uganda value-added maize alliance projectpdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/pa00mv4w.pdf · uganda value-added...
TRANSCRIPT
July 2014
This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development.
It was prepared by CARANA Corporation.
UGANDA VALUE-ADDED MAIZE
ALLIANCE PROJECT
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
APRIL – JUNE 2014
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 CARANA
Corporation and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
UGANDA VALUE-ADDED MAIZE
ALLIANCE PROJECT
QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT
APRIL – JUNE 2014
Contract No. AID-617-13-00009
1
CONTENTS
Acronyms and Abbreviations .......................................................................................................................................... 1
executive summary ............................................................................................................................................................ 2
Approach ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2
summary of activities undertaken and progress made by the Alliance during the april – june 2014 period ............................................................................................................................................................................... 2
Progress against performance indicators ..................................................................................................................... 8
Component A: Expand Access for Smallholder Farmers in Busoga Region to New Higher Value Maize
Market Segment ................................................................................................................................................................. 9
background ..................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Task 1: Facilitate Access to New Investment in Corn Syrup Production ....................................................... 9
Task 2: Establish 2 Silos, Each of 1600mt, at Agroways’ GBC and 3 New VACs ....................................... 10
Task 3: Establish Maize Market and MIS ................................................................................................................ 11
Component B: Increase Saleable Value and Volume of Smallholder-Produced Maize ................................... 13
Background ................................................................................................................................................................... 13
Task 1: Provide Training in Improved Farming and PHH Practices ................................................................ 13
Task 2: Promote Mechanized Maize Shelling to Increase Efficiency and Reduce Losses ........................... 20
Task 3: Build Backward Linkages through Agroways’ Embedded Services to Supplier Groups .............. 20
Component C: Develop Maize Germ and Maize Bran Products for Human Consumption ......................... 22
Background ................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Task 1: Agroways Establishes an Alliance with Maganjo Grain Millers to Support Production of Maize
Germ and Maize Bran Products .............................................................................................................................. 22
Task 2: Support Product Development of Maize Germ and Maize Bran Products for Human
Consumption ................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Monitoring and Evaluation ............................................................................................................................................. 24
Cross Cutting Issues ....................................................................................................................................................... 24
Gender ........................................................................................................................................................................... 24
2
Environment ................................................................................................................................................................. 25
COLLABORATION, LEARNING AND ADAPTING EFFORTS......................................................................... 33
Quarter 4 Planned Activities......................................................................................................................................... 34
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ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AOR
BQ
CAO
CBO
Agreement Officer Representative
Bills of Quantity
Chief Administrative Officer
Community-Based Organization
CC
CPMA
CRS
DAO
DCA
DCO
DFID
DOP
DPO
EAGC
Community Connector
Commodity Production and Marketing Activity
Catholic Relief Services
District Agriculture Officer
Development Credit Authority
District Commercial Officer
Department for International Development of the United Kingdom (U.K) Government
District Operations Plan
District Production Officer
Eastern African Grain Council
EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan
FAO
FSS
FtF
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Farmer Field School
Feed the Future
GBC Grain Bulking Center
GOU
Ltd
Government of Uganda
Limited
M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
MIS
NSSF
Management Information System
National Social Security Fund
PERSUAP Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan
PHH Post-Harvest Handling
PMP Performance Management Plan
PRS
RFA
SOW
Performance Review System
Request for Applications
Scope of Work
TIN
ToR
Tax Identification Number
Terms of Reference
ToT Training of Trainers
UDB
UNBS
URA
USA
Uganda Development Bank
Uganda National Bureau of Standards
Uganda Revenue Authority
United States of America
USAID United States Agency for International Development
USG United States Government
VAC
WFP
WRS
Village Aggregation Center
World Food Program
Warehouse Receipt System
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
APPROACH
The Uganda Value-Added Maize Alliance (UVAMA) is a partnership between USAID, AgroWays Ltd.,
and CARANA Corporation. This three-year initiative is opening a new market outlet for smallholder-
grown maize via value addition to maize grain, including production of corn syrup for beverage
processing and the byproducts of maize germ and maize bran for further processing for human
consumption. The demand for quality-grade maize at higher prices is going to incentivize smallholder
farmers to adopt better production and Post-Harvest Handling (PHH) practices, resulting in increased
saleable yields. Consequently, the facilitation of new investments in storage facilities will lead to
improved integration of farmers into AgroWays’ supply network.
AgroWays, the main private sector partner in the Alliance, was the first licensed grain warehouse in
Uganda to operate the warehouse receipt system (WRS). It deals in maize grain in two ways. Under
the WRS, AgroWays cleans, dries and stores maize grain for depositors for a fee. It also purchases
maize, cleans and dries it and then sells the grain to buyers, or processes it further to maize grits which
it sells to Nile Breweries Limited (NBL). The byproduct from the process of making maize grits is a
mixture of maize bran and maize germ that is currently sold to animal feed processors.
