MALI LIVESTOCK FOR

GROWTH (L4G)

MONTHLY REPORT NO. 55

Monthly Report No. 55 | Livestock for Growth (L4G)

MALI LIVESTOCK FOR GROWTH (L4G) MONTHLY REPORT NO. 55

Date: May 2019

Contract Number: AID-688-C-14-00004

Submitted to: USAID | Mali

Prepared by: AECOM International Development

DISCLAIMER: The authors’ views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.

Monthly Report No. 55 | Mali Livestock for Growth (L4G)

LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

CARE Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere DCOP Deputy Chief of Party FFS Farmer Field School IR Intermediate Result L4G Livestock for Growth LMIS Livestock Market Information System M&E Monitoring and Evaluation MNLB Multi-Nutritional Licking Blocks PO Producer Organization PPCB Peri-Pneumonie Contagieuse des Bovins PPR Peste des Petits Ruminants SOW Scope of Work STTA Short-Term Technical Assistance SVPP Service Vétérinaire Privé de Proximité USAID United States Agency for International Development

Monthly Report No. 55 | Mali Livestock for Growth (L4G)

INTRODUCTION

This report covers the period from April 15th to May 15th, 2019. During this period, thanks to the efforts of the L4G beneficiaries and partners, L4G continued to make progress in the production of multi-nutritional licking blocks (MNLBs), basic human nutrition/hygiene at home and livestock as a business by the POs (Producer Organizations). During this period, a major emphasis was placed on the starting up of 76 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) which included 35 FFS for cattle and 41 FFS for sheep. Since most cattle fattening started in late February-early March, we anticipate having at least 300 to 350 cattle ready for sale during the Eid-al-fitr festival—which is celebrated around June 5th. Unfortunately, security concerns and attacks on civilians by armed bandits and other troublemakers continue to disrupt life in rural areas, causing some livestock owners not to participate in animal vaccination campaigns and adversely affecting the free movement of goods, people, and livestock, including L4G staff, as will be explained below.

COMPONENT 1. INCREASED ANIMAL PRODUCTIVITY

SUB IR 1.1 ENHANCED TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION, DISSEMINATION, AND MANAGEMENT

TASK 1.1.1MODERNIZE ANIMAL HEALTH DELIVERY SYSTEMS During the period under review, two SVPPs, Laya Togo from 01 and of Birama Diakite from Koro reported results. A 3rd SVPP, Hamidou Sokanda in Bankass 02, did not provide a report due to security issues. In total, 1,225 animals were vaccinated during this period. This included 375 cattle against PPB (pneumonia) in Bankass and 850 sheep against pasteurollosis. Of the 850 sheep, 350 were from Bankass and 500 from Koro. As compared to last month, the number of animals vaccinated significantly dropped by 42% from 2,110 to 1,225. This can be attributed to the insecurity situation which discouraged both the agro-pastoralists and herders from bringing their animals for vaccination. Mr. Laya Togo had a sales value of 56,000 CFA while Mr. Birama Diakite had 35,000 CFA. These results are significantly lower as compared to last year around the same period (May 2018) where 43,245 animals were vaccinated and the SVPPs came up with a combined sales value of 3.3 Million CFA. This further illustrates how damaging the insecurity situation has been in affecting the livestock sub-sector in our intervention zones in .

TASK 1.1.2 DEVELOP AND DISSEMINATE MESSAGES ABOUT LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND ISSUES The dissemination of best livestock management practices has begun through practical demonstrations with the farmer field schools (FFS). The situation of the FFS across the five cercles of Mopti can be summarized as follows:

1) KORO The FFS training activities were organized in three localities: Ogodengou, , and Pomorododiou. Several key fattening techniques were demonstrated, including: FFS principles and selection criteria for animals purchased for fattening; production techniques for the MNLBs; techniques for enriching hay with urea; ration preparation for cattle during fattening; vaccination and de-worming of the animals during the fattening cycle. Summarized below in Table 1 is the distribution in Koro of the FFS sites, lead farmers/trainers, and number of animals provided for the training:

