a degree in general agriculture to work as Youth Extension Aides. These youth were also part of the National Youth Volunteer program implemented with AYP and UNICEF in 2014.

Task 1.4.2.2: Training and equipping youth extension aids with appropriate extension materials

The youth extension aides will be trained in April to provide direct extension services to the 25 agribusiness pilots in Montserrado and Margibi Counties. It is anticipated that their presence will ensure that the agribusiness pilots are successful in terms of production and sales. USAID FED will also undertake a return on investment analysis in April to determine whether it is prudent to maintain 25 youth extension aides for the agribusiness pilots or retain fewer numbers.

Task 1.4.2.3: Deploy youth extension aides within the clusters to provide training and extension services

In mid-February, the 25 youth extension aides were deployed to commence implementation of activities with their individual groups.

Activity 1.4.3 Supporting job creation through youth enterprises as transport service providers

Task: 1.4.3.1 Identify and recruit 49 youth towards establishment of transport business to support 29 cassava processors and 20 rice business hubs:

In February, USAID FED identified 49 youth entrepreneurs to participate in a cost share to establish transport services using Tuk-Tuk motorbikes within USAID FED-supported rice and cassava production clusters. During the same period, the procurement processes for the Tuk-Tuk motorbikes was also started. Each Tuk-Tuk motorbike is valued at USD $3,000. Each entrepreneur is expected to meet 50% cost share of this value or USD $1,500.00. All the youth who expressed interest in this activity committed to put up their 50% share of the cost. The challenge that FED identified is proof of capacity to provide this cost-share.

In March, USAID FED held a one day workshop with Business Service Providers (BSPs) supported under Component 2, to discuss the various enterprises under each value chains that they will support in FY15. During this meeting, it emerged that a majority of the selected youth did not have the capacity to meet the 50% cost share obligations on the Tuk-Tuk. During the meeting, LEAD informed USAID FED that they would be willing to finance through loans, 20% of the value of the Tuk-Tuk if entrepreneurs could raise 30% of the equipment value.

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Further to this, it was agreed that each County Manager will review the list of identified entrepreneurs and will add more candidates to the list during the month of April, based on the willingness of an entrepreneur to commit upfront cost share towards establishment of the transport service. The BSPs would also help identify potential entrepreneurs. It is anticipated that the new entrepreneurs will be identified in April/May and Tuk-Tuks distributed by May/June.

Activity 1.4.4 Supporting job creation through youth enterprises as power tiller service providers

Task: 1.4.4.1 Identify and recruit 30 youth towards establishment of power tiller business to support lowland rice farmers in land preparation:

By the end of February, a total of 20 MoUs had been signed between selected youth enterprises and USAID FED towards establishment of power tiller enterprises through cost share in the four counties (Table 46). Each power tiller has a cost value of USD $4,800.00. Towards meeting their 50% cost share, each of the youth has committed to tilling 48 Ha of USAID FED supported lowland demonstration sites in May at USD $50.00 per hectare. This will translate to a cost share of USD $2,400.00 per entrepreneur.

Table 46: Identification of youth entrepreneurs (power tillers) County FY15 # of Youth Male Female # of MoUs Youth Identified signed YTD Targets YTD # % # % Bong 5 5 5 (100%) 0 (0%) 5 Lofa 7 7 6 (86%) 1 (14%) 7 Nimba 5 5 5 (100%) 0 (0%) 5 Grand 3 3 3 (100%) 0 (0%) 3 Bassa TOTAL 20 20 19 (95%) 1 (5%) 20

It is anticipated that all the power tillers will be supplied by the vendor in April and distributed to the selected entrepreneurs in May.

Task 1.4.4.3 Train 20 youth in power tiller operations and maintenance:

Between February 3 - 7, USAID FED conducted a five day practical training on power tiller operation and maintenance for 10 youth enterprises from Lofa County with a cumulative membership of 31people (2 women and 28 men). The participants were trained on checking and changing engine oil, water, the rotovator and case wheel, how to adjust the rotovator during plowing, and what to do Figure 24: Training on power tiller operations in Lofa if the machine gets stuck during plowing. Towards business plan County. development and coaching on business management, the BSPs supported under Component 2 are expected to take the lead in strengthening the capacities of all MSMES in quarter three, to include power tiller operators under component one.

Activity 1.4.5 Supporting job creation through training youth as machine operators

Task: 1.4.5.1 Identify and train 58 youth towards operation of cassava processing equipment:

USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 50

By the end of quarter one of FY15, USAID FED had identified 58 potential youth between the ages of 18 and 35 to be trained as machine operators for the 29 USAID FED-supported cassava processors (Table 47). It was planned that a minimum of two youth would be deployed for training to each processor, based on personnel requirement assessments conducted in FY14. In March, the Extension Support Unit began developing training plans and guides for the machine operators. These guides will be completed in April. Further, a technician will be recruited as Independent Consultant (IC) to conduct the training on operation of cassava processing equipment.

Task: 1.4.5.2: Identify 40 youth for operation of rice milling equipment:

By the end of quarter one of FY15, USAID FED had identified 40 potential youth between the ages of 18 and 35 to be trained as machine operators with the 20 identified rice business hubs established in FY14 (Table 47). It was planned that a minimum of two youth would be deployed for training to each rice business hub based on personnel requirement assessments conducted in FY14. In March, the Extension Support Unit began developing training plans and guides for the machine operators. These guides will be completed in April. Further, one agri-technician will be recruited as an Independent Consultant to conduct the training for rice milling equipment operation and maintenance.

Table 47: Identification of trainee machine operators (Cassava processing and rice mills) County FY15 Youth Targets # of Youth Identified Male Female YTD # % # % Bong 33 33 23 (70%) 10 (30%) Lofa 24 24 13 (54%) 11 (46%) Nimba 25 25 15 (60%) 10 (40%) Grand Bassa 10 10 7 (70%) 3 (30%) Montserrado 6 6 6 (100%) 0 (0%) TOTAL 98 98 64 (65%) 34 (35%)

Activity 1.4.6 Supporting job creation through blacksmiths and carpenter enterprises

Task: 1.4.6.1 identify equipment requirements of 16 blacksmith apprentices trained in FY14

In February, all of the 16 youth blacksmiths (all male) had completed their apprenticeships and trainings with eight master blacksmiths. In March, the youth had fabricated and sold assorted farming tools valued at USD $75.00. In quarter two, the blacksmiths had sold assorted tools (shovels, knives, hoes and rakes), valued at USD $685.79. The 16 blacksmith apprentices also participated in a five-day Small Development and Financial Record Keeping training held on March 9-13, 2015, and facilitated by the USAID FED Youth Officer with support from Component Two in Salala Town, Salala District, Bong County. It is anticipated that these 16 apprentices will receive start-up kits comprising of anvil, hallow anvil, nike forming anvil, push rod anvil, blacksmith tong, carven knife, carven spear, cutting chisel, sledge hammer 2 pounds, sledge hammer 4 pounds, ball peen hammer 2 pounds, and chirping hammer 2 pounds in April. These youth are expected to set up blacksmith businesses with the assistance of BSPs supported under Component 2.