To achieve its objectives of (1) commercializing smallholder maize farmers in the Busoga region to
increase saleable yield and value; and (2) developing maize-germ and maize-bran products for human
consumption to improve nutritional outcomes, the Alliance is organized around three main components:
Component A: Expand access for smallholders to a new higher value market segment by
facilitating AgroWays’ investment in a new corn syrup production unit, establishing three new
Village Aggregation Centers (VACs) in the Busoga region, and improving management
information systems (MIS).
Component B: Increase saleable value and volume of smallholder-produced maize by training
in PHH practices, promoting mechanized maize shelling to increase efficiency and reduce losses,
and strengthening AgroWays’ capacity to deliver or facilitate embedded services to its farmers.
Component C: Develop maize germ for human consumption to improve nutritional outcomes
by supporting Maganjo Grain Millers’ production of maize germ products and development and
promotion of nutritious maize bran products.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN AND PROGRESS MADE
BY THE ALLIANCE DURING THE APRIL – JUNE 2014 PERIOD
The project and its partners accomplished a number of work plan objectives during the third quarter.
AgroWays continued with civil works at its grain bulking center (GBC) in Jinja in preparation for the de-
germer line and silos that are expected to arrive in September 2014. This contributed to AgroWays’
$11,261 increase in project leverage.
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Trainings for lead farmers and farmer groups were also implemented. Further to the February 2014
Maize Agronomy and Farming as a Business training, 180 “Maize Agronomy and Farming as a Business”
manuals and 3,200 corresponding Pictorial Presentations were printed in English and Lusoga this quarter
and are currently being distributed to lead farmers and farmer groups in the Kamuli and Mayuge
districts. These same lead farmers were also trained in Maize Post-Harvest Handling (PHH) and Storage
in June 2014 in preparation for the upcoming harvest. A total of 1,760 farmers (640 male, 1,120 female)
from 1,474 households and 96 farmer groups, have benefitted since Project inception from the Maize
Agronomy, Farming as a Business, and PHH and Storage trainings delivered by UVAMA.
The project has also begun to roll out activities under Component C to improve the nutritional content
of food in Uganda, and increase the product offerings available to low and middle-income consumers.
Finally, the Alliance, with the support of the Grameen Foundation is building and rolling out an MIS to
track project activities and results, as well as pilot an information technology-led agricultural extension
and marketing service.
The following chart lists activities undertaken and progress made by the Alliance during the third quarter.
Task Activity Timeline Status
Component A: Expand access for smallholder farmers in Busoga region to new higher
value maize market segment
Task 1. Facilitate access to new investment in corn syrup production
A.1.b Select and deploy the consultant
to carry out the technical
feasibility study for AgroWays
April 2014 A consultant specializing in maize
processing and corn syrup was
contracted and deployed.
A.1.c Carry out the feasibility study Apr – May 2014 A pre-feasibility study was carried out in
June 2014; the report recommends
further analysis of a number of
considerations before AgroWays invests
in corn syrup processing.
A.1.d Continue with civil works for the
de-germer line
Apr - Aug 2014 AgroWays has continued with civil
works during this period, increasing
project leverage.
A.1.e Prepare ToR for business
development consultant and
identify one to two consultants
with knowledge of regional
funding sources who can sell the
business plan
May 2014 Awaits comprehensive feasibility study
from a selected corn syrup equipment
supplier in order for AgroWays to
proceed with the proposed investment.
A.1.f Engage the business development
consultant to complete business
plan and identify the regional
funding sources
June – July 2014 Same as above
A.1.g Identify the corn syrup
production equipment supplier
May – July 2014 Same as above
A.1.h Procure and install the de-germer
line
Aug – Sep 2014 20% down payment was made in the
previous quarter; the remaining will be
paid upon delivery.
Task 2. Establish 2 silos, each of 1600MT, at AgroWays’ GBC and 3 VACs
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A.2.a Identify potential farmer groups
for grants/VAC selection in
Namutumba, Buyende, and
Kaliro
Apr - June 2014 UVAMA identified 5 farmer groups in
the Namutumba district and 9 farmer
groups in the Kaliro district.
A.2.b Release a grants solicitation to
the pre-identified groups
May - June 2014 RFA issued on June 20, 2014 to the
identified groups in the Kaliro and
Namutumba districts.
A.2.c Identification of potential
contractors and equipment
suppliers
Apr - May 2014 To be carried out in July and August
2014.
A.2.d Selection of sub-grantees in
Kaliro and Namutumba district
May 2014 To be carried out in July 2014.
A.2.e Continue civil works for the
3,200MT silos
Apr - Jul 2014 Ongoing
A.2.f Procure and install the silos at
AgroWays GBC
May – Aug 2014 Awaiting the signing of the Letter of
Credit (L/C) with their bank.