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Table 1: Distribution of FFS sites, Lead farmers and Livestock used for training in Lead producers Cercle Commune FFs village /sites Number of cattle used Men Women Koro Ogodengou 08 02 11 Koro Pel Maoude Pel Maoude 02 08 0 Koro Koro Pomorododiou 09 01 04 Total 19 11 15

Cattle destined for fattening in Ogodengou FFS in Youdiou Commune in Koro (Picture by Moriba KONE, Field Agent, 23/4/2019)

Next Steps:

1) Organizing the FFS training for those producers interested in sheep fattening 2) Continuing with the following modules for those producers who have already started the cattle FFS in the primary sites

2) BANKASS Between April 22nd and April 26th, four distinct FFS sessions were organized in different localities of Bankass. During these trainings, emphasis was put on the following topics: key FFS principles; selection criteria and rules regarding the choice of the facilitators; review of the agreement between the hosting POs and L4G; refresher on selection criteria of the animals to be fattened, weight measurement, sanitary upkeep of the animals: de-worming, vaccination (PPR, PPCB, cLOstrivac, pastoving, pastobov); production techniques for the MNLBs; and production techniques for hay enriched with urea. Refer to Table 2 for further details. Table 2: FFS trainings during April in Bankass No. of No. of Lead Animals Used Cercle Commune Animal Type Primary Sites Secondary Sites Farmers /Trainers For The Training Bankass Cattle Soguina Soubala 10 10 Bankass Soubala Sheep Soubala Niondé Seydou 25 10 Bankass Tori Sheep Tori Sèhè, Nongo Peren, 10 15 Ogoboro Bankass Bankass Sheep Ogotèna Ogoténa, Barwè, 10 10 Golo, Sokoura, Kouroundé, Bankass Bankass Dimbal habbè Cattle Sokanda Dembo, Sonley, Logon 10 10 Cattle Gologou Dobolo, sibi sibi 10 4 Bandiagara Dandoli Sheep Sincarma Sassadi, na 10 6

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FFS training occurred in four communes (Tori, Bankass, Dimbal habbè, and Dandoli) which enabled 40 Lead Producers to receive training. Two of the sessions dealt with sheep and two of the sessions dealt with cattle fattening. See the photos below of the training in action.

1. Demonstration of production of 2. Type of cattle selected for 3. Mixing of ingredients to serve as multi-nutritional licking blocks fattening daily rations for the animals

Next Steps: 1) Continue the FFS trainings in order to reach other communes. 2) Proceed with FFS trainings or modules in the communes that have already received the initial training.

3) MOPTI AND DJENNÉ In Djenné cercle, 06 FFS have begun and include 04 cattle FFS and 02 sheep FFS. In the , the FFS are comprised of 05 cattle FFS and 02 sheep FFS. Further details about these FFS are given in Table 3. Table 3: Distribution of Cattle FFS and Sheep FFS across Djenné and Mopti Cercles Animal Site Category N° Cercles Commune Village Hosting PO Type Primary Secondary 01 Djenné Madiama Benkadi Cattle  02 Djenné Parrissi Cattle  03 Djenné Madiama Toroko Yiriwaton Cattle  04 Djenné Fakala Guidiowel Bogninaton Cattle  05 Djenné Madiama Bangassi Sigitemaasson Sheep  06 Djenné Madiama Tatia Nouna Niètaa N°15 Sheep  07 Mopti Nana Agri Cattle  08 Mopti Socoura Diondiori Pte forme des jeunes Cattle  09 Mopti Socoura Diondiori Pte forme des femmes Cattle  10 Mopti Sio Mandio N’diabou Cattle  11 Mopti Sio Somadougou Coop.des emboucheurs Cattle  12 Mopti Socoura Diondiori Nana Agri Sheep  13 Mopti Socoura Takoty Hinguirabé Sheep 

To date, all the feed needed to undertake the animal fattening has been received. The feed and miscellaneous materials/equipment that was delivered to Djenné and Mopti cercles are listed in Tables 4 and 5.