Task: 1.4.6.1 Identify equipment requirements of 16 carpentry apprentices trained in FY14

The 16 youth carpenters (all male) participated in a five day Small Development and Financial Record Keeping training held on March 9-13, 2015 and facilitated by a Youth Officer with support from component two in Salala Town, Salala District, Bong County. By March, 2 two carpentry enterprises had been established. These included a Youth Building Trade Shop with a membership of 4 youths in Bong County

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and Charles Weigar Carpentry Shop with a membership of two youths in Grand Bassa County. The profitability of these businesses will be ascertained in quarter three. The youth carpenters will also receive coaching and technical assistance from the BSPs supported under Component 2 to establish viable enterprises. Sub Task 1.5: Improving Human Nutrition

Activity 1.5.1 Development of Diet Behavior-Change Communications (DBCC) Strategy

Task 1.5.1.1 Hiring of Behavior Change Communication Specialist:

During February, the candidate recruited for the Behavior Change Communication Specialist STTA assignment declined the offer after she was offered a full-time position with another agency. Additional interviews were conducted in March but a suitable candidate has not yet been identified. USAID FED will continue to interview candidates in April to fill this position.

Activity 1.5.2 DBCC Strategy implemented and monitored

Task 1.5.2.1 Community materials printed and multiplied for dissemination

The implementation of this activity is dependent on the recruitment of the Behavior Change Communications Specialist and successful development of the DBCC strategy.

Activity 1.5.3 Nutrition messaging outreach to more households

Task 1.5.3.1 Revise existing material, develop posters, flyers and radio messages conveying nutrition messaging with specific focus on behavior change targeting: diet diversification within HH general and for pregnant women and children under two years

In March, USAID FED finalized the design of the nutrition poster which was pretested in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) with a community in Barcolny, Grand Bassa County (Figure 25). This community is one of USAID FED’s goat production communities. Subsequent to the pre-testing, USAID FED received approval from the MoHSW to print and disseminate the poster. It is anticipated that dissemination of the poster will take place in April/May.

On March 27, a total of 55 VSLA Field Officers (7 women and 48 men) received direct nutrition messaging during a USAID FED sponsored EDUCARE VSLA training held in Monrovia. The VSLA participants came from the 4 value chains across the 6 counties of Figure 25: Nutrition poster approved by MOHSW. USAID FED intervention.

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Component Two: Stimulate Private Sector Growth and Investment Task 2: Enabling Policy Environment for Private Sector Growth

Activity 2.1.1 Policy Reform Activities via Technical Working Groups

Task 12.1.1.1 LABEE Technical Working Group:

In February 2015, the USAID FED Food and Enterprise Development program for Liberia (FED) organized its’ first Policy Forum for the Fiscal Year 2015 to discuss highly contentious issues regarding the pricing of paddy rice by the government and Executive Order # 64, the government policy that allows for a duty free waiver on all agricultural and forestry inputs. Figure 26: Dr. Charles McClain, Ministry of In the presentation on “Rice Optimal Pricing”, USAID FED Agriculture, Deputy Minister for Planning and Agribusiness Value Chain Specialist, analyzed paddy rice Development. production costs, imports costs, and the impact to the private sector of the Government of Liberia (GoL) purchasing paddy rice from local farmers at a higher price from the going market price.

The next item on the agenda was Executive Order #64, the duty free waivers for agricultural inputs. The Policy Forum agreed that Executive Order #64 was not designed to help small holder farmers import agricultural inputs and needed to be revamped. For Executive Order # 64 to be effective, the roundtable participants proposed that the Government of Liberia (GoL) draft a law that will be applicable for more than the current one year period of the EO, simplify the language in the document, clarify the duty waiver procedure, and shorten the amount of time private investors spend following up on the paperwork. Further, it should focus on agriculture and not on encouraging logging activities.

The LABEE Technical Working Group Members such as USAID FED, Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), Ministry of Finance, Planning and Development (MoFPD), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI), Liberia Revenue Authority (LRA), National Investment Commission (NIC), the Agriculture Committee head from the House of Representatives, and Private Sector representative such as Grogreen, Greenfield Liberia, Fabrar Liberia Inc. participated in this Policy Forum. In 2014, LABEE, with support from USAID FED, moved forward on different policies affecting agricultural with collaboration from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) and the MoA. Over the next few months, USAID FED will be conducting additional special studies on gross margins for rice and also for other commodities in its value chains. Subtask 2.1: Access to Credit and Business Development Services

Activity 2.2.1 Village Savings and Loan Expansion

USAID FED has supported the creation of 123 Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLA) for 3,400 farmers (mostly women) in FY14. Through quarter 2 of FY15, VSLA groups have generated access to capital for investment in agricultural activities in the amount of USD $83,471. The savings and financing mechanism provides farmers with access to capital as well as experience in financial organization. Also in quarter two, USAID FED hired a local NGO EDUCARE, to work with the VSLAs and to increase VSLA groups to 373 with an additional 250 new groups formed. The VSLA groups will be comprised of the following: Lofa 50, USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 53

Nimba 50, Bong 50, Bassa 50, Margibi 25 and Montserrado 25. The VSLA curriculum has also been upgraded with topics including; leadership, gender equality, investing in agri-business, record-keeping, and accessing more formal finance, towards improving management of these VSLA groups. Nutrition messages were also integrated in the VSLA curriculum. A total of 14 modules were upgraded to enhance the learning needs of VSLA groups within USAID FED supported communities. 50 CFOs and five M&E officers have been recruited from over 250 farming communities within the Figure 27: USAID FED supported NGO Educare delivering six counties of USAID FED. All 55 CFOs and M&E training on leadership skills for VSLA groups. officers have completed a six day TOT course utilizing the upgraded VSLA training manual.

Table 48: Number of CFOs and M&E recruited and trained per county. # Position Lofa Nimba Bong Bassa Margibi Montserrado Total 1 Monitoring & Evaluation Officer 1 1 1 1 0 1 5 (3 Males & 2 Females) 2 Community Field Officer 10 10 10 10 5 5 50 (46 Males & 4 Females) 3 Total 11 11 11 11 5 6 55 (49 Males & 6 Females)

Table 49: Number of VSLA groups per county. # County FY13 FY14 FY15 total 1 Lofa 5 20 50 75 2 Nimba 5 20 50 75 3 Bong 5 20 50 75 4 Bassa 5 20 50 75 5 Margibi 3 8 25 36 6 Montserrado 3 9 25 37 7 Total 26 97 250 373

Table 50: VSLA loan data summary for quarter two. # Sales (USD$) Job created Shares persons Total loans # # of Active purchased receiving disbursed Total loans persons # Days mandays # County members (USD$) loans (USD$) repaid (USD$) Rice Cassava Vegetable Goat Total worked worked 1 Nimba 760 $ 19,894 111 $ 3,566 $ 18,407 $ 11,350 $ 7,250 $ 3,250 $ 375 $ 22,225 330 57 18,810 2 Lofa 742 $ 21,188 210 $ 34,371 $ 22,127 $ 24,500 $ 2,450 $ 1,250 $ 285 $ 28,485 527 38 20,026 3 Bong 685 $ 15,112 63 $ 5,082 $ 7,002 $ 12,200 $ 1,575 $ 2,785 $ 550 $ 17,110 65 34 2,210 4 Bassa 604 $ 13,021 46 $ 6,075 $ 3,198 $ 4,250 $ 12,785 $ 2,135 $ 225 $ 19,395 177 57 10,089 6 Margibi 241 $ 7,606 21 $ 1,744 $ 2,017 $ 3,900 $ - $ 3,900 30 40 1,200 7 Montserrado 209 $ 6,650 31 $ 1,800 $ 2,445 $ 3,125 $ - $ 3,125 33 42 1,386 8 Total 3241 $ 83,471 482 $ 52,638 $ 55,196 $ 52,300 $ 24,060 $ 16,445 $ 1,435 $ 94,240 1162 268 53,721 Total FTE 207

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Task 2.2.1.8 Application to NAPEX and CBL for Loans

Through quarter 2, six VSLA groups have registered with NAPEX and have received certificates. The six groups have also opened accounts with Afriland first Bank of Liberia. Five of the six groups have received loans from the CBL of USD $3,000 each for a total of USD $15,000.00 to be paid back over a three year period with an interest of 3%.

