Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 QUARTERLY PERFORMANCE REPORT FEED THE FUTURE LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION FOR IMPROVED NUTRITION ACTIVITY FISCAL YEAR 2021: JANUARY 2021–MARCH 2021 COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT NUMBER: AID-388-A-15-00005 USAID AOR: CHIEF OF PARTY:

COVER PHOTO A mother feeds her daughter yogurt prepared at home in Bangladesh. The Feed the Future Livestock Production for Improved Nutrition Activity has promoted the equitable consumption of animal-source foods, particularly milk, dairy products, and meat, through courtyard sessions with local community agents and by integrating nutrition messaging into private sector service delivery. (Third place winner, Feed the Future Photo Contest 2021)

DISCLAIMER This report is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of ACDI/VOCA and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.

Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 CONTENTS 1. Activity Summary ...... 1 2. Highlights of the Quarter and LOA ...... 2 3. COVID-19 and adaptations ...... 5 4. Intermediate Result (IR) 1: Increased Livestock Productivity ...... 6 Livestock Productivity- Q1 FY21 Key Results ...... 6 IR 1 Quarterly Target Vs. Achievement ...... 6 4.1. Improved fodder and forage demonstration and dissemination ...... 9 4.2. Improved Livestock Practices and Technologies ...... 11 4.3. Collaboration with GoB Livestock Agencies (DLS and BLRI) ...... 14 5. IR 2: Improved Access of Rural Households to Hygienic, Diverse, and Quality Food ...... 16 Access to Food- Q2 FY21 Key Results ...... 16 Quarterly Target vs Achievements ...... 16 5.1. Select leading and local dairy processors to increase the availability of diverse and quality dairy products ...... 18 5.2. Strengthen the capacity of selected milk collectors and dairy processors for their dairy products and market linkages ...... 20 5.3. Strengthen the capacity of selected milk collectors and processors for market linkages and farmer connection ...... 20 5.4. Support informal dairy and live cattle markets to operate under safe and hygienic standards ...... 20 5.5. Milk price tracker ...... 21 6. IR 3: Improved Nutrition-Related Behaviors of Rural Households ...... 22 Nutrition Behaviors- Q2 FY21 Key Results ...... 22 Quarterly Target vs Achievements ...... 22 6.1. Promote SBC Materials ...... 23 6.2 Engagement of religious institutes for the dissemination of nutrition messages ...... 23 6.3 Animal health and household nutrition campaigns ...... 23 6.4. Private sector led Dairy product and nutrition fairs ...... 24 7. Private sector engagement ...... 24 7.1 Private Sector Engagement through Grants ...... 24 7.2 Private Sector Engagement through MoUs ...... 26 8. Gender and Youth ...... 28 8.1. Progress on gender and youth integration ...... 28 8.2. Development of women AI workers and linkages to service provider networks ...... 29 8.3. International Women’s Day celebration 2021 ...... 29 9. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning ...... 30 9.1. Review and update the MEL system ...... 30 9.2. Beneficiary and household profiling and GIS data collection ...... 30 9.3. Strengthen activity effectiveness through monitoring and collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) ...... 31

i Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021

9.4. Final Performance Evaluation ...... 31 10. Collaboration and Coordination: FTF partners and beyond ...... 32 11. Environmental compliance ...... 33 12. Communications ...... 35 13. Successes ...... 36 15. Challenges ...... 38 16. Lessons Learned ...... 38 Annex 1: Performance Data Table ...... 40 Annex 2: Case study ...... 41

ii Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 TABLE LIST TABLE 1: QUARTERLY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR IR 1: INCREASED LIVESTOCK PRODUCTIVITY ...... 6 TABLE 2: COMPARISON OF LSP LED AND PRIVATE SECTOR LED AHHN CAMPAIGNS IN Q2FY20 ...... 11 TABLE 3: QUARTERLY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR INTERMEDIATE RESULT TWO: IMPROVED ACCESS OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS TO HYGIENIC, DIVERSE, AND QUALITY FOOD ...... 16 TABLE 4: QUARTERLY ACHIEVEMENTS FOR INTERMEDIATE RESULT THREE: IMPROVED NUTRITION RELATED BEHAVIORS OF RURAL HOUSEHOLDS ...... 22 TABLE 5: ACHIEVEMENTS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNER IN THE REPORTING PERIOD ...... 26 TABLE 6: NEW PRIVATE SECTOR PARTNER ONBOARDED IN THE REPORTING PERIOD ...... 28 TABLE 7: WOMEN AND YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN THE ACTIVITY ...... 28