Task 3. Establish a maize market and MIS
A.3.a Contract with Grameen signed Apr 2014 Contract signed on April 7, 2014
A.3.b Complete Baseline Survey Tool Apr 2014 Tool completed and sent to 7 VAC
operators, one lead farmer and the
Agriculture Field Officer (AFO) at the
end of June 2014.
A.3.c Select VAC operators and lead
farmers to operate MIS
Apr 2014 Selection and mapping of the MIS
operators was carried out in May 2014.
A.3.d Equip, set targets, and train
agriculture field officer, VAC
operators, and/or lead farmers
to use extension tool and survey
tool
Apr – May 2014 Carried out from May 20-23, 2014.
A.3.e Map VACs and the homes of the
selected VAC operators, lead
farmer and AFO
May 2014 Homes/ residences of 7 VAC operators,
one lead farmer and the AFO were
mapped from May 12 – 16, 2014.
A.3.f Develop a data mining report on
maize
May 2014 Data mining report is being developed
and will be ready by July 2014.
A.3.g Carry out baseline assessment Apr - May 2014 Baseline survey expected to be
completed in August 2014; postponed
due to the delayed finalization of the
Grameen contract.
A.3.h Develop dashboard Apr - Jul 2014 Dashboard is currently under
development.
A.3.i Bulk SMS sent Jun 2014 Bulk SMS’ will be sent in August 2014.
A.3.j Produce bi-monthly reports Jun 2014 Received first summary report at end of
June 2014.
A.3.k Registration of households Apr –Sep 2014 On-going
Component B: Increase saleable value and volume of smallholder-produced maize
Task 1. Provide training in improved farming and PHH practices
5
B.1.a Hold stakeholders conference
for Jinja, Kaliro and Namutumba
districts
May 2014 The sensitization workshop for the
relevant district officials took place at
AgroWays’ GBC in Jinja on May 28,
2014.
B.1.b Print the Maize Agronomy and
Farming as a Business Manuals
and Pictorial Presentations in
English and Lusoga
Apr 2014 180 Manuals and 3,200 Pictorials were
printed in Lusoga in June 2014.
B.1.c Distribute the Agronomy
Manuals and Pictorials to lead
farmers trained in Mayuge and
Kamuli districts
May 2014 62 Manuals and 1,364 Pictorial
Presentations were distributed to lead
farmers and farmers in the Mayuge and
Kamuli districts in June 2014.
B.1.d Identify farmer groups to benefit
and lead farmers in Jinja, Kaliro
and Namutumba districts for
training
Apr - Jun 2014 30 farmer groups in each district of Jinja,
Kamuli and Namutumba were identified;
each group will send a lead farmer to
participate in the UVAMA trainings.
B.1.e Recruit consultant for maize
agronomy, PHH and storage and
farming as a business trainings
May 2014 A consultant was hired in May 2014.
B.1.f Prepare, translate and print
maize PHH training tools and
manuals
May - Jun 2014 The training materials were prepared.
The translated PHH training manual and
Pictorial Presentation will be completed
in July 2014.
B.1.g Conduct first ToT training in
maize PHH and storage for lead
farmers and VAC operators in
Mayuge and Kamuli districts
June 2014 Two trainings were carried out in
Mayuge during June 2-7, 2014 and in
Kamuli during June 10-14, 2014. 32
female and 30 male lead farmers
participated.
B.1.h "Follower Farmer" trainings
(PHH and storage)
Jun – Jul 2014 The UVAMA AFO is supervising the
“follower farmer” PHH and Storage
trainings in the Mayuge and Kamuli
districts.
B.1.i Recruit Communication
Specialist to design PHH and
storage radio spot messages and
talk shows
Jun – Jul 2014 A Communications Specialist was hired
and has submitted draft scripts for the
spot messages and radio talk shows.
B.1.j Air radio spot messages and hold
radio talk shows
Jun - Jul 2014 Radio spot messages and radio talk
shows on maize PHH and storage will
be aired at the end of July and in August
2014.
B.1.k Recruit Communication
Specialist to develop project
communication materials e.g. T-
Shirts, brochures, bags, etc.
Jun 2014 A Communications Specialist has been
hired. Designs await the approval of the
UVAMA logo.
B.1.l Reproduce the project
communication materials
June 2014 Awaiting the logo approval.
Task 2. Promote mechanized maize shelling to increase efficiency and reduce losses
B.2.a Seek quotations for mobile Apr 2014 Quotations were received from 3 firms.
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motorized maize shellers M/S Munyegera Agro-Machinery Ltd, in
Mayuge, was selected to fabricate the
equipment based on price and geography
(they are located in Busoga).