Table 51: VSLA groups accessed loan from CBL County Name of group Members Loan Amount (US$) Zeelie VSLA 30 USD $3,000

Lofa WOFPD VSLA 30 USD $3,000 Kobeke VSLA 30 USD $3,000

Yeapugimai VSLA 30 USD $3,000

Kukatonon 30 USD $3,000

Total 150 USD $15,000

Activity 2.2.3 Extension of Micro Finance to Farmers and Entrepreneurs

Zeelie Farmers Association:

During quarter two, the Zeelie Farmers Association in Lofa received a loan of USD $10,000 from LEAD with the purpose of buying paddy rice from USAID FED supported farmers and reselling to Fabrar Liberia Inc. and MoA. Zeelie is buying 50 kg bags at USD $18.00 and selling to Fabrar Liberia Inc. at USD $18.50/bag and USD $20.00/bag to MoA. Zeelie has reported the sale of 131 50 kg bags kg to MoA for USD $2,620 and 30 50 kg bags to Fabrar Liberia Inc. valued at USD $540. A total of 161 50 kg bags with a value of USD $3,160 was sold. In addition, the Zeelie Famers Association has earned USD $16,117 for their aggregation services. Figure 28: Zeelie Farmers Association with its paddy rice Through quarter two, LEAD has disbursed loans to 743 purchased through the LEAD program with support farmers (325 male and 418 female) for USD $79,409 as part of from USAID FED its partnership with USAID FED.

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Table 52: USAID FED supported farming groups benefited from LEAD loans during quarter two

Membership Loan purpose Loan Amount No. Name of groups Value chains (USD $) M F Total Lofa county: 1 Rice and Food Crops Rice $5,000.00 38 37 75 To increase Rice production 2 Mayor Farmers Asso. Rice $6,000.00 31 69 100 To increase Rice production For rice aggregation and 3 Zeelie farmers Asso. Rice $10,000.00 17 24 41 trading 4 AHC Rice $6,000.00 1 0 1 Increase Rice farming 5 Welekemai Cassava $3,500.00 12 27 39 Increase cassava production 6 Flomoku & friends Cassava $3,500.00 20 30 50 Increase cassava production Increase vegetable 7 Voinjama D.Women Org. Vegetable $1,900.00 18 35 53 production Increase vegetable 8 RAP Vegetable $2,000.00 19 31 50 production 9 Abacus Jallah Rice $2,000.00 18 32 50 Increase Rice farming Sub total $39,900.00 174 285 459 Montserrado County: For aggregation, trading and 10 Monrovia vegetable sellers Vegetable $9,000.00 6 8 14 transport of vegetables. For aggregation, trading and 11 Mawah cluster Vegetable $ 1,745.00 19 11 30 transport of vegetables. For aggregation, trading and 12 CGCWYEP Vegetable $1,700.00 11 13 24 transport of vegetables. For aggregation, trading and 13 Low cost vegetable Vegetable $2,325.00 12 6 18 transport of vegetables. Sub total $14,770.00 48 38 86 Nimba county 14 Kolakeh Farmers Asso. Rice $3,325.00 38 12 50 To increase Rice production 15 Monsohn foundation Agri-group Cassava $5,000.00 10 5 15 Increase cassava production 16 Lorkiah farmers Asso. Rice $ 2,325.00 21 22 43 To increase Rice production Increase vegetable 17 Melekoyee farmers Asso. Vegetable $11,764.00 18 39 57 production 18 Dankor farmers Asso. Cassava $2,325.00 16 17 33 Increase cassava production Sub total $24,739.00 103 95 198 19 Q2 total $79,409.00 325 418 743

Table 53: Total Q2 loans in US$ accessed by farmers through VSLA, LEAD and Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) Type Amount # persons receiving loans VSLA $52,638 482 LEAD $79,409 743 CBL $15,000 150 Total $147,047 1375

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Activity 2.3.1 Establish Five Enterprise Service Centers

Task 2.3.1.1 Train Business Service Providers

During the reporting period, the Master Business Service Provider (MBSP), in accordance with their SOW, developed the training modules that the Business Service Providers (BSPs) will use when they train micro-entrepreneurs and farmers. This will further allow USAID FED to provide development support services to businesses and farmers. The BSPs can distribute the simple guides as extension materials.

In February, the MBSP conducted two sets of Business Development Skills Training sessions in Kakata City, Margibi County and Gbarnga, Bong County. Top Consulting is the pre- Figure 29: BDSP training in Kakata, Margibi County. designated Business Service Provider (BSP) for Montserrado and Margibi counties.

While in Gbarnga, the MBSP taught three of the pre-selected BSPs various business skills. The Community Youth Network Program (CYNP) of Grand Bassa County designee, the Liberia Initiatives for Development Services (LIDS) of Bong County designee and LEAD of Nimba County designee participated in the training. The last pre-selected BDSSP (Jacob F. Tomei Enterprise Center) was trained by the MBSP from March 3 to March 6, 2015 in Foyah City, Lofa County. A total of 72 participants from Five (5) BSPs participated in trainings conducted by the MBSP.

Table 54: MBDSP training participants Name of Group County Training Location Date of Training

Top Consulting Inc. Montserrado/Margibi Kakata City February 16-20, 2015

CYNP Grand Bassa Gbarnga City February 23-27, 2015 LEAD Nimba Gbarnga City February 23-27, 2015 LIDS Bong Gbarngo City February 23-27, 2015

Jacob F. Tomei Enterprise Center Lofa Foyah City March 3-6, 2015

TOTAL 5 Groups

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Table 55: BSP Training breakdown.

Participants Name of BSP County Total

Male Female Community Youth Network Program Grand Bassa 6 6 12

Liberia Initiatives for Development Services Bong 8 4 12

Liberia Entrepreneurial and Asset Development Nimba 8 4 12

Jacob F. Tomei Enterprise Center Lofa 11 1 12

Top Consulting Inc Monserrado/Margibi 17 7 24

TOTAL 5 LNGOs 50 22 72

Task 2.3.1.2 Hire Business Service Providers to Deliver Business Development Services

Timeline: From March to September 2015

In line with the capacity building of these BSPs, USAID FED invited the management team of the Rice Business Hubs from Nimba and Bong Countys, and the representative pre-selected BSPs for each of these two counties to a two day workshop.

The workshop in Nimba was held from the 17th to 19th of March 2015 and in Bong from the 23rd to 25th of March 2015. The workshop was held to enable the management of Rice Business Hubs and the BSP to understand the vision, activities and objectives of the hub in order to come up with a business plan that will guide the hub further. A total of 19 persons Figure 30: Rice Business Hub training in Bong County. received the training including 3 females and 16 males

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Table 56: BSP Training to the Rice Business Hub participant list.

Participants Name of BSP and Rice Hubs Management Team County Total Male Female LEAD Nimba 3 3

Dumpa Rice Hub Nimba 1 1 2

Payee Rice Hub Nimba 2 1 3 Boweah Rice Hob Nimba 3 3 LIDS Bong 2 1 3 Garmu Rice Hub Bong 3 3 Bong-mines Rice Hub Bong 2 2

Total 16 3 19

This workshop will continue in Lofa, and Grand Bassa Counties in April 2015 with two more LNGOs (Jacob F. Tomei Enterprise Center and CYN) and their staff.

Activity 2.4.2 Women Business Incubation

STTA Consultant Donna Rosa was hired and arrived in Monrovia on March 11, 2015 to set up a business incubation/mentoring program for 25 Liberian women-owned businesses. The goal is to facilitate growth, improve efficiency and effectiveness, and increase profitability of these women-owned micro-enterprises.