FIGURE LIST FIGURE 1. THE ACTIVITY’S WORKING AREAS ...... 1 FIGURE 2: INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING IN THE ACTIVITY ...... 2 FIGURE 3: VACCINES PROVIDED IN AHHN CAMPAIGNS ...... 10 FIGURE 4: % OF CATTLE TREATED AND RECORDED IN SHUDOKKHO ...... 12 FIGURE 6: BUSINESS TREND OF LIVESTOCK ONE STOP SERVICE CENTER ...... 13 FIGURE 6: TYPE OF PRODUCT SALES IN LIVESTOCK ONE STOP SERVICE CENTER IN REPORTING PERIOD ...... 13 FIGURE 7: NUMBER OF FARMERS RECEIVING SERVICES FROM LSPS IN THE LAST TWO YEARS ...... 13 FIGURE 8: LSPS PROVIDED HEALTH SERVICES TO FARMERS THROUGH SHUDOKKHO APP ...... 14 FIGURE 9: FMD VACCINE SUPPLY AGAINST DEMAND IN BANGLADESH ...... 15 FIGURE 10 : PRAN DAIRY’S MILK COLLECTION RATE IN SATKHIRA ...... 20 FIGURE 11: PLACE OF SELLING MILK OR OTHER DAIRY PRODUCTS ...... 21 FIGURE 13: LOCATION OF FODDER PLOTS USING ITS GPS COORDINATES UTILIZING BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE TOOLS ...... 31 FIGURE 13: SNAPSHOT TO APP TO COLLECT GPS COORDINATES ...... 31

iii Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 ACRONYM LIST

AFBL Akij Food and Beverage Limited AHHN Animal Health and Household Nutrition AI Artificial Insemination BDFP BRAC Dairy &Food Project BDT Bangladeshi Taka BHA Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance BLRI Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute BMEL Bangladesh Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning BSTI Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution CA Community Agent CLA Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting CSISA-MEA Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia Mechanization Extension Activity DLS Department of Livestock Services EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan FMD Foot and Mouth Disease FNF Naumann Foundation for Freedom South Asia FTF Feed the Future FY Fiscal Year ICT Information, Communication, and Technology IDCOL Infrastructure Development Company Limited IRRI International Rice Research Institute IRRI International Rice Research Institute kg Kilograms LDDP Livestock and Dairy Development Project LOA Life of the Activity LOSC Livestock One-Stop Service Center LSD Lumpy Skin Disease LSP Livestock Service Provider MEL Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning MFI Microfinance Institution MIS Management Information System MoU Memorandum of Understanding PDT Performance Data Table PIC Phoenix Insurance Company SBC Social and Behavior Change SDC Society Development Committee SME Small and Medium Enterprise SNA Social Network Analysis ToT Training of Trainers

iv Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021

USAID United States Agency for International Development WAISP Women Artificial Insemination Service Providers ZOI Zone of Influence ZOR Zone of Resilience

v Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 1. ACTIVITY SUMMARY

The Feed the Future Bangladesh Livestock Production for Improved Nutrition (hereinafter referred to as the Livestock and Nutrition Activity) aims to increase livestock productivity for improved nutrition and income generation among rural households in the Feed the Future (FTF) zone of influence (ZOI) and zone of resilience (ZOR). The six-year Activity (June 2015 to June 2021), implemented by ACDI/VOCA1 and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has three key components: livestock productivity; access of rural households to hygienic, diverse, and quality food; and nutrition awareness and practices. The Activity engages with the private sector and livestock service provider (LSP) networks2 to make livestock services available in farming communities, increase access to livestock inputs (feed and animal health care, etc.), improve market access for dairy and beef cattle, and enhance access to information. The Activity promotes improved nutrition behaviors among rural households through nutrition education on hygienic, diverse, and quality food. Finally, the Activity collaborates with the government of Bangladesh’s (GoB) livestock agencies including, the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) and Bangladesh Livestock Research Institution (BLRI), to expand livestock services to farmers. The Activity targets 178,400 cattle-owning farmers across the ZOI and ZOR during the life of the activity (LOA) (Figure 1).