Table 4: List of Animal Feed Ingredients and Accessory Equipment in Djenné Cercle Description Unit Received Distributed Remaining to be Distributed Concentrated COPRAAV feed 50 KG bag 93 93 0 Wheat bran 50 KG bag 16 13 03 Cotton cake 50 KG bag 91 91 0 Cooking salt 50 KG bag 04 0 04

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Description Unit Received Distributed Remaining to be Distributed Gray ciment 50 KG bag 03 0 03 Urea (46N) 50 KG bag 03 0 03 Rakes Number 04 04 0 Shovels Number 04 04 0 Blue scales Number 04 03 01 Wheelbarrows Number 04 04 0 Sheep plastic trough 50 liters 14 11 03 Sheep plastic manger 50 liters 14 11 03 Cattle plastic trough 100 liters 19 15 04 Cattle plastic manger 100 liters 19 14 05

Table 5: List of Animal Feed Ingredients and Accessory Equipment in Mopti Cercle Remaining to be Unit Received Distributed Description Distributed Concentrated COPRAAV feed 50 KG bag 133 100 33

Cotton cake 50 KG bag 132 115 17 Wheat bran 50 KG bag 22 18 04

Cooking salt 50 KG bag 07 07 07 Gray ciment 50 KG bag 05 05 03 Urea (46N) 50 KG bag 06 06 03

Rakes Number 06 05 01 Shovels Number 06 05 01

Blue scales Number 06 04 01 Wheelbarrows Number 06 04 02 Sheep plastic trough 50 liters 19 16 03

Sheep plastic manger 50 liters 19 16 03

Cattle plastic trough 100 liters 28 24 04 Cattle plastic manger 100 liters 28 24 04

Cattle FFS activities During the period under review, the Djenné team met the hosting POs in Madiama and Goundaka villages in Djenné cercle in order to discuss how the FFS were designed. Issues addressed during the meeting include: 1) Check on the physical availability as well as quality of the animals needed for the training; 2) specify daily rations for the animals brought for fattening; 3) disburse agreement documents between the POs and L4G regarding the FFS partnership; 4) define the frequency of visits and animations; and 5) distribute the remaining feed stock and accessory materials.

Following the first meeting with the POs, the required criteria of 10 quality animals needed for the training has been met and the two hosting POs from Madiama and Goundaka have agreed with the proposed protocols that will be signed during our next FFS meeting. For some illustrations of the activities, please, refer to the pictures below:

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Photo 1: Training on how to determine the age of Photo 2: Feeding kits that were delivered to Bangassi the animal at Madiama on April 25th, 2019 (Photo on April 25th, 2019 (Photo by B. Kone) by B. Kone)

Next Steps: 1) Continue with the FFS training at Djenné and Mopti cercles. 2) 2) Include the animal fattening during the next FFS.

TASK 1.1.3 IMPROVE LIVESTOCK FORAGE AND ANIMAL FEED PRODUCTION AND SUPPLY The production of fodder has not yet begun and most producers in the have been primarily occupied with fattening activities that included the production of hay enriched with urea as well as production of MNLBs. Table 6 below shows the difference inactivity and sales from this period and the same period one year ago.

Table 6: MNLB Production and Sales in May 2018 and May 2019 MNLBs Profit Period MNLBs Sold No. of POs Produced (CFA) May 2018 889 blocks 844 20 703,750 May 2019 1,188 blocks 1,004 26 856,500

This seems to indicate that this activity has been fairly stable in spite of the on-going insecurity in the region, a good sign of resilience.

SUB-IR 1.2 INCREASED ACCESS TO QUALITY INPUTS AND SERVICES

No activities were carried out under this task during this period.

SUB-IR 1.3 IMPROVED PASTURELAND AND WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

TASK 1.3.1 ASSIST PASTROALISTS AND LIVESTOCK FARMERS TO IMPROVE EXISTING WATER POINTS FOR LIVESTOCK AND PLAN FOR NEW ONES Management committees for the five water points have been trained on how to manage the five newly equipped boreholes (Koro, , Koulogon-Habe, Dounde, and Tori) with solar water pumps and troughs. L4G will continue to assist them in planning for future financing of maintenance needs.

Situation in Timbuktu Region All field agents (06) participated in the workshop on FFS training that took place in April facilitated by the DCOP in Sevaré. 14 FFS are being implanted as follows: 04 FFS in Nianfunké, 06 FFS in Diré, and 04 FFS in Goundam. In Goundam, the first training took place with 45 Lead Producers (37 men and 08 women) in attendance. Table 7 documents the FFS materials provided to date for the three cercles (Nianfunké, Diré, and Goundam).