Task 2.4.2.2 Pilot Business Incubation

From March 23-April 2, 2015, seventy-three (73) women in Margibi, Grand Bassa, Nimba, Bong, and Lofa counties were interviewed in person for possible inclusion in the business incubation project. Selection criteria were established and a screening profile with rating scale was set up for each business. The information is being compiled, and an analysis and recommendations for next steps will be presented on April 10.

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Component Three: Build Local Technical and Managerial Human Resource Capability Task 3 Develop Existing Vocational Centers into Centers of Excellence in Vocational Agriculture Education (CoE)

Activity 3.0.4 Establish demonstration farms on improved technology and production practices

In January of quarter two, USAID FED organized and conducted a ten-day compost preparation training workshop for the Centers of Excellence at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI). The training was facilitated by Mr. Jacob Swee, instructor at BWI in which 16 (12 Males and 4 Females) participants from the four Centers of Excellence attended.

The participants toured the agricultural facilities of BWI including; the vegetable garden where compost materials were used as fertilizer for the production of vegetable crops (watermelon, cucumber & okra), the cattle facility, pig-pen and the compost plant itself.

The objective of the training was to provide the CoE staff with practical hands-on training in the production of compost for commercial purposes to help them consider composting as another income generating opportunity.

At the conclusion of the training the participants requested a number of follow-up actions to be taken by USAID FED to ensure success for the CoE’s in the production of compost:

 Link CoEs to various compost buyers Figure 31: CoE staff participating in compost training at BWI.  Assist with the provision of the necessary equipment for compost preparation  Keep providing technical assistance to the four CoE’s to help nurture the process of compost preparation for the future development of the CoE’s.

Each of these CoEs, however, will need to carry out a market study of their own to determine the feasibility of going into this business. If they are able to determine that it is a feasible business for them, then USAID FED can provide additional business support to them.

Activity 3.1.1 NDA curriculum rolled out in the first semester of AY 2014-2015

Task 3.1.1.1 Organize official launching of the NDA to include all stakeholders

On March 13, 2015 the USAID FED in partnership with the Ministry of Education (MoE) officially launched the new National Diploma in Agriculture (NDA) Program at the Booker Washington Institute BWI campus. The NDA program will go into effect at four USAID FED-supported CoE’s.

The NDA is an innovative, skills-focused two-year Vocational Diploma that prepares high school graduates to move directly into agricultural employment in the formal sector or through entrepreneurship. Students

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will then graduate with marketable, in-demand skills that will give them expanded employment options tied to the country’s growing agricultural market and industry needs. The CoE’s will lead the practical training program through demonstration farms, extension services and the showcasing of best practices and innovations in agri-business.

At the end of quarter two, the Lofa County Community College, Grand Bassa Community College and Nimba County Community College have all commenced classes for academic Figure 32: Vice President of Liberia Joseph N. Boakai year 2014/2015 as part of the NDA program. The BWI has and U.S. Ambassador Deborah Malac touring the commenced entrance exams for students aspiring to enroll in demonstration farms during the NDA launch. the NDA program; classes are expected to begin in April 2015 at BWI.

Task 3.1.1.2 Distribute posters and flyers, host talk shows on radios and engage high schools to kick start the NDA promotional campaign geared towards the enhancement of double enrollment in the program during AY 2014/2015.

During the reporting period, 300 copies of both the NDA poster and the NDA flyer were printed for distribution to the community colleges and BWI. The posters and flyers are intended to be used to kick start the promotional campaign activities at the various community colleges and BWI. The goal will be to increase the enrollment of students in the National Diploma in Agriculture (NDA) program during academic year 2015.

Two hundred copies were presented to the CoE’s by USAID FED staff for immediate posting and distribution. The remaining four hundred copies were presented to the MoE for onward distribution to the colleges and high schools in the communities to continue promoting the successful roll out of the National Diploma in Agriculture Program.

Task 3.1.1.3 Monitor roll out by conducting assessment survey of NDA implementation with the CoE’s

Assessment of the NDA program will commence after two months of implementation of the program in each institution. The assessment of the program will help determine the effectiveness of the curriculum, instructors’ delivery and practical application of the program for implementation.

Activity 3.1.2 Practical exercises incorporated in the lesson plans

Task 3.1.2.1 USAID FED technical staff to carryout reconnaissance of potential field/facility demonstration sites

USAID FED Vocational Agriculture Educational Officers (VAEOs), Sr. Vocational Agriculture Education Officer and Vocational Agriculture Education Specialist, traveled to the field from February 9-14, 2015 and conducted reconnaissance visits to successful farming sites in Nimba, Lofa, Grand Bassa and Margibi Counties.

The objective of the reconnaissance visit was to identify potential demonstration sites for the CoE agriculture students to carry out practical exercises according to the lesson plans of the NDA program.

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USAID FED VAEOs, Extension Officers and staffs from each CoE identified a total of seventeen (17) demonstration sites in FED supported areas in the four counties as listed below. They have also arranged for NDA students to conduct practical learning exercises at these farms. MoU’s will be signed with each demonstration farm.

LOFA COUNTY 1. USAID FED Cassava Nursery 2. Cocoa & Palm Plantation 3. Seleka Rubber Plantation 4. Voinjama Piggery Production Center

NIMBA COUNTY 1. Ganta Methodist Agricultural Site (They have training areas for vegetables, poultry and pigs) 2. USAID FED Supported Lowland Rice Production Site 3. USAID FED Supported Vegetable Production Site 4. Cocopa NRI Rubber Plantation 5. Gaimah Farm (Lowland rice production, and animal husbandry)

MARGIBI COUNTY 1. Gbarfilla Farm (Various vegetables, various fruits, soybeans lowland rice, chickens and pigs) 2. Allen Yancy Farm (Onions and hot peppers) 3. Kerjutunor Farm (Cabbage, okra, hot pepper, eggplants, corn and bitter balls) 4. Stubberfield Farm (Hot pepper, eggplants and bitter balls)

GRAND BASSA COUNTY 1. USAID FED supported Debbah Town Farm (Cassava) 2. Josephus Barnard Farm (Hot peppers) 3. Gbangee Town Goat Cluster 4. Neekreen Town Poultry

Task 3.1.2.2 Organize stakeholders’ workshops/meetings for Curriculum/syllabi for review, identification and incorporation of practical lessons

During the reporting period, USAID FED Senior Vocational Agriculture Education Officer finalized discussions with the administration of the Nimba County Community College and demonstration farm owners regarding a suitable date for a stakeholders meeting where plans would be finalized for the review and adoption of practical lessons for the students. Both parties have agreed to host a stakeholders meeting on April 17th, 2015 on the NCCC Campus.

Task 3.1.2.3 Negotiate with farm/facilities owners and finalize MoU's

USAID FED Senior Vocational Agriculture Education Officer and Vocational Education Specialist will begin working jointly with the four CoE’s beginning in April, to facilitate the development of MoU’s between the CoE institutions and farm owners selected during the reconnaissance visits.

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Activity 3.1.4 Development of internship programs with industry players and finalization of MoU’s

Task 3.1.4.2 Provide TA to CoE’s and industry players for the organization of the internship program to include development of selection criteria and setting up vetting committees towards the recruitment of interns

Upon completion and finalization of Task 3.1.2.3 “Negotiate with farm/facilities owners and finalize MoU’s” with private farm owners, as well as during the commencement of classes at the institutions in April, USAID FED will launch this task and begin to engage industrial players proximally located to the various CoE’s to establish partnerships, hold stakeholders meetings and organize a vetting committee for the possible establishment and recruitment of students for the internship program at each institution.