Figure 1. The Activity’s working areas

1 For more information, please visit https://www.acdivoca.org/. 2 LSP networks include artificial insemination technicians, fodder entrepreneurs, feed and medicine sellers, livestock health workers, and milk collectors. 1 Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 2. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE QUARTER AND LOA

Figure 2: Individuals participating in the Activity

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Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 3. COVID-19 AND ADAPTATIONS In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and its second wave near the end of the quarter, the Activity ramped up its efforts to mitigate the pandemic’s adverse impacts on the livelihoods, income, and nutrition outcomes of participating households while achieving the Activity’s targets and results. The following are the major COVID-19 responses from the quarter: • In the wake of another countrywide lockdown during the end of March, the Activity has actively participated in several discussions and planning efforts with DLS, LDDP, and Dairy Farmers Association (DFA) representatives in Faridpur, Satkhira, Jashore, and Cox’s Bazar district. This collaborative effort aims to reduce the negative impact of COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on milk collections and sales from stallholder farmers in the FtF region under any future lockdown conditions. • The Activity engaged 143 LSPs and 12 private sector partners to provide technical assistance, improved technologies, and animal health care services to 40,579 farmers (36,387 women) during the reporting period. It helped farmers to adopt improved varieties of fodder, technology, and management practices, such as artificial insemination (AI), vaccination, deworming, separate water feed trough, feed ration, and vitamin-mineral premix. • To address seasonal fodder scarcity during the dry season (October–February), which COVID-19 exacerbated, the Activity collaborated with the BRAC Dairy and Food Project (BDFP) to ensure that farmers had access to high- quality inputs during the lean period. Distribution of 2906 kg of high-yielding Jumbo gold fodder (drought tolerant sorghum) to 1,111 farmers around its chilling plants in the previous quarter encouraged farmers to cultivate fodder on approximately 77.62 hectares of fallow land. During the current quarter Farmers' milk production continue to increase due to improved fodder and access to animal health services. BDFP's milk collection from the area increased by 3,000 liters per day during the lean season. The Activity's collaboration with BDFP created a strong incentive for other larger dairy companies to support farmers in addressing the fodder crisis during the lean period so that they can sustain their productivity and income throughout the year. • Between March 19 to 24, 2021, the Activity facilitated a day-long, hands-on hygienic cheese processing training, including the processing of high-value mozzarella cheese, for nine local dairy processors from Jashore, , Satkhira, Barishal, and Cox’s Bazar. Following the training, the processors noticed an increase in demand for cheese among the fast-food shops in the Activity areas. Four processors sold 97 kilograms of cheese worth $815 in the last two weeks of March, and the others tried to sell the cheese to local retailers and customers. The processors purchased an additional 776 liters of milk from dairy farmers to process the cheese, providing an additional channel for farmers to sell their unsold/surplus milk during the second wave of the pandemic. • To promote the nutritional value of dairy products to local communities, the Activity, local dairy processor partners, and participants from the Nutri-Champs cooking competition organized two outlet-based dairy and nutrition fairs in Jashore and Khulna. A total of $1,083 worth of diversified dairy products was sold at the fairs, which attracted about 1,600 people. The processors reported a 16 percent increase in sales during the fair days and plan to continue the promotional activities under their COVID-19 financial recovery plans. The local dairy processors were encouraged to integrate nutrition messages into their regular product promotion campaigns. Six more dairy processors from Activity areas plan to organize similar fairs in the coming months to increase dairy product consumption and raise nutrition awareness and nutritional status among their respective local communities. • The Activity collaborated with market management committees in Activity areas to create guidelines and materials on appropriate policies, procedures and approaches for operating markets during COVID-19. The Activity facilitated the committees to conduct 10 awareness programs at local markets to ensure the availability of milk and meat during the pandemic. Market committees developed action plans and used their funds and resources from local government agencies to operate safer markets, such as requiring visitors to wear masks, providing clean water and sanitation facilities for women, and separating milk, vegetable, poultry, and cattle selling areas into clean and quiet areas.