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Table 7: Materials and accessories donated for FFS in Timbuktu Region

Items Delivered Unit No. of Units Supplier

Urea (46N) 50 KG bag 7 Cooking salt 50 KG bag 12 Yirwa Services

Gray cement 50 KG bag 10 Special concentrated feed 50 KG bag 292 COPRAV Wheat bran 50 KG bag 48 Cotton cake 40 KG bag 296

Rakes 0 14

Shovels 0 14 Blue scales 40 -50 KG 14 Smart Construction Wheelbarrows 0 14

50 liters sheep plastic troughs 0 39

50 liters sheep plastic mangers 0 39 100 liters cattle plastic troughs 0 68 100 liters cattle plastic mangers 0 68 Fodder: hay and/stalks of rice 10 KG bundles 0 Local Procurement

TASK 1.4.1 IMPROVED COMMUNITY LITERACT AND NUMERACY All indicators have been met. Consequently, no more activities are set to take place under this task.

TASK 1.4.2 IMPORVE NUTRITION AND HYGIENE AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL BROADCASTING OF MESSAGES During the period under review, 08 local radio stations from Mopti (05) and Timbuktu (03) partnered with L4G to broadcast informative messages for 180 minutes per month. These messages covered the following topics: the benefits of early breast-feeding; exclusive breast-feeding and non- exclusive breast-feeding; the benefits of supplementary food items; importance of iodide in human nutrition; nutrition practices for pregnant and lactating mothers; body hygiene practices; food protection hygiene practices; and the role of Moringa in human nutrition.

In addition to the nutrition/hygiene topics, there were also messages on livestock production techniques that included the following:  Best practices and techniques for animal fattening;  Best practices and techniques for fodder production and conservation;  Sound animal health practices for good animal health for both small ruminants and large livestock;  The role and importance of the SVPP in animal health care delivery;  Multi-nutritional licking block (MNLB) production techniques; and  Animal feed production and marketing as a business.

LISTENING COMMITTEES ESTABLISHED IN TIMBUKTU REGION Listening committees (19) were put in place in the Timbuktu Region in order to monitor and ensure that the broadcasting of the messages is understandable for everybody. Please see below in Table 8 further details about these listening committees:

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Table 8: Village Listening Committees/Clubs

Number of Committee members POs member Cercle Communes Number of PO’s villages Men Women Yes No

Niafunké Soboundou 5 6 45 46 83 8

Tindirma 5 5 52 19 59 12 Diré Arham 1 1 7 10 11 6 Bourem sidi Amar 2 2 11 23 24 10 Goundam Tonka 5 5 45 20 44 21 Total 05 18 19 160 118 221 57

COMPONENT II. INCREASED DOMESTIC AND EXPORT TRADE

SUB IR 2.1 STREGTHENED MARKET LINKAGES AND ACCESS

This period, the fatteners from Koro could not complete their livestock sales as usual with LAHAM due to poor road conditions and the heat, with April being the hottest month of the season and Kayes being the hottest region in the country. Most animals lost about 75-80 KG in live animal weight on arrival despite being transported by truck. As a result, LAHAM proposed to purchase the animals at a lower price than usual, that is at 900 CFA/KG (live weight) instead of 1,100 CFA/KG, as was agreed upon in the contract. The animal fatteners noted that selling at this price would cause them to incur losses which led to their refusal of the lower prices offered by LAHAM. They then decided to march their livestock to Senegal to seek better market opportunities. Once they have returned from Senegal, L4G will meet with the animal fatteners to discuss the issue and do a comparative analysis to see what could be the extra gains/losses for those fatteners interested in selling their animals in Senegal. Moreover, L4G will attempt to mediate between LAHAM and the animal fatteners in order to ensure that both sides can find workable solutions to such impediments to fulfillment of the contracts between buyers and sellers. This, after all, is a key component of the sustainability of the L4G program, ensuring that buyers and sellers share the risks and the rewards as animal weights vary due to transport, pasture and water conditions along the route and/or vagaries in market prices and that they treat each other with dignity and respect and honor their contracts. Besides LAHAM, and in anticipation of the upcoming Eid festival which is scheduled for June 5th, L4G hired a STTA, Dr. Seydou Sidibe, formerly with the USAID West Africa Trade & Investment Hub (WATIH), to facilitate linkages between L4G Lead POs and large livestock buyers in Mopti, Segou, and . L4G will report on the outcomes from this important marketing initiative in the next reporting period.