Task 3.1.4.3 Develop and finalize MoU’s to serve as legal instrument between the community colleges and industrial players.

Industrial partners at the CoE’s have been identified in preparation for this task in May 2015. The delay is due to the NDA program being rolled out in March 2015 instead of last September due to the Ebola outbreak. Industrial partners will be contacted in quarter three for establishment of the internship program and subsequent the finalization of MoU’s.

Activity 3.2.1 Establish performance management system at the CoE’s

Task 3.2.1.1 Recruit an expert to work with the CoE’s for the establishment of Performance Management System (PMS)

A SoW for the recruitment of a Performance Management Specialist was completed during the quarter. It is anticipated that the recruitment will be completed in April.

Activity 3.2.2 Instructors trained on effective delivery of the NDA

Task 3.2.2.1 Recruit an expert to conduct capacity needs assessment for identification of skills required for instructors to deliver the NDA

USAID FED hired Mr. Jallah Kennedy, Agri-business Capacity Consultant and mobilized him to the field in January to commence his task of conducting a capacity needs assessment of faculty members of USAID FED’s four partner institutions in preparation for the roll out of the NDA program. Mr. Kennedy began his assessment at the BWI and continued to Grand Bassa Community College where he concluded Phase one of his assessment and proceeded to Nimba County Community College and Lofa County Community College where he completed Phase two, respectively.

The assessment sought to determine and identify relevant skills needed by instructors and top management at each of the four CoE’s and uncover capacity gaps that must be addressed in order to effectively deliver the quality of instruction anticipated for the NDA program.

Some of his recommendations were as follows:

• USAID FED should consider the provision of tractors, power tillers and accessories to build the capacity of CoE’s particularly the agriculture departments. As the need for advanced training for instructors and staff develops or emerges, USAID FED should consider a request to support it. In

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addition, weighing scales, hand lenses, vaccines for goat breeding, brooding pans, watering troughs, feeders, incubators, rice threshers and cassava grinders are key agricultural inputs that USAID FED should consider procuring for the NDA program.

• In order to further strengthen the NDA program, USAID FED should contemplate the possibility of ensuring the support and availability of specialized trainings for both instructional and support staff in professional areas such as, soil testing and analysis, seed testing and analysis, seed processing and preservation, plant propagation techniques, drug administering to livestock and compost-making. Others are castration, poultry production and artificial insemination. Preferably, the acquisition of these specialized skills should lead to either certificate or post-graduate diplomas as a means to further strengthen their knowledge-base and skills. Ultimately, the transfer of these various skills and knowledge to students is expected to strengthen their individual capacities in understanding and appreciating the fundamental theory and practice of agricultural sciences.

The CoEs are constrained and equally challenged by the lack of specific teaching aids to complement instructional materials, such as detachable teaching models, relevant laboratory apparatuses and post- secondary agricultural textbooks for West African Schools. Others are measuring tapes and meter rule sticks, as well as internet system for researching. Given the circumstances under which the instructors are duly exercising their prescribed functions, it would be prudent for USAID FED to consider the provision of these teaching aides not only for the purpose of complimenting instructional materials, but it could also serve as an added impetus for students’ fuller understanding of the subject-matter.

USAID FED will evaluate the merit of implementing the recommendations of the consultant. However, apart from equipment and asset provision, USAID FED’s main concern is instructional skills gaps that are imperative to address in order for instructors to effectively deliver the NDA program.

Task 3.2.2.2 STTA/TA expert to facilitate the delivery of instructors’ immediate training needs for effective delivery of the NDA

USAID FED, in its FY15 annual work plan intends to hire a STTA to train instructors in order for them to be effective in delivering the NDA curriculum. The institutions suggest that it would be expedient if these instructors can benefit from the short term sandwich programs instituted in Ghana, which covers a minimum period of one month, if that can be supported by USAID FED. This suggestion will be evaluated by USAID FED. Appropriate decision and action will be implemented before end of quarter three.

Activity 3.2.3 Exposure visit to vocational education in the ECOWAS region

Task 3.2.3.2 USAID FED coordinates with CoEs for selection of representatives, organize and provide travel logistics to facilitate trip

In January of quarter 2, a vetting committee was set up by USAID FED which finalized the selection of the CoE staff based on a set of criteria, in order for them to travel to Ghana on a study tour. Twelve candidates from the four CoEs were selected to travel to Ghana and are listed below:

NCCC 1. Yar Gonway-Gono Administrator 2. Paye G. K. Kwiti Business Dept. 3. Terry N. Dologbay Ag. Instructor

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LCCC 1. Peter C. P. Taylor Business Dept. 2. Kollie Yarwo Harris Ag. Instructor 3. Samuel TM Dunbar Administrator

BWI 1. Alexander M. Massey Administrator 2. William C. Todd Ag. Instructor 3. Nelson B. McGill Business Dept.

GBCC 1. David N. Zeogar Administrator 2. Jeremiah M. Swinteh Ag. Instructor 3. John S. C. Williams Business Dept.

Task 3.2.3.3 Finalize travel arrangements/itineraries with selected institutions and CoE representatives and commence exposure visit.

On February 15, 2015, USAID FED delegation headed by its Training and Administrative Coordinator along with Sr. Vocational Agriculture Educational Officer traveled on a study tour to the following institutions in Ghana:

• Animal Health & Production College (AHPC) • Kwadaso Agriculture College • Adidome Farm Institute Figure 33: CoE staff participating in the study tour to Ghana.

The general objectives of the tour were to:

• Study the achievements of the Ghanaian institutions. • Identify profitable enterprise models for the replication at the CoEs in Liberia. • Form partnerships with our Ghanaian counterparts providing the platform for teaching staff to learn from each other, improve the quality of their curriculum and teaching methods, and learn new techniques for the development of farm enterprises and promote sustainable income generation. • Develop action plans, budgets and deliverable timelines for implementation.

The USAID FED Ghanaian Consultant, Mr. Patrick Ofori, organized and facilitated the meetings in all of the locations visited. Upon returning from daily visits, evening sessions were also organized and conducted with the consultant, where each group analyzed their daily activities and rehearsed group presentations.

The libraries and laboratories of the Ghanaian institutions were also explored by the USAID FED study tour team, where they had the opportunity to ask questions related to the operations of the facilities, farm enterprises, as well as strategies put in place in sustaining these facilities. Below is a summary of the lessons learned.

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• Teachers that serve the institutes for three years are qualified and usually sent for advanced studies (internally and externally). During the study period, they are required to return every vacation to teach. • The farm institute produces planting materials such as citrus, vegetables, pineapple, cassava cuttings and cacao for sale. • Agro-business courses (business plan and project proposal writing) are included in the curriculum to provide students with some of the requisite entrepreneurial skills for enterprise development. In order to help students develop business skills and take advantage of entrepreneurship, business courses are integrated into the curriculum to help students gain knowledge in Business Planning and Management. • The colleges visited in Ghana use a standardized curriculum for delivery of both the certificate and diploma programs developed by the university affiliated Cape Coast University, in collaboration with the Technical Vocational Institutes and Ministry of Food and Agriculture. • Instructional delivery methods in the colleges visited has been shifted from using black boards and chalk to modernized white boards and projectors for lesson presentation to students with the availability of text books or handouts to students during classroom presentations. • Syllabi and lesson plans are developed from the curriculum, harmonized and aligned with the courses taught by the instructors. • Students enrolling in the diploma program in Agriculture Science are required to complete two years of theory and one year of practical exercises (three years total) to become eligible for graduation. The Ghanaian program has the first year being theory based, while the second year the students participate in an internship program, and finally in the third year they study in the classroom again before graduation. • A combination of business and agriculture (agri-business) can be harnessed to develop sustainable enterprises that lead to successful livelihoods. • Graduating students are given specific projects in their areas of study to be carried out individually with supervision from the assigned instructor before graduating. • Facilities such as the library, science laboratory and soil science laboratory exist at all three colleges with well qualified staff, and heavy use by college students.

Activity 3.3.1 Establishment of standardize Agricultural Science Labs and training of instructors and technicians

Task 3.3.1.1 Recruit and mobilize construction firms to complete renovation and installation of all equipment and laboratory facilities

In January 2015, the bidding process for the hiring of construction firms was completed. A pre-bidding conference was held in January following the receipt of a total of fifteen bid proposals for all four CoEs.

Following the conclusion and revision of budgets, a total of three (3) firms were selected to carry out the renovations. The firms selected are the following: Figure 34: USAID FED supplied science laboratory equipment during the reporting period. • Unique Business Corporation (UBC) – Lot 1 (BWI) & 3 (NCCC)

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• VECO Construction Consultancy Incorporated - Lot 2 (LCCC) • Seek Engineering & Consultant (SEACON) Inc. - Lot 4 (GBCC)

All subcontracts prepared for the soil labs renovation work have been approved and signed. It is anticipated that renovations will be carried out simultaneously in the four locations, with construction being completed within two months.

Additionally, USAID FED inspected the science laboratory equipment before it was dispatched to the four CoE’s by Earthtime Inc. Gro Green, the second vendor selected will dispatch the remaining equipment in early April 2015.

According to agreement between both entities and USAID FED, the firms are responsible for transporting and installing the equipment at each of the CoEs. In order to be able to perform the task, an amendment has been made and a Purchase Order modification was completed to ensure that these firms finish the installation as soon the laboratories are completed.

Task 3.3.1.4 Organize workshop for instructors and technicians to receive training on the effective use of the equipment, management and maintenance of the laboratories.

During the quarter, USAID FED faced some challenges in getting the science lab renovation/construction work started due to delays in getting all of the CoE’s to sign off on the A&E Design for the Science Labs. This meant that the RFP was not advertised until late December, and the procurement for construction services took three months from start to finish due to the size of the procurement and the certain delays in the bidding process.

After renovation of the science laboratories, a STTA (either local or international) will be recruited to conduct training for instructors and technicians on how to effectively manage and maintain the laboratory facilities at the four Centers of Excellence. Construction is expected to be completed by June 2015.

Activity 3.3.2 Library facilities upgraded, outfitted and effectively maintained

Task 3.3.2.1 Procure approved listing of textbooks and reference materials

In January, USAID FED procured an approved list of textbooks and reference materials for the four CoE’s.

72 textbooks were presented to each institution by USAD FED in support of the NDA Curriculum.

Task 3.3.2.3 Recruit an expert librarian facilitator and organize intensive training/ workshop to equip Librarians from the CoEs to effectively operate and maintain the libraries

In November 2014, USAID FED hired and mobilized Mr. Forka Kemah, a professional librarian consultant to conduct skills training for the CoE librarian staff. The training was successfully conducted at the BWI campus for a period of five (5) days to complete phase 1 of his assignment.

USAID FED facilitated mobilization and dispatched the Figure 35: USAID FED handing over textbooks to the consultant to the field on March 17, 2015 to commence the CoE's.

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second phase of his assignment which is geared towards providing follow-up and mentorship training for the librarian staffs at the CoEs. The training facilitator will visit the libraries at each of the community colleges and BWI to monitor progress on library maintenance and provide additional coaching where needed in support to the roll-out of the NDA at the institutions. Upon completion of the assignment, the consultant is expected to outline in his final report, a list of resources required for each library as well as recommendations for endorsement by USAID FED to complete the task.

Activity 3.3.3 Establishment of computer labs at the CoEs

Task 3.3.3.1 Provide internet connectivity with additional computers and software at the CoE’s to support the NDA and income generation for sustainability purposes

In accordance with USAID FED FY15 annual work plan, USAID FED intends to further assist the CoE’s with the establishment of internet connectivity. USAID FED Component 3 and IT department have been working to procure additional computers, IT software and to hire the services of a vendor who will facilitate the provision of internet services at each CoE for a period of one year.

A RFP was solicited and the evaluation process is ongoing with a contract to be awarded in April.

The rationale for providing these internet facilities with relevant accessories required is for the purpose of establishing enterprise development whereby the CoEs would be able to maintain the facility by providing services to the community, students, instructors as a means of promoting income generation to enable the institutions properly manage and sustain the facility independently. Internet access will be provided for the computer labs, libraries, career, resource & internship centers, as well as departments of agriculture, business, administration, and other meaningful units of the institution.

Task 3.3.3.2 Computer labs provided with additional outfitting to adequately accommodate students and instructors during practical lessons

In quarter 2, the procurement process for the acquisition of computers, furniture and other ICT equipment for the computer laboratories at the four CoEs was initiated. A RFQ was publically advertised in three newspapers on February 9, 2015.

In February 2015, USAID FED received and evaluated ten RFQs for the supply of computers and office furniture from local vendors. Four vendors out of the ten submissions were selected for inspection based on technical specifications provided.

In March 2015, USAID FED visited the four selected entities. The inspection was intended to ascertain the level of understanding of the technical requirements of the RFQ and quality of materials in their possession as being displayed. Based upon final inspection, Crosswords, a local firm was selected for the supply of the equipment for Lot #1 for USD $139,010.00.

Activity 3.4.1 Develop and implement 3-yr strategic plan including priority enterprises to be established at the CoEs

Task 3.4.1.4 Support the establishment of two to three feasible enterprises with business and marketing plans

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In quarter two, USAID FED delivered irrigation pressure pumps to GBCC and BWI. The irrigation pumps are being used for the vegetable farms at both institutions to boost growth and production while the rain shelters are being procured.

The representatives from the study tour are expected to develop implementation plans including budgets and timelines indicating additional agribusiness enterprises to be developed with the assistance of USAID FED at their institutions in Liberia. The plans are expected to be Figure 36: USAID FED delivering irrigation pumps to GBCC submitted during April 2015 for USAID review and approval for implementation.

Also in quarter two, staff from the Agriculture Department at Lofa County Community College crafted a Feeding and watering plan required by USAID FED before the procurement of 25 goats for their institution. The plan will help guide the caretakers in ensuring proper management and care for the goats. USAID FED is planning to procure the goats in April followed by basic training on the administering of medication and feeding procedures for the caretakers.

The major components of the plan are as follows:

• Cassava Farm – the leaf and dried tuber will be fed to the goat until the peak of the rainy season when forage and hay will be available for the animals. • Four Field workers have been selected to be fully responsible for feeding the goat on time. They will also be responsible to gather nutritional feed for the goats. • The Agriculture Department will help to plant nutritious grasses or forage in mini-ranches for the goats • Ensure safe drinking water for the goat on a daily basis.

Nimba County Community College has commenced the process compost preparation at the institution. This is presently ongoing on a small scale without the use of the thermometer and moisture meters, which are used for temperature reading. The compost building itself needs renovation to prevent leakage during the rainy season. The NCCC Administration has also agreed to work with BWI expertise to assist or advise on setting up their compost plant. In an effort to subsidize the compost making process at the CoEs, USAID FED has procured moisture meters and thermometers for the compost production at the CoEs.

NCCC has also hired a technician to supervise the activities of the goat shelter, formulating feeding plan and treatment of goats with available medication.

NCCC has promised to develop and submit a work plan for the student’s development of the cassava enterprise. It is also important to commence the cultivation of the remaining acres under the cassava enterprise development, and also resume the cleaning of the 1.2 ha, already planted on mounds.

Activity 3.4.3 Improvement of financial and organizational systems

Task 3.4.3.1 Hire STTA to help in improving the financial management and systems of CoEs

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A SoW is being developed for the recruitment of a financial management specialist to establish and improve financial systems at the CoE’s.

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Component Four: Cross-Cutting Activities Task 4.1: Communications/Knowledge Management

USAID FED Media Stories

USAID FED submitted four success stories for USAID approval during quarter two. The stories are titled:

1) Liberian farmers produce surplus rice for the market (Rice, Bong County) 2) USAID FED helps transform subsistence rice farmers to commercial rice producers (Rice, Lofa) 3) NAPEX Recognizes USAID FED for Its Village Savings and Loans Initiative (VSLA, All counties) 4) LEAD and USAID FED’s Partnership on Loan Intervention for Farmers Breaks Financial Barriers (LEAD, Lofa County)

USAID FED was featured in twelve media reports and three radio interviews during quarter two.

1) Center of Excellence Staff Participate in Study Tour to Vocational Institutions in Ghana (GNN Liberia, Heritage, New Democrat, The Inquirer, Focus, Insight, The Analyst and The Microscope) 2) LEAD and USAID FED’s Partnership Loan Intervention for Farmers (Women Voices, Insight, The Microscope and The Democrat) 3) MoE Launches New NDA Program (Daily Observer) 4) Interview with Agnes Luz, NDA Program Launch (UNMIL Radio) 5) Interview with John Selma, LEAD Loan (UNMIL Radio) 6) Interview with Agnes Luz, NDA Program Launch (Liberia Women Democratic Radio) Task 4.2: Environmental Compliance

During the quarter, an environmental assessment was carried out on 261.2 hectares of lowland located in Yaphas Town, Todee District, Montserrado County. This is in line with the USAID FED approved IEE for new project activities. The assessment documented the current environmental conditions of the sites proposed for lowland rice cultivation for a large scale lowland rice farmer. The land is heavily forested with no human activity for over twenty years. The assessments therefore recommended that there should be no USAID FED implemented activity on the site in keeping with USAID regulations on converting untouched or non-degraded land for agricultural purposes.

As part of the principle objective for FY15 and to ensure compliance with USAID policies and USAID approved IEE and EMMP for FED’s programing, especially training practices that are environmentally sound and safeguard human health and the environment, 280 upland lead farmers (Table 57) and 184 lowland lead farmers (Table 58) from Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties were trained in environmental best practices in agriculture during the quarter. The training was in response to USAID FED’s environmental compliance objectives for FY15. Emphasis was especially placed on the implementation and promotion of specific BMPs and understanding USAID FED’s environmental

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Table 57: Upland Farmers Training. County Male Total # Female Total # Total Nimba 86(78%) 24(22%) 110 Bong 100(92%) 9(8%) 109 Lofa 51(84%) 10(16%) 61 Total 237 43 280

Table 58: Lowland Farmers Training. County Male Total # Female Total # Total Nimba 47(94%) 3(6%) 50 Bong 71(89%) 8(11%) 79 Lofa 44(80%) 11(20%) 55 Total 162 22 184

As part of USAID FED’s environmental approach for FY15, which emphasizes routine and regular field supervision conducted to ensure support for the implementation for USAID FED’s Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP), USAID FED visited three sites in Lofa County. Flomoku and Friends cassava site in Zorzor, Foya Women vegetable site in Foya, and Kundo Goat site in Foya were all visited. The three sites monitored are in compliance with USAID FED’s environmental guidelines. Task 4.3: Monitoring & Evaluation

Task 4.3 Monitoring & Evaluation

Data Quality Assessment

During quarter two, L-MEP initiated the final Data Quality Assessment (DQA) exercise for USAID FED Program. The DQA considered all indicators that were not assessed during the first and second DQA exercises that were conducted for USAID FED in FY13 and FY14 implementation periods. All four core counties (Bong, Nimba, Lofa and Grand Bassa) were assessed. The initial results of the findings of the DQA exercise will be presented by LMEP in mid-April.

Other M&E Activities

Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA)

In March, USAID FED presented the initial results of the RRA to USAID and the Agriculture Coordination Committee at the MoA. The RRA highlights both the potential that exists for the expansion of lowland rice cultivation and the potential for increased production given the huge potential for double cropping in a year. The final RRA report will be submitted during April.

Data Collection and Reporting Training

During the reporting period, the M&E unit conducted training on data collection, data management and reporting for 19 Local NGOs supporting implementation of activities under Component one. This included

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one LNGO for Youth in Agribusiness, five LNGOs for rice, five LNGOs for cassava, four LNGOs for horticulture and four LNGOs for the goat value chains. Reporting templates and timelines were finalized for their use during FY15. Further training of the LNGOs in data analysis and excel will be carried out in mid- April.

FY15 Beneficiary verification

M&E Team completed the verification and validation of FY15 new beneficiaries of rice, cassava, horticulture and goat agriculture production activities. The table below (Table 59) shows the beneficiaries data disaggregated by gender, county and value chain.

Table 59: Verification and validation of FY15 beneficiaries

Rice

Lowland Upland Cassava Goat Horticulture

County Male Female Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total Male Female Total NIMBA 3471 2305 2658 1892 10326 2,766 2,594 5,360 651 195 846 367 202 569 BONG 1837 1465 2713 1486 7501 1295 1205 2,500 478 147 625 340 198 538 LOFA 1361 1300 1345 1421 5427 798 911 1,709 280 142 422 211 273 484 GRAND BASSA 323 166 593 177 1259 2643 1161 3,804 174 94 268 295 105 400 MONTSERRAD O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 610 408 1018 MARGIBI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 452 299 751

TOTAL 6992 5236 7309 4976 24513 7502 5871 13373 1583 578 2161 2275 1485 3760

GIS Mapping

The M&E GIS Officer completed locations and area mapping for rice, horticulture and youth-in-agribusiness value chains. These mappings included collecting GPS coordinates and conducting area surface measurements for geo-referencing purposes (Table 60).

Table 60: GIS mapping exercise

Value Chain Activity Task GIS MAPPING STATUS Promoting two rice crops per year 4 UDP-SRI trial sites Completed Enhancing post-harvest management practices Identify 10 new community RICE BUSINESS HUB 10 new rice business hubs sites Completed SITES Rice Stimulating private sector investment in commercial 2 LARGE SCALE LAND OWNERS to cultivate Montserrado, Margibi, Bong and Nimba rice production 200 ha lowland rice counties – Completed

Establishment of 25 agribusiness horticulture pilot Establish 25 demonstration plots of 0.25 ha each 25 demonstration plots in Margibi and Youth In Agri- sites Montserrado Completed business

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Task 4.4: Market Development Fund Management

MDF Procurement

MDF completed the majority of the approved TAMIS MDF procurement needs for FY2015 as of March 31, 2015. The remaining service procurements will be finalized in April 2015 (Business Service Providers for the Access to Business Development Services and Enterprise Service centers activity and the construction firms for the four Centers of Excellence Science Labs construction activity). MDF was also able to execute the local procurement of motorbikes and tuk tuks that was discussed in the January 2015 monthly report. All procurement of goods with local vendors continues, as many supplier delivery dates are over 45 days after purchase orders are signed. Component 2 plans to organize a forum on input supply availability in Liberia in the near future to address some of the issues raised in January 2015’s monthly report concerning agricultural goods supply in country.

Liberian Local Non-Governmental Organization (LNGO)

Please review MDF Table #61 for a detailed list of Liberian LNGOs contracted during Q2 FY2015 by USAID FED under the market development fund. These LNGOs and local Liberian vendors reported new employment of 1,749 local Liberians as a result of USAID interventions starting in Q2.

Table 61: Employment generated through LNGOs contracted by USAID FED Local Liberian Non- Governmental Organization Contracted through MDF in 2015 Q2

# Newly Employed as result of USAID NO ORGANIZATION ACTIVITY MDF ACTIVITY # FED Contract Enhancing Rice post-harvest management practices (Architecture Design Firm for 1 Innovative Architects & Engineers, Inc. Rice Business Hubs) CLIN01-MDF-0168 12 Improved Water Management Infrastructure: Promoting Two Rice Crops per Year (30 2 Tallobenku ConstructionGroup Spillways) CLIN01-MDF-0174 33

Technical Service for 2015 Upland rice value Chain work 3 Agriculture Relief Service plan implementation in Nimba CLIN01-MDF-0175 82 Technical Service for 2015 Upland rice value Chain work plan implementation in Bong 4 Green Coast Agricultural Program County CLIN01-MDF-0175 115 Promotion of Goat Interventions 5 Human Development Foundation and Shelter Construction in Bong CLIN01-MDF-0176 54 Liberia Integrated Professional Promotion of Goat Interventions 6 Agriculture Services and Shelter Construction in Lofa CLIN01-MDF-0176 21 Promotion of Goat Interventions and Shelter Construction in 7 Gborkwado Development Association Nimba CLIN01-MDF-0176 62

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Promotion of Goat Interventions Community Youth Network Program and Shelter Construction in 8 (CYNP) Grand Bassa CLIN01-MDF-0176 32 Technocrats United for Horticulture interventions during Reconstruction and Development dry and wet seasons in Grand 9 (TECURD) Bassa and Lofa CLIN01-MDF-0181 52 Horticulture interventions during dry and wet seasons in Nimba 10 Gborkwado Development Association and Bong CLIN01-MDF-0181 66

Horticulture interventions during dry and wet seasons in 11 Human Development Foundation Montserrado and Margibi CLIN01-MDF-0181 103 Monitoring and Evaluation Online 13 HAK Technology database design and training CLIN01-MDF-0162 6

Youth Peri Urban Agrobusiness interventions in Margibi and 14 Green Coast Agricultural Program Montserrado CLIN01-MDF-0170 59

Technical Service for 2015 Lowland rice value Chain work 15 Agriculture Relief Service plan implementation in Nimba CLIN01-MDF-0178 22

Technical Service for 2015 Action for Safer Community Lowland rice value Chain work 16 Organization plan implementation in Nimba CLIN01-MDF-0178 96

Technical Service Provider for 2015 Upland and Lowland Rice Value Chain Work plan CLIN01-MDF-0178 & 17 Rural Agriculture Alternative, Inc. Implementation in Lofa County CLIN01-MDF-0175 64 Technical Service Provider for 2015 Upland and Lowland Rice Value Chain Work plan Community Youth Network Program Implementation in Grand Bassa CLIN01-MDF-0178 & 18 (CYNP) County CLIN01-MDF-0175 33 Technical Service Provider for 2015 CASSAVA Value Chain Work plan Liberia Youth Agriculture Implementation in Grand Bassa 19 Development Intitiative County CLIN01-MDF-191 193 Technical Service Provider for Technocrats United for 2015 CASSAVA Value Chain Reconstruction and Development Work plan 20 (TECURD) Implementation in Bong County CLIN01-MDF-191 138 Technical Service Provider for 2015 CASSAVA Value Chain Work plan Implementation in Nimba County Liberia Integrated Professional - Bain – Garr, Saniequelle – 21 Agriculture Services Mahn, and Gbehlay - Geh CLIN01-MDF-191 121

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Technical Service Provider for 2015 CASSAVA Value Chain Work plan Implementation in Nimba County – Zoe – Gah, Saclepea – Mahn, Yarwin – Mahnsonnoh, and 22 Rural Agriculture Alternative, Inc Tappita CLIN01-MDF-191 163 Technical Service Provider for 2015 CASSAVA Value Chain Center for Women Agriculture Work plan 23 Program (CWAP) Implementation in Lofa County CLIN01-MDF-191 138 Village Savings and Loans Association training for rural 24 EDUCARE farmers CLIN02-MDF-161 55

Component Five: Management & Operations

During the reporting period from January–March 2015, USAID FED operations accomplished the following:

Operations

• Delivered lab equipment to the CoEs in Lofa, Nimba, Margibi and Grand Bassa counties. • Delivered DEK 15 HP Commercial Duty Chipper Shredder to Lofa County Community College. • Delivered reference books to the CoEs in Lofa, Nimba, Margibi and Grand Bassa counties. • Conducted quarterly inventory spot checks in Bong, Lofa and Grand Bassa Counties. • On January 12, 2015, we received one large DEK 15 HP Commercial Duty Chipper Shredder and boxes of books for CoEs from the United States.

Procurement

• A total of seventy-three (73) Purchase Orders were created and issued to vendors for purchase of project goods & services. • Fifteen MDF solicitations (RFPs/RFQs) were issued to the local dailies for public advertisements. A total nine vacancies were also sent to the local dailies for publications. • Sixty-five purchase orders records in TAMIS were completed & closed accordingly. • Assorted Motorcycle spare parts were also bought for project motorcycles in Bong, Nimba & Grand Bassa Counties.

ICT

Over the past three months, ICT has been working to improve operations:

• A new ISP was procured to increase the internet speed and connectivity from each of our project sites. Novafone, the selected firm, is providing internet to all USAID FED offices through Fiber Optic Connections. This has greatly reduced the subscription fees for internet service for all offices. • A new consignment of computers will arrive next quarter from the United States. These computers will be distributed to new staff and replace old or broken computers.

Finance

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• Invoices to USAID for the 2nd quarter increased by 23.50% from quarter 1. From USD $3,229,664 to USD $3,988,782. Costs to date account for USD $43,677,478 which is 58.24% of the USD $74,996,658 budget.

HR

During the reporting period, the following activities were undertaken:

Recruitments

LTTA Staff - 6

• Senior Business Development Specialist • Data Management and Reporting Specialist • One Driver • Cassava Extension Officer, Grand Bassa County • Communications Specialist • Enterprise Development Specialist, Component 2 Lead, Regina Brown, Key Personnel

Short-Term ICA Contractors - 13

• Livestock Forage production expert (Goat) – 1 • 1 Office Cleaner • Agri-Business Capacity Needs assessment specialist • Vocational Education Specialist, Ghana • 4 County Horticultural Extension Specialists • 4 Ebola Management Guards • Compost Training Facilitator, Component 3

Ongoing Recruitments - 3

• Finance Assistant - 1 • Senior Cassava Production Specialist • Value Chain Sales and Marketing Specialist

Other ongoing HR activities:

• New staff inductions • Calculation of monthly salaries and overtime • Preparation of LRA payments of tax for Local Staff • Managing office cleanliness • Monitoring and managing office supplies • Monitoring leave and absence management • Management of Performance Management Plan for annual staff appraisals

Promotions - 2

• Godolo Kennedy - From Senior Accountant to Deputy Finance Manager • Yei Legay - From VAEO, NCCC to Senior VAEO, GBCC USAID Food and Enterprise Development Program for Liberia Quarter Two Report, January-March 2015 77

Resignations - 3

• Myer Johnson, Driver • Veronica Sonpon, Procurement Coordinator, MDF • William Todd, Vocational Agriculture Education Officer

Redundancies - 4

• Institutional Support Officer • Inputs Supplies Assistant • Women in Business Development Officer • Vocational Agriculture Education Officer, NCCC

Terminations - 1

• Office Cleaner

Arrival of new STTA - 3

• Rice Specialist • Horticulture Specialist • Women-Owned Business Development Specialist

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