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Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021

not been fully available in the market. Remote Technical assistance will be provided to the dealers in retailers during the next quarter Collaborate with BLRI and DLS to recognize # of fodder 500 419 84% 1.1.1.5 and promote a list of fodder entrepreneurs and entrepreneur farmers who are growing surplus fodder in the and farmer Activity area Follow up with trained fodder entrepreneurs to # of Fodder 500 419 84% 1.1.1.6 continue fodder production over the next entrepreneur years/production seasons and farmer 1.2.1 LSP strengthen their advisory service on livestock management practices 1.2.1.1 Network analysis of LSPs to better understand # of report 1 Ongoing the functions, performances, and opportunities for further linkages with other market actors

1.2.1.2 Enhance capacity and enable LSPs to deliver # of LSP 268 511 191% online livestock services via ICT apps and (mPower) learning platforms 1.2.1.3 Build capacity of women LSPs on livestock # of LSP 50 99 198% services via smartphone-based ICT applications

1.2.1.5 Building partnership through MOU with # of MoU 1 Revised Instead of selected animal health and medicine companies MoU, a to facilitate animal health products more collaborative available and accessible to the farmers via LSPs partnership was formed with two animal health companies- Square Pharma Ltd and Eskayef Pharma Ltd. 1.2.2 Improve delivery of livestock related services 1.2.2.1 LSPs lead animal health and nutrition # of event 25 1,092 4368% To sustain campaigns with DLS and vet medicine Activity's LSP companies to deliver sustainable services model, the Activity worked with LSPs and CAs to deliver the services through animal health camps without any

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support from the Activity. 1.2.2.3 Promote tele veterinary services sponsored by # of service 2 Ongoing Tele vet private sector partners to provide remote service of livestock services to farming communities Activity partner mPower is ready to provide services under COVID-19 1.2.2.4 MoU with selected feed companies to facilitate # of MoU 1 Revised Instead of access to quality feed products to farming MoU, communities collaborative partnership formed with new feed companies such as PCF Feed Industries in Khulna 1.2.2.5 Facilitate LSP capacity for a wider network # of event 4 4 100% with ready feed companies

1.2.2.6 Facilitate promotion of quality feeds by # of event 20 20 100% selected feed companies at the community level

1.2.3.1 Assessment of livestock vaccines (LSD, FMD) # of report 1 1 100% market system to better understand current market constraints and way forward for collaboration with private sectors 1.2.4.1 Organize meetings with formal financial banks # of 1 1 100% to understand the distribution process and to facilitation facilitate better access of farmers to livestock meeting related financial services 1.3.1 Collaboration with GoB livestock agencies to ensure availability of livestock services 1.3.1.1 Organize progeny shows in collaboration with # of show 3 Canceled The Activity DLS and private AI enterprises to promote the Private sector adoption of improved breeding services to AI service livestock communities partners decided to cancel the progeny show due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 1.3.1.2 Celebrate/observation of national livestock # of event 5 Postponed DLS has service week with DLS to promote livestock planned to technologies and services to farming conduct communities livestock service day during the next reporting period. 1.3.1.3 Collaboration meeting with DLS to share # of meeting 18 Ongoing orderly phase out plan of the Activity 8

Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 on average, earned $287 per month ($135 per month for women LSPs). According to the LSP tracker, 95 percent of the LSPs increased their income during the quarter. Artificial 4.2.5. SOCIAL NETWORK ANALYSIS OF LSPS inemination Advices for services The Activity initiated a social network analysis to illness 11% demonstrate how the LSP model has created a 72% sustainable and scalable network for inputs, output Examining markets, and support services such as financing and fetal training. Through categorizing different types of 3% LSPs, their linkages with other market actors, and Administering deworming identifying where there are opportunities for further 14% LSP engagement, the Activity would be able to strengthen the sustainability of the model. In addition, the Activity would identify differences Figure 8: LSPs provided health services to farmers between male and female LSP’s, including specific through Shudokkho app gender related constraints and barriers to scaling women LSP’s. During the reporting quarter, the Activity remotely interviewed 230 LSPs from different categories, such as artificial insemination technicians, milk collectors, fodder entrepreneurs, feed sellers, and other service providers to determine pre- and post-intervention production and income levels. The data will be compared to a control group to understand the socioeconomic status, increased access to markets, and areas where LSPs can further facilitate access to input and output markets. The findings from the social network analysis will be compiled into a report and shared in May. 4.2.6. IMPROVED ACCESS TO LIVESTOCK FINANCIAL PRODUCTS AND SERVICES During the reporting quarter, the Activity signed an MoU with Bank Asia Limited to support livestock farmers. Pran Dairy and Bank Asia are working together to open bank accounts for livestock farmers in the southwest at Pran Dairy's eight milk chilling centers. Bank Asia Limited plans to open more than 300 farmers' bank accounts and connect them to Pran Dairy’s automatic milk payment system. Pran Dairy aims to deposit payments daily to the farmers’ bank accounts. In addition to Bank Asia Limited, the Activity partners, Society Development Committee (SDC) and SME Corporation (previous grantees), continue to provide livestock farmers with financial services. During the reporting quarter, SDC disbursed a total of $ $1,182,229.69 of insurance-based loans to 2,377 cattle farmers (2,112 women) from 23 branches. SME Corporation provided loans worth $12,670.58 to 31 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) (30 women). 4.3. Collaboration with GoB Livestock Agencies (DLS and BLRI) 4.3.1. COLLABORATION WITH GOB LIVESTOCK AGENCIES TO ENSURE AVAILABILITY OF LIVESTOCK SERVICES The Activity connected 419 fodder entrepreneurs to the local BLRI and DLS stations in the Activity areas as potential sources of saline and flood tolerant fodder cuttings for farmers and to extend fodder cultivation technologies and available fodder cuttings to other surrounding farmers to increase milk and meat production. Also, BLRI will continue to provide technical advice to entrepreneurs to extend their fodder cultivation, marketing, and promotion. BLRI is conducting a research trial on several saline tolerant varieties of fodder at Shyamnagar of Satkhira. During the reporting period, DLS supplied 1,22,539 vaccines for animal health and household nutrition campaigns to prevent diseases, particularly anthrax and FMD. 4.3.2. STRENGTHENING ANIMAL QUARANTINE SYSTEM Animal Quarantine Station Assessment and Training of master trainer pool selected by DLS The Activity conducted a rapid animal quarantine system assessment which revealed that the standard animal quarantine stations operating process need to be further developed to include common reporting guidelines and quarantine rules based on the Bangladesh Livestock and Livestock Product Quarantine Act 2005. Further, the onboarding of skilled manpower along with standard job descriptions including specific duties at the stations is a priority. Both the border customs department and border guards of Bangladesh should contribute to developing successful operating quarantine procedures. Higher officials 14 Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 from both the institutions stress educating staff about livestock product export-import policy orders and planning through regular coordination meetings. Findings of the assessment also include that the border guards of Bangladesh desire clearer instructions and coordination meetings with their commanding officer, and livestock traders want cost-effective and faster testing services to support the quarantine process, and DLS headquarters to fill the communication gap among DLS, customs, border guards, and other related organizations. During the reporting period, the Activity provided six DLS staff, one BLRI staff, and one Academia from Chittagong Veterinary and Animal Science University (CVASU) with ToT on standard operational procedures of animal quarantine stations. 4.3.3. LIVESTOCK VACCINE MARKET STUDY During the reporting quarter, the Activity conducted a market study on FMD and LSD vaccines with public and private market actors. The research report summarized the supply chain gap between the government, the private sector, and farmers. Supply Demand One significant challenge highlighted in the study was the lack of proper forecasting of vaccine demand therefore the inability of private sector manufacturers and importers to fill the demand. The report showed that 45 percent of the FMD market 50 demand by farmers is unmet. Furthermore, private market 40 actors mentioned an inadequate cold chain management system 48.8 at the end-user level, which reduces vaccine efficacy. In 30 Bangladesh, three private sector actors (Incepta 20 25.2 Pharmaceuticals, FNF) and LRI manufacture the FMD vaccine. However, due to a lack of awareness among farmers and 10 coordination between public and private agencies, vaccine seed 0 collection is a challenge to produce vaccines on time. As the seed is the main ingredient in producing the correct vaccine, it Figure 9: FMD vaccine supply against demand must be collected from infected cattle, and local manufacturers in Bangladesh face difficulty collecting seed from farms on time due to information gaps. BLRI stated that the lack of the public sector’s operating budget to improve research and development and lack of skilled workforce are challenges to produce sufficient vaccines and build end-to-end cold chain management with skilled personnel. Apart from the FMD market, the LSD vaccine market in Bangladesh has potentials, although Bengal Overseas Limited is the only government-approved importer. It is a very common practice in Bangladesh for farmers and veterinarians to use the goat pox vaccine as a substitute for LSD. Through all the public and private market actors, Bengal Overseas claimed to raise farmer awareness and increase the practice of the LSD vaccine for cattle, as opposed to the goat pox vaccine. Furthermore, cold chain and vaccination practices must be developed by providing adequate training at the last-mile service provider level. The public and private market actors are looking for assistance in developing cold chain management through training at last mile suppliers, increasing the number of chilling vans, and developing district level standard preservation points to preserve vaccines. After completing the assessment report, the Activity has developed a joint action plan involving the public and private sectors to reduce the vaccine market's supply chain gap, ensure better availability of vaccines at the farmer-level, and smooth the supply chain between the public and private sectors.