B.2.b Procure part of the 22 mobile
maize shellers
May - June 2014 4 shellers were fabricated – 2 were
delivered to AgroWays’ Namwendwa
VAC on June 30, 2014 and the other 2
are to be stationed at AgroWays’
Kityerera VAC.
B.2.c Train VAC operators on use of
the mobile motorized shellers
Jun – Jul 2014 Munyegera Agro-Machinery trained the
Namwendwa VAC operator on how to
use the shellers.
Task 3. Build backward linkages through AgroWays’ embedded services to supplier
groups
B.3.a Establish long-term selling/buying
and VAC management
relationship with the selected
grantee farmer groups
Apr - May 2014 This activity is pending until farmer
group grantees are selected.
B.3.b AgroWays interests seed
companies to set up maize
demonstration plots at VACs
Apr - May 2014 AgroWays and NASECO have agreed to
set up five (5) demonstration sites
during July – December 2014 at
AgroWays’ GBC in Jinja, at its VACs in
Kityerera and Namwendwa, as well as at
the UVAMA project’s future VAC sites
in Kaliro and Namutumba districts.
B.3.c AgroWays interests
agrochemical companies to link
up with its VACs
Apr – Jun 2014 The UVAMA Project Director is
pursuing linkages to agrochemical
suppliers proposed by the Agro-Inputs
Activity.
B.3.d Integrate AgroWays’ training on
warehouse receipt system
(WRS) into the PHH trainings
Jun – Jul 2014 62 lead farmers from the Mayuge and
Kamuli districts received training on
maize grading and standards as well as
WRS at AgroWays’ GBC on June 7&14,
2014.
B.3.d Discuss with various financial
institutions on potential financing
solutions for small farmers
groups
Apr – Jun 2014 The UVAMA Project Director discussed
possible funding solutions for farmers
with the Uganda Development Bank; the
project hired a Finance Specialist to
explore other financial products and
partnerships.
Component C: Develop maize germ and maize bran products for human consumption
Task 1. AgroWays establishes an Alliance with Maganjo Grain Millers to support
production of maize germ and maize bran products
C.1.a Implement the grant agreement Apr – Jul 2014 The Project and Maganjo paid in full for
the germ/ bran roaster and 2 flour
mixers/ blenders. Maganjo also paid for
a second roaster, therefore increasing
its project cost share.
7
Task 2. Support product development of maize germ and maize bran products for
human consumption
C.2.a Recruit and engage the food and
nutrition specialist to support
the development of the maize
germ and maize bran products
Apr - Sep 2014 A food scientist is assisting Maganjo to
develop two new flour products that
have maize germ and/ or bran as one of
their ingredients.
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PROGRESS AGAINST
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The table below summarizes the progress made against the Project’s performance indicator targets for
the first (1st) year.
# Performance Indicator Unit of
measure
Year 1
Target
Progress
To date
1 FtF: 4.5.2-42 Number of private enterprises, producer
organizations, water users associations, women's groups, trade
and business associations, and community-based organizations
(CBOs) that applied improved technologies or management
practices as a result of USG assistance.
# of entities 3 1
2 FtF: 4.5.2.-38 Value of new private sector investment in the
agriculture sector or food chain leveraged by FtF
USD $481,093 $382,618
3 FtF: 4.5.2-13 Number of rural households benefiting directly
from USG interventions
# of
households
1,067 1,474
4 FtF: 4.5.2-11 Number of food security private enterprises (for
profit), producers organizations, water users associations,
women’s groups, trade and business associations, and
community-based organizations (CBOs) receiving USG
assistance (RiA) (WOG)
# of entities 147 96
5 FtF: 4.5.2-27 Number of members of producer organizations
and community based organizations receiving USG assistance(s)
# of
individuals
M:1,920 M:640
F:1,380 F:1,120
T:3,200 T:1,760
6 FtF: 4.5-10 Total increase in installed storage capacity MT 2,200 1,250
7 Custom: Number of households using the MIS platform # of
households
350 338
8 FtF: 4.5.2-7 Number of individuals who have received USG
supported short-term agricultural sector productivity or food
security training
# of farmers M:1,920 M:640
F:1,280 F:1,120
T:3,200 T:1,760
9 Custom: Percent of trained farmers and others who have
applied improved technologies or management practices as a
result of USG assistance
% of farmers M:60% TBD
F:40% TBD
T:75% TBD
10 Custom: Incremental volume of maize grain sold as a result of
USG support
% 0% N/A
11 Custom: Percentage increase in the volume of grain produced
graded East Africa Maize Standard Grade 1 or 2 collected by
the VACs
% 5% TBD
12 Custom: Number of food products with substantial nutritional
value improved or developed, tested and made available to the
market with USG support
# of
products
3 0
13 Custom: Average decrease in costs of nutritious food products % 0% N/A
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COMPONENT A: EXPAND ACCESS
FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS IN
BUSOGA REGION TO NEW
HIGHER VALUE MAIZE MARKET
SEGMENT
BACKGROUND
Over the life of the Project, UVAMA will integrate 9,500 rural smallholder maize farmers in the Busoga
region into an emerging value-added maize market—namely maize grits and corn syrup for the food and
beverage industry and maize germ and bran for nutritious food products. This will lead to higher and
more stable livelihoods, thereby enhancing local and regional food security. To support the integration
of farmers into AgroWays’ supply chain, the Project is constructing three new Village Aggregation
Centers (VACs) in the Buyende, Kaliro, and Namutumba districts; helping AgroWays to invest in a new
corn syrup processing plant and two new silos; and facilitating a maize MIS in the targeted districts.
TASK 1: FACILITATE ACCESS TO NEW INVESTMENT IN CORN
SYRUP PRODUCTION
UVAMA is helping AgroWays to invest in a new corn syrup processing plant and two new silos which
will demand higher quality maize and increased yields at the farm level. During the last quarter,
AgroWays engaged Cimbria Unigrain A/S to design, manufacture and deliver a €308,508 (approx.
$417,000) de-germer line to process up to 40,000 MT of maize annually. An initial 20 percent deposit
was paid in February 2014, and preliminary work on manufacturing the de-germer began in the last
reporting period. This quarter, AgroWays continued to carry out the civil works for the equipment and
at the end of June, Cimbria Unigrain’s engineer visited AgroWays to ensure that the preparations were
on track. The de-germer line is expected to be shipped from Denmark in August 2014 at which point, the remainder of the payment will be made by AgroWays.
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During the reporting period, UVAMA contracted a U.S.-based expert in maize processing and corn
syrup production to carry out a pre-feasibility study for AgroWays to determine the costs, benefits and
overall feasibility of corn syrup production in Uganda. The resulting draft report indicates that more
information is still needed on the source, cost and reliability of utilities (water, heat and electricity); local
market requirements and prices for the byproducts that corn syrup produces; and source, cost and scale
of the plant and machinery required to produce corn syrup. AgroWays is currently reaching out to
suppliers identified by the UVAMA consultant in his study. The suppliers identified may have the ability
to provide equipment according to AgroWays’ specifications and capacity. Following discussions
between AgroWays and the potential suppliers, AgroWays will then determine whether to move forward with a full feasibility study, and subsequent investments into a corn syrup plant.
Fig 1: Civil works are carried out for the de-germer and silos at AgroWays’ GBC site.
TASK 2: ESTABLISH 2 SILOS, EACH OF 1600MT, AT AGROWAYS’
GBC AND 3 NEW VACS
Under Component A, UVAMA is supporting the constructing of three new VACs in the Buyende,
Kaliro, and Namutumba districts to address the issue of limited storage at the village level – which
currently forces farmers to sell their surplus maize during harvest time at lower prices. These districts
were selected during the previous quarter according to a set of criteria including roads, infrastructure,
and farmer group capacity, among other considerations. During the current reporting period, UVAMA
engaged a local engineer to prepare architectural and structural plans together with bills of quantity
(BQs) for a standard 600 m2 VAC. These plans formed part of the Request for Applications (RFA) that
UVAMA developed to solicit grant applications from farmer groups who are interested in owning and
11
managing VACs. The grant proposals will be evaluated according to the applicants’ proposed VAC site
locations, cash and in-kind cost share contributions, willingness to sign a VAC management contract and
preferred Sale/Buyer agreement with AgroWays, and proof of registration and demonstrated profits/viability.
The RFA was issued on June 20, 2014 to five farmer groups in the Namutumba district and nine farmer
groups in the Kaliro district that were identified in the previous quarter. The project’s AFO and
AgroWays’ Managing Director and General Manager held a bidders’ conference to brief bidders and
answer questions regarding the RFA; representatives of eight farmers groups from the Kaliro district and
four farmers groups from the Namutumba districts were present at the meeting. The final grantee
selection will be carried out in July 2014 following the application evaluations.
During the current quarter, the Project also drafted a Request for Quotations (RFQ) for building
contractors to bid on the construction of the VACs; construction costs will be provided in-kind by the
UVAMA project to the selected farmer group grantees. The RFQ will be finalized and issued to pre-
identified building contractors in July 2014. Selection of the contractor and commencement of the VAC
construction is expected to take place in August 2014, and the BQs developed by the UVAMA
consultant will guide the project’s evaluation of bidders. The RFQ process was pushed back by a month, as BQ and construction cost specifications depend on the VAC grantee selection and site locations.
AgroWays has also been carrying out efforts to improve its own storage capacity. During the current
reporting period, AgroWays revised its agreement with Cimbria Unigrain A/S in order to supply three
2600 MT silos and two 125 MT wet/receiving bins. The initial civil works required for their installation is near completion and shipment of the silos from the U.S. is expected in August 2014.
TASK 3: ESTABLISH MAIZE MARKET AND MIS
To increase transparency and improve market information, the Project is working with the Grameen
Foundation to develop an MIS for maize farmers. The MIS provides information on farming, prices, and
PHH practices that are beneficial to farmers. The system is also expected to support AgroWays to
monitor the quantities of maize aggregated at the VACs. Current projections estimate that each VAC
operator could handle approximately 500–750 households in a geographic area of 5–10 km. The VAC
operators have also been trained as enumerators to collect real-time, farmer-level information on plot
size, commodities, income levels, and technology use.
UVAMA activities with the Grameen Foundation were officially launched during the current quarter.
CARANA signed a sub-award with Grameen on April 7, 2014 and on April 17, 2014 the Project
Director kicked off MIS field activities with AgroWays and Grameen’s management and technical staff in
Jinja. These initial partner meetings allowed Grameen to understand AgroWays’ operations and the role
that AgroWays’ VAC operators play as a link between the farmers and its grain bulking center (GBC) in
Jinja.
Following these initial launch meetings, in May 2014 and in consultation with AgroWays, seven VAC
operators and one lead farmer from the Mayuge district were selected to implement, along with the
project’s AFO, MIS activities. Selection of the VAC operators was based on criteria developed by the
project including gender and ability to use smartphones. These stakeholders were trained for four days
from May 20-23, 2014 on how to use the smartphone-based extension and survey tools, and then their
homes and VACs were mapped using GPS coordinates. They were also equipped with an operational
manual, smartphones and solar chargers and given monthly performance targets including the
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registration of 35 farmers and four farmer groups; baseline surveys on 10 farmers; and provision of
maize information searches for at least 10 farmers. The searches range from agronomical, PHH and
storage practices, to pests and disease control, to the prices that are offered in different buying areas.
Since training began in May 2014, the VAC operators, lead farmer and the AFO have registered 61
farmer groups and 338 households, and have performed 486 searches for farmers and traders.
Fig 2: A VAC Operator carries out MIS extension work with a farmer in Kityerera, Mayuge district
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COMPONENT B: INCREASE
SALEABLE VALUE AND VOLUME
OF SMALLHOLDER-PRODUCED
MAIZE
BACKGROUND
Component B activities are centered on improving AgroWays’ embedded services and increasing
smallholder farmer group capacity in order to have a more formalized and integrated maize value chain.
To increase the saleable value and volume of smallholder-produced maize, selected lead farmers are
participating in Training of Trainers (ToTs) on improved agronomical practices just before planting, and
PHH practices just before harvesting each season. The Project is also promoting mechanized maize
shelling to increase efficiency and reduce losses that occur in homesteads, and is strengthening
AgroWays’ capacity to deliver or facilitate embedded services to its farmers.
TASK 1: PROVIDE TRAINING IN IMPROVED FARMING AND PHH
PRACTICES
During the reporting period, AgroWays and CARANA continued to collaborate to train some of the
targeted 9,500 smallholder farmers (more than 40 percent of whom are expected to be women) to
improve crop yield, conditioning and storage management practices—necessary steps to meet different
maize grading standards – as well as farming as a business skills. The training is being implemented
through a two-stage methodology.
The first stage targets lead farmers and the Project’s AFO. Lead farmers are selected based on their
motivation to see change, a commitment to change others, and basic literacy and numerical skills. The
ToTs are targeting a total of 420 lead farmers over the three-year project period. Both AgroWays’
Managing Director and General Manager/VAC coordinator are involved in the ToTs. This includes
briefing the lead farmers at the beginning of the process, and evaluating what they have learned at the
closing training sessions in order to help achieve sustainability and continuity.
Both practical and theoretical trainings are being provided to the lead farmers and the AFO on two main
topics – Agronomy and Farming as a Business, and Post-Harvest Handling and Storage. Through these
trainings, lead farmers are equipped with methods and technologies to reduce losses and improve quality
through proper farming and improved crop conditioning and storage practices. Topics include land
selection, planting, weeding, harvesting, shelling and drying, grading, pest and disease control, bagging,
and packaging as well as farming as a business. The trainings have been conducted at sub-county
headquarters and, where possible, near established VACs.
In the second stage, the trainings are rolled out to “follower farmers.” One lead farmer is expected to
reach 25 farmers, on average. Lessons and training materials—including lead farmer manuals and
14
pictorial messages – have been designed by the Project’s Training Advisor, pre-tested and translated into
Lusoga. The manuals and pictorial presentations are then given to lead farmers to aid them in the
“follower” training.
The Project is also airing radio spots and participating in radio talk shows on different radio stations in
Busoga prior to the planting and harvest seasons to sensitize farmers on proper farming, maize crop
conditioning, and improved storage practices. The AgroWays’ General Manager and the Project’s AFO
are both participating in these radio shows to ensure private sector participation and buy-in.
Sensitization Workshop
From May 13-15, 2014, the Project Director held visits with officials and stakeholders from three new
districts to introduce the UVAMA project and deliver letters of invitation for the Project’s second
sensitization workshop (the first workshop was held in the previous quarter). The Project Director met
with the following representatives:
a) Chief Administrative Officer for the Jinja District Local Government;
b) Coordinator of the Jinja District Farmers Association,
c) Butagaya Sub-county Administration Officer in the Jinja district, and
d) Namutumba District Production Officer (DPO).
On May 28, 2014 the Project held its second Sensitization Workshop at AgroWays’ GBC in Jinja for
selected officials from the Jinja, Kaliro and Namutumba District Local Governments. The Kaliro
District’s Local Government Chairman officially opened the workshop, following remarks by
USAID/Uganda’s AOR. Workshop participants included district Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs),
DPOs, District Agriculture Officers (DAOs) and District Commercial Officers (DCOs) from the three
districts, as well as officials from NASECO (a seed company) and the Grameen Foundation. The
Chairmen of Kaliro and Namutumba districts together with the Jinja DAO delivered the closing remarks
in which they promised to work with their technical teams (CAOs, DPOs, DAOs and DCOs) to
publicize UVAMA as well as AgroWays’ facilities and services to maize farmers and traders in their
areas.
Overall, the feedback from the sensitization workshop was positive. The Chairman of Kaliro district
made the following comments, “I pass here [AgroWays’ GBC] every week but I am shocked to learn
today that this maize processing facility is in our region, owned by our local people and can benefit the
majority of my electorate, who are principally maize farmers – I used to think that it is some factory for
some foreigners!”
15
Fig 3: District officials listen to a representative from the Grameen Foundation at the Project’s second
sensitization workshop in Jinja.
Post-Harvest Handling Trainings
During the current reporting period, UVAMA’s Training Advisor designed and rolled out its first ToT
sessions on maize PHH and storage using the farmer field school (FFS) methodology. The FFS approach
empowers farmers with practical lessons on how to handle their own on-farm decisions, using
experiential learning techniques developed for non-formal adult education purposes. To accompany the
trainings, the Project designed a maize PHH and storage training manual together with Pictorial
Presentations in English and Lusoga, for use by the lead farmers and the AFO.
From June 2-7, 2014 UVAMA carried out a PHH and Storage ToT at the Kityerera Sub-county
Headquarters in Mayuge district. 31 lead farmers (12 male and 19 female) representing 31 farmer groups
attended the 5-day workshop; UVAMA and AgroWays staff both participated. A second training was
held from June 10-14, 2014 at the Namwendwa Sub-county Headquarters in Kamuli district where an
additional 31 lead farmers (18 male and 13 female) representing 31 farmer groups attended. Following
each training, lead farmers were taken to AgroWays’ GBC where they learned about maize processing,
storage and grading, as well as AgroWays’ WRS that is available to farmers and farmer groups.
16
Fig 4: Lead Farmers attend a training in the Kityerera Sub-county Headquarters.
17
Fig 5: Lead farmers are shown how to use maize hand shellers in Kityerera.
According to feedback provided by the lead farmers, UVAMA’s training structure and materials were
more practical than trainings received in the past. Similarly, advice provided by AgroWays’ Managing
Director on grading and WRS was considered very helpful.
Once final inputs from AgroWays and the lead trainers are received on the ToTs, UVAMA will finalize
and print the training manuals and give them to the lead farmers to carry out follower trainings. Group
members will also be given Pictorial Presentations to reference in their daily farming activities. Each lead
farmer will train around 25 farmers in his/ her own group; targeting at least one every week.
As a result of the PHH trainings, during the current reporting period, lead farmers from Mayuge and
Kamuli districts completed the full training cycle in (a) Maize Agronomy and Farming as a Business
(February 2014) and (b) Maize PHH and Storage (June 2014). Between July and December 2014, 30 lead
farmers from the Jinja district, 30 from the Kaliro district and 30 from the Namutumba district will be
selected to undergo the same trainings starting with Maize Agronomy and Farming as a Business that will
take place from July 29 to August 15, 2014. These trainings will occur twice every year, targeting new
farmers in different areas/ locations in order to reach the Project’s 9,500 farmer target.
18
Fig 6: A farmer stands in her maize field in Kityerera, Mayuge district.
19
Fig 7: Lead farmers display their PHH and Storage Certificates at AgroWays’ GBC after completing their 5-day
training.
Radio Spot Messages and Talk Shows
Following the successful radio spot messages on agronomy that were developed and broadcast by the
Project in February/March 2014, UVAMA developed Maize PHH and Storage radio spot messages to
support farmers during the harvest season. These messages will be aired three times a day starting on
July 28, 2014 for 14 days on Kamuli Broadcasting Service/KBS (in the Kamuli District), Safari FM (in the
Mayuge District) and BaBa FM (covering Jinja and some parts of the Mayuge and Kamuli districts). These
new radio spot messages will advise farmers to harvest their maize before the next rains commence; dry
it properly either on tarpaulins, cribs or raised cemented ground; keep domestic animals and poultry
away from the drying areas; and store it in clean and dry places.
To ensure the trainings’ long-term impact, UVAMA’s Communications Specialist also designed a PHH
and Storage radio talk show script. Three radio talk shows will be held in August 2014 and will be
attended by AgroWays’ General Manager and the AFO to explain the importance of following the
proper maize harvesting, PHH and storage practices; they will also promote the use of mobile shellers
made available by the Project in order to maintain good quality maize.
As a result of this quarter’s Task 1 activities, a total of 975 farmers (643 female and 332 male) from 823
households and from 53 farmer groups participated in Alliance activities through PHH ToTs and
20
Agronomy follower farmer trainings. These included 475 youth farmers (306 female and 169 male) who
were below the age of 35.
TASK 2: PROMOTE MECHANIZED MAIZE SHELLING TO INCREASE
EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE LOSSES
Trainings under Task 1 will be complemented with the necessary tools and equipment to increase yields,
reduce post-harvest losses, and improve grain storage management practices. Each lead farmer will offer
his/ her garden as a demonstration or training site for his/her farmer group and the Project will equip
the training sites with demonstration materials, such as hand shellers and tarpaulins for drying.
Additionally, AgroWays’ seven existing VACs and the three to be constructed under the UVAMA
project will be equipped with a total of 20 mobile motorized maize shellers, four of which have already
been procured for AgroWays’ Namwendwa and Kityerera VACs. VAC operators will be trained to
operate the equipment with the objective of reducing the percentage of broken maize grain received by
the VACs. The shellers will be available for hire by farmers and traders; proceeds from this business will
cover the wages, fuel, maintenance and repair of the shellers, therefore supporting the sustainability of
this service in the Busoga area.
To begin the process of procuring maize shellers, during the current reporting period, the Project
solicited quotations from three machinery manufacturers – Munyegera Agro-Machinery Ltd., Tonnet
Agro Engineering Co. Ltd., and MusaBody Machinery (U) Ltd. After a review of the quotations, UVAMA
selected Munyegera to supply the maize shellers due to its competitive pricing structure and convenient
location in Mayuge Town, Busoga, which is closer to the VACs than the other candidates’ locations.
Close proximity also allows Munyegera to provide timely aftersales and trouble-shooting services on a
continuous basis.
Between late June and the writing of this report, two shellers were delivered to the Namwendwa VAC
and two to the Kityerere VAC in the Mayuge district. VAC operators at both locations have been
trained accordingly.
TASK 3: BUILD BACKWARD LINKAGES THROUGH AGROWAYS’
EMBEDDED SERVICES TO SUPPLIER GROUPS
To address low technology usage and limited finance in the Busoga region among maize farmers,
CARANA is assisting AgroWays to develop embedded services for farmer groups and individual
smallholders. This includes developing AgroWays’ internal capacity to assist farmers in accessing
financing through the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS), providing information through the MIS system,
and linking farmer groups to inputs such as improved seeds. AgroWays will also strengthen the capacity
of the farmer groups that will receive Project grants to construct VACs through VAC management
contracts as well as preferred maize sale/purchase agreements. These investments in embedded services
will not only strengthen AgroWays’ supply chain but will also sustainably improve production and
incomes in the targeted areas.
The Alliance carried out several activities during the current reporting period to strengthen AgroWays’
backward linkages and develop a consistent supply of quality maize. Following their participation in the
May 28, 2014 Sensitization Workshop, M/S Nalweyo Seed Company (NASECO) agreed to provide
maize seeds and start-up fertilizer to AgroWays in collaboration with the UVAMA project, and help set
up five maize demonstration gardens at AgroWays’ GBC in Jinja and its two VACs in Namwendwa and
21
Kityerera. Seeds and fertilizer will also be provided for two new UVAMA-supported VAC sites during
the July – December 2014 season. The demonstration sites will present different maize varieties to allow
farmers to see the difference in growth, resistance and yields. This is a positive partnership that has the
potential to deliver additional benefits to both farmers and AgroWays while expanding the Alliance to
new private sector partners.
On June 7 and 14, 2014, the lead farmers who attended the 5-day Maize Post-Harvest Handling and
Storage trainings traveled to AgroWays’ GBC in Jinja to attend sessions on maize grading and standards
as well as WRS. They