TASK 2.1.3: IMPROVE THE PRODUCERS’ CAPACITY TO IDENTIFY THE MARKET REQUIREMENTS

LMIS – SUGU APP GENERATED DATA

LMIS: Trends indicated by market information recorded with SUGU App: L4G continued to support livestock market information using the SUGU App. On a weekly basis, the SUGU collectors gather and record data regarding livestock supplies, prices and commercial transactions. The recorded data from March and April concern eight (8) livestock markets because the enumerators could not reach all ten markets, especially and Doundé markets, because of insecurity tensions.

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Figure 1: Cattle Supply by Livestock Market (No. of Heads Recorded with SUGU)

Somadougou

Ouenkoro

Koro

Bankass 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 April 2019 March 2019

According to the data recorded using the SUGU App in March and April 2019, the major cattle trends are:

 The total number of cattle presented and sold is estimated at 7,972 head in March and 8,283 head in April, meaning there was a small increase of 4%.  Livestock producers provided the livestock markets mostly with Zebu Peulh (88% in March and 94% in April) and mixed breeds for sale.  According to body conditions of the cattle presented for sale, fat cattle represented 77% of the 7,982 head in March and 59% of the 7,982 head in April. There are more thin cattle for sale in April because buyers will purchase less expensive thin cattle, knowing that they will incur the costs of fattening them for sale or consumption at the end of Ramadan feast.

Table 9: Major Cattle Breeds Presented for Sale (recorded with SUGU) Breed No. Presented for Sale March 2019 No. Presented for Sale April 2019 Fat Thin Mixed Fat Thin Mixed

Mixed 690 0 0 0 120 0 Mixed 75 0 0 312 59 0 N'Dama 70 23 51 12 7 0 Zébu Maure 18 0 0 0 0 0 Zebu peulh 5,254 1,470 321 4,534 3,053 186 Total 6,107 1,493 372 4,858 3,239 186

The breakdown of cattle presented for sale and sold during March and April is illustrated below by market weight, by breed and by categories in Figure 2.

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Figure 2: Breakdown of Cattle for Sale

With respect to SUGU-generated data for sheep trade transactions, the information available shows:

 The total number of sheep presented and sold is estimated at 4,957 head in March and 7,751 head in April, meaning an increasing of 56%.  Sheep transactions are more important in , Ouenkoro and Somadougou, as illustrated below.

Figure 3: Sheep Supply by Livestock Market (No. of Heads Recorded with SUGU)

Tori Somadougou Sofara Ouenkoro Koulogo Koro Diallasagou Bankass 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500

April 2019 March 2019

Sheep buyers and sellers usually conduct most market transactions for the Sahelian sheep breed, mixed breed, and South. The sheep body conditions encompass mostly fat animal -- 63% in March and 75% in April. Table 10 details the distribution by breed and body condition while Figure 4 illustrates the breakdown of sheep presented and sold by breed and by categories in March and April 2019.

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Table 10: Sheep Presented for Sale by Breed and Body Condition No. Presented for Sale March 2019 No. Presented for Sale April 2019

Breed Fat Thin Mixed Fat Thin Mixed Croisé/Mixed 678 8 0 90 301 0 Somalian sheep breed 123 143 0 120 144 0 Sahelian 1,737 709 913 1,600 463 759 South 576 20 50 3,994 280 0 TOTAL 3,114 880 963 5,804 1,188 759

Figure 4: Breakdown of Sheep Sales by Breed and By Market in April 2019

ANIMALS PURCHASED FOR BUSINESS FATTENING OPERATIONS

L4G conducted awareness-raising to strengthen the capacity of both livestock producers and animal fatteners to do a regular off-taking of their herds as a way of maintaining regular revenue, while promoting sustainable growth of their livestock herding as a business. As a result, 902 animals were purchased by 91 POs for livestock fattening as a business. These animals were fattened in Bankass, Bandiagara, Mopti, Diré, Goundam, Djenné and Koro. This is broken down in Figure 5 below:

Figure 5: Animals Purchased for Business Fattening Operations

259 Cattle 485 Sheep 158 Goats

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In terms of trends, our analysis of marketing data since October 2018 revealed that the number of animals purchased for fattening was much higher in October-November as compared to April-May (see Figure 1). This is understandable considering that during this period most people interested in animal fattening have already purchased their animals in February-March. More animals were purchased in February-March than in April. The number of sheep purchased for fattening remained higher throughout the season as compared to both cattle and goats. This would seem to indicate that the demand for sheep meat in Mali is steadier and higher than other livestock.

Figure 6: Trends in the No. of Purchased Animals in the L4G Zones

Cattle purchased Sheep purchased Goat purchased Total 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0

ANIMALS FATTENED FOR SALES IN THE DOMESTIC MARKETS

During the period under review, the total number of animals sold was 572. And the value of the animals sold to domestic markets from all cercles (Bandiagara, Niafunké, Goundam, Djenné, Bankass, Koro and Mopti) was estimated at 45, 099,000 CFA. Per animal type, the sales from cattle represented 50%, sheep 44% and 6% for goat.

With respect to the trends, our data analysis (see Figure 7) reveals that, except for the months of November through January, sheep and goat sales were predominant throughout the season as compared to cattle.

Figure 7: Trends in the No. of Animals Sold Per Month in Mali

6,000 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0 October November December January February March April 2019 Total 2018 2018 2018 2019 2019 2019

Cattle Sold Sheep Sold Goat Sold Total

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VALUE OF LIVESTOCK EXPORTS This period 13 Malian traders exported 130 heads of sheep to Ivory Coast for a total value of 51,690,000 CFA. After deducting the purchase price and other costs, the total gross margin comes to 22,550,000 CFA or 173,461 CFA per exporter. Although this margin at first may look attractive, it was not to the advantage of the producers. Indeed, because of the dangers of moving animals in the L4G program area, most livestock producers in the Bankass-Koro localities had to sell off their animals and shelter in place. We will continue to monitor the insecurity and the adverse impact it is having on livestock producers and their ability to go to market and make sales.

TASK 2.1.5 IMPROVE ACCESS TO FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Conduct Contract Negotiation Training During this period, 19 producers from Djenné and Mopti cercles (14 men and 5 women) were trained in the techniques of contract negotiations. The training modules emphasized on the following topics: basic concepts of contracts; key steps in contract negotiations; Key elements for consideration during the contract negotiation process; negotiating the sale price; conducting a sales interview; and overview of commercial negotiation techniques. The training was well appreciated by the participants who observed that it would add much value to their on-going marketing activities.

COMPONENT IV. STRENGTHENED LOCAL CAPACITIES AND SYSTEMS

SUB IR 4.2 Strengthened capacity of livestock value chain actors

Task 4.2.2 STRENGTHENING THE BUSINESS ACUMENT OF LIVESTOCK VALUE CHAIN PARTICIPANTS

Status of implementation plans by the advanced POs In terms of implementation, our assessment revealed that out of 6 advanced POs, only two or 33% were on track with their action plan. L4G will continue to monitor and seek more appropriate ways to help those lagging behind to catch up. For further details, please, refer to Table 11.

Table 11: Status of Action Plans by Advanced POs in Bankass and Koro Cercles No. of Cercles Communes Villages Identified PO No. of Planned Implemented % of Activities Implementation Activities Bankass Sokoura Wori Marka Sabougnouma 20 18 90% Dougouténé I Nema Amakene 09 00 00% Dougouténé I Nema Amono 09 01` 11% Koro Dougouténé II Goursinde Amasindjiere 14 00 00% Dougouténé II Tanossagou Kandjime 13 00 00% Pel Maoude Don Minssougou 09 05 55%

CROSS CUTTING THEMES

GENDER The quarterly meeting by the Djenné women platform took place on April 29th at Tatia Nouna in Djenné. During the meeting, the women discussed various issues of interest and proceeded to grant a small internal loan to one of their POs’ members. The loan totaled 239,500 CFA and awarded with

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a 5% interest rate for a 3 month term to the Diamajigui PO of . The platform proceeded to the renewal of their coordinating body and 8 new members were elected to replace the previous bureau. The next meeting of the platform is scheduled for August 1st, 2019 in Madiama village (Djenné cercle). Activities of interest carried out by the gender specialist included the following: participation in the FFS training and making plans to assist the Women’s POs; 2) monitoring of the SUGU enumerators; 3) preparation of the gender topics for broadcasting with VIAMO for the L4G female clients; and 4) preparation of a SOW to provide guidance to the Timbuktu Women’s Platform on how to plan and manage a collective saving scheme.

Collection of fees from members by the BENKAN platform of Djenné (Photo by Boubacar Koné, 29/04/19)

PARTNERSHIP WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS

On April 24th, L4G participated in the Mopti Regional partners meeting organized by USAID. This was an opportunity for all USAID implementing partners to share experiences, create synergies and make recommendations to USAID. Because the security situation has become highly volatile and unpredictable, the following recommendations were made by the participants: 1) try to mix with the local population and closely work with the PO leaders in planning and making field trips; 2) always stay up to date with the local security situation before undertaking field trips; 3)reduce the duration of field trips in areas considered insecure; 4) if possible, relocate project activities to areas that are safer and accessible to project participants; and 5) support the Malian Government in their efforts to restore peace and stability throughout Mali.

The next partners’ meeting is scheduled for June 11th at the office of CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere) in Sevaré.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION (M&E) The activities by the M&E team during the period under review included the following: 1) monitoring of activities and gathering of data; 2) verification of data gathered in the AKVO server; 3) compiling, processing, and analyzing the data for the monthly report; 4) Meeting with the LCV-M&E Officer to review data pertaining to the vaccination campaigns; and 5) training of L4G staff on communication issues.

SECURITY

The security situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable. The inter-community conflict between Dogon and Peul (aka Fulani), along with the sporadic attacks by armed bandits and the planting of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by terrorist groups, continue to be an issue of major concern for our staff and the L4G project participants. Staff traveling to remote areas are taking the risk of encountering IEDs which could cause major bodily injury or even loss of life.

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During the weekend of Saturday, May 11th, one ―quartier‖ (section) of Bankass City, known as FOUTANKE, which is predominantly populated by the Fulani ethnic group, has been subjected to a series of attacks, presumably from a rival ethnic group, leading to the displacement of the Fulani residents living in the area. Due to this incident, two L4G Field Agents, Mr. Abdoulaye Barry and Mr. Oumarou Sankare, who belong to the Fulani ethnic group and reside in Bankass City near the attack site, felt it would be best to find temporary accommodations. As a result, Mr. Ibrahim Tembely, the L4G Senior Field Coordinator for Bankass-Koro, arranged for these two Field Agents to leave Bankass and to go to Sevaré, where they participated in the L4G sponsored livestock marketing contract negotiations workshop given by L4G consultant, Dr. Seydou Sidibe. Since these Field Agents, Mr. Abdoulaye Barry and Mr. Oumarou Sankare, have already sent their families away to a safe location, relocating the Field Agents to Sevaré should not be a problem and would have no major impact on the L4G project budget. The COP and AECOM Home Office believe that joint field trips with the M&E team can be arranged for the two Field Agents. This will keep travel costs low for the project. The safety and well-being of all L4G staff comes first and staff must be assured of that fact. The two Field Agents will pay for their own accommodation in Sevaré as they did while residing in Bankass City. As shown in Figure 7 Koro, followed by and Bankass, are the hottest spots of unrest and insecurity during the period under review. Nevertheless, L4G staff continue to work effectively. Accordingly, L4G will continue to monitor the situation and prioritize the safety of our staff and consultants.

Figure 8: April Security Incidents in Mopti Region

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0 Bandiagara Bankass Djenne Douentza Koro Mopti Tenenkou

Incidents Dead Wounded Kidnapped

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