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Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021

dairy processors showed their interest to link with the online platforms. 2.1.1.4 Facilitate capacity of local dairy # of 1 1 100% processors to improve cooling processor infrastructures 2.1.1.5 Strengthen business connections # of actor 1 1 100% between local dairy processors and national level food retailers 2.1.2 Strengthen the capacity of selected milk collectors and dairy processors for their dairy products and market linkages 2.1.2.3 Facilitate business relationships # of 4 7 175% meetings between online service meeting delivery platforms such as Food Panda and selected local dairy processors 2.1.3 Strengthen the capacity of selected milk collectors for market linkages and farmer connection 2.1.3.1 Provide technical assistance # of support (ToT) to large dairy participant chilling plant staff on quality milk production and collection 2.1.3.2 Provide technical assistance (ToT) # of milk 0 17 #DIV/0! To ensure uninterrupted to selected milk collectors collector quality milk supply, the connected to large dairy processors Activity selected more on milk collection, transportation s milk collectors to training to dairy farmer groups cascade the training to farmers. 2.1.3.5. Selected milk collectors and local # of farmer 1500 1,683 118% dairy processors cascade training to farmers 2.1.3.6. Monitor collection and sales # collector 60 60 100% performance of trained Milk collectors 2.1.3.7. Facilitate capacity of dairy # of 1 1 100% technology manufacturer to promotiona Promote new micro chiller l material technology to local milk collectors, processors, and lead farmers

2.1.4 Support informal dairy and live cattle markets to operate under safe and hygienic standards

17 Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021

2.1.4.2 Provide technical assistance # of the 1 1 100% (Develop training module and training material) for market management module committees on appropriate policies, procedures, and approaches to operate the markets during COVID-19 2.1.4.3 Provide technical assistance (ToT) # of 10 10 100% to selected market management training committees on dairy and live cattle market operations under COVID- 19 2.1.4.4 Facilitate capacity of market # of 7 10 143% To achieve more targets management committees to campaign for the next quarter organize messaging campaigns on within this fiscal year, COVID-19 and market operation the Activity conducted more campaigns. 2.1.5 Expand alternate marketing for live cattle sales 2.1.5.1 Facilitate capacity of local LSPs # of LSP 10 9 90% and traders to supply live cattle from community spot markets to large retailers

5.1. Select leading and local dairy processors to increase the availability of diverse and quality dairy products 5.1.1. FACILITATE LOCAL DAIRY PROCESSORS TO LAUNCH NEW PRODUCTS, SUCH AS CHEESE AND LABAN In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inability of local dairy processors to purchase farmers’ milk had negatively affected livestock-related household income. Between July and December 2020, the Activity trained 41 local dairy processors (11 women) from eight districts in dairy diversified product processing, such as cheese and laban, to improve processors’ access to raw milk supply from farmers and produce products with a longer shelf life. The training was conducted remotely over social media platforms, such as Imo, Viber, and WhatsApp. By producing products with a longer shelf life, the processors were able to ensure more time to sell the products during the pandemic. Following an increase in sales over the months, the processors expressed an interest in receiving advanced cheese processing training to expand their product line. As a result, the Activity facilitated a day-long, hands-on hygienic cheese processing training, including the processing of high-value mozzarella cheese, for seven local dairy processors from Jashore, Khulna, Satkhira, Barishal, and Cox’s Bazar in March 2021. The training was provided by expert private cheese makers from the Kishoreganj and Chattogram . Following the training, the processors witnessed higher demand for cheese among the fast-food shops in the Activity areas. Four processors sold 97 kilograms of cheese worth $815 in the last two weeks of March, and the others tried to sell the cheese to local retailers and customers. The processors purchased an additional 776 liters of milk from dairy farmers to process the cheese, thereby creating an additional channel for farmers to sell their unsold/surplus milk as the second wave of COVID-19 hits the country.

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Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021

The Activity presented an intervention overview for BMEL and provided inputs on their detailed list of evaluation questions and evaluation proposal. The Activity supported BMEL in conducting focus groups and key informant interviews with the selected Activity beneficiaries as requested during the evaluation exercise. 10. COLLABORATION AND COORDINATION: FTF PARTNERS AND BEYOND During the LOA, the Activity continued to collaborate with other USAID FTF partners in the implementation area. Highlights of this collaboration during this period include: • The Activity facilitated linkages between its partner ATEC Australia Limited and USAID Local Works Activities to promote climate-resistant biodigesters among the farmers in Cox's Bazar. The Activity will also support partner organization Green Life's connections with Infrastructure Development Company Limited (IDCOL)'s to receive the subsidy needed for their beneficiaries to install this technology. • Livestock and Nutrition Activity has collaborated with CSISA Mechanization Extension Activity to provide technical and business development support to livestock farmers on fodder and silage processing to improve farmers’ adoption of effective technologies in Cox’s Bazar. The Activities organized awareness campaigns in Cox’s Bazar to introduce and demonstrate fodder chopping solutions, as well as establish links between LSPs and local dealers of the technology. Livestock farmers in the region purchased 12 chopper machines and pre- ordered 8 more. Farmers reported that having access to fodder choppers saved them BDT 600 per day in labor costs and reduced feed waste by 10-15 percent fostering increased livestock productivity and income. • The Activity and Bangladesh Nutrition Activity are collaborating with Islamic Foundation on outreach to religious leaders in Khulna, Faridpur, Cox’s Bazar, and other overlapping areas to share nutrition awareness messages. The Activity is collaborating with the Nutrition Activity to learn and implement their approach of reaching leaders of other religious groups (Hindu, Buddhist, and Christian) in respective geographic locations and institutions. The Activity has collaborated with Bangladesh Nutrition Activity to communicate messages on the nutritional benefits of dairy products to improve nutritional outcomes in rural households within the FTF ZOI. • The Activity and its partner mPower Social have started to collaborate with Bangladesh Digital Activity implemented by DAI and identifying technical assistance needs to commercialize the application under the leadership of mPower Social • The Activity collaborated with USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Food Safety and Quality Program to implement its GMaP tool to support dairy companies in achieving food safety certifications and improving market access opportunities. The tool was developed to drive the continuous improvement process in food safety management systems, achieving food safety requirements in a phased approach, and ultimately gain certification against one of the Global Food Safety Initiatives recognized schemes. Three Activity staff received orientation on the tool. The tool is also shared with one Activity private sector partner interested in the safety certifications. • The Activity is collaborating with USAID Policy link Activity implemented by DAI to identify key policy issues under Food safety and Nutrition thematic areas. The Activity has participated in a one-to-one discussion with the policy Activity team to stress the key livestock policies and their relations to nutrition and food safety and look forward to participating in the future stakeholder consultations • The Activity collaborated with FTF Bangladesh Rice and Diversified Crop Activity and its private sector partner, Robi Telecom (Robi), to provide 47 low-cost smartphones for high-performing women LSPs. This will assist 47 trained women LSPs to own smartphones and actively participate in and deliver livestock services to sharing features, etc.) with an offer for basic android phones and monitor usage. They will engage with agricultural industry users to capture specific feedback. Both activities will facilitate linkages between agri- 32

Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021

initial environmental assessment. During the past quarter, the Activity collaborated with ATEC Australia International to establish 11 prefabricated easy-to-use biodigesters for rural households in Jashore, Jhenaidah, Faridpur, Satkhira, Barishal, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, • Rajbari, which will convert livestock manure as well as human, kitchen, and green waste into biogas for cooking and high-quality organic fertilizer for crop farming. As a result, these households are now able to produce 1,400 liters of clean gas for cooking every day, saving them $1 (BDT 85) per day and three hours a day otherwise spent on collecting firewood and inefficient cooking. Besides biogas for cooking, households also produce about 36 kilograms of organic fertilizer per day, which they can sell to other farmers as well.3 Topoti Adhikari, a livestock farmer from Dumuria, Khulna, set up a biodigester in November 2020 with support from the Activity. She said, “Earlier, we needed about six hours a day to gather firewood and cook. But these days, I only need two hours a day to cook, and the rest of the hours are saved. There are no more black pots or smoke. We’re very happy!” To promote and increase the number of biodigesters, the Activity, in collaboration with ATEC, has provided training to an additional 30 LSPs on installation and dissemination of the technology along with information to other cattle farmers in Activity areas. Going forward, the Activity will continue to collaborate with ATEC and increase the outreach of the climate-smart technology and to 58 livestock input shops and 1,200 farmers. Over the last five years, the Activity trained 172,761 farmers on farm management practices, including manure management, waste disposal, converting cattle manure into composting using sheds, etc., and encouraged them to adopt technologies that minimize adverse environmental effects. The Activity facilitated farmers’ training resulted in an increase in the uptake of vaccines as an improved management practice. Both livestock service providers and farmers were guided to use DLS- approved vaccines. LSPs were guided and trained to follow DLS’s recommended disposal and waste management system, reducing the negative impacts of drug use on wildlife populations. • Management of animal drugs: LSPs trained during the fiscal year received instructions from qualified veterinarians on how to dispose of used ampules after vaccinations, as well as the application of proper anthelmintics doses. 12. COMMUNICATIONS The Activity used media and virtual platforms to highlight its successes and learnings with stakeholders and a wider audience. As a regular means of communicating the Activity’s efforts, the ACDI/VOCA Bangladesh Facebook page was used to share updates, successes, impacts, and other relevant materials. During the quarter, approximately 42 posts were made on the page, garnering over 10,000 views. Some of the highlighted posts from the quarter include posts on dairy and nutrition fairs, international women’s day, cattle breeding training for women with BRAC AI, etc. In addition to virtual platforms, the Activity used local media platforms to share Activity updates. Notable media publications include: • সাতক্ষীরাতত প্রাণ ডেয়ারর র িঃ এর দুগ্ধ সংগ্রহ ও শীত ীকরণ কার্ যক্রতে আনুষ্ঠারনকতা সম্পন্ন (“Pran Dairy’s milk collection and chilling center activities officially started in Satkhira”); Daily Satkhira; January 13, 2021; Read here • েু েুররয়ায় আন্তর্যারতক নারী রদবস পার ত (“International women’s day celebrated in Dumuria”); Dumuria News; March 8; Read here • রােুতত আন্তর্যারতক নারী রদবস পার ত (“International women’s day celebrated in Ramu”); Cox’sBazarKhobor.com; March 8; Read here • উরিয়ায় আন্তর্যারতক নারী রদবস পার ত (“International women’s day celebrated in Ukhiya”); Cox’sBazarKhobor.com; March 8; Read here • ঝিকরগাছায় আন্তর্যারতক নারী রদবস উদর্াপন (“Celebration of international women’s day in Jhikargacha”); Shadhin Alo; March 8; Read here • ব্র্যাক কৃঝিে প্রর্নন এন্টারপ্রাইর্ এর আতয়ার্তন েু েুররয়ার গাবত ায় দুগ্ধ উৎপাদন ও কৃঝিে প্রর্নন রবষয়ক প্ররশক্ষণ অনুষ্ঠষ্ঠত (“Training on milk production and artificial breeding organized by BRAC AI Enterprise at Gabtala, Dumuria”); Dumuria News; March 11; Read here

3 USAID’s post: https://www.facebook.com/USAID.Bangladesh/photos/a.367830558954/10158719581733955/

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Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021

• Demonstrating the business case of one stop service centers resulted in new service centers establishment by private sector partners. The Activity facilitation with many one stop livestock service centers has generated interest from several private sector partners such as PCF Feed Industries Limited to establish their own one stop service centers. PCF has established two service centers in Khulna and three additional service center establishment is ongoing in the Activity area. • A low number of large firms investing in nutrition outcomes. Lack of incentive from the government or unsuccessful business cases has resulted in poor investment portfolios from large companies in nutrition-sensitive interventions. The livestock sector is not an exception. The Activity supported and private sector led nutrition fairs has demonstrated successful business cases for private sector partners to invest in nutritional outcomes and can be scaled up • Capitalizing on the private sector's desire to expand their marketing channels and reach more customers in the FtF zone is an opportunity. Due to COVID and inward migration that took place in different parts of the country many dairy companies have rebounded their business strategy and now focusing on a new client base in the rural areas. The Activity collaborative partnerships with large dairies such as Pran Dairy, AFBL, BRAC Dairy, and Milk Vita have shown promising trends in terms of dairy diversified product distribution in the FtF region. A new distribution network has been incentivized by the companies in Khulna and Barishal divisions. The Activity has supported numerous private dairy processors to diversify to a new product (such as cheese) or sell to consumers via last-mile agents successfully.

39 Livestock and Nutrition Activity Quarterly Performance Report: 20–21, Quarter 2 April 2021 ANNEX 1: PERFORMANCE DATA TABLE The performance data table (PDT) is attached to this report in Microsoft Excel file format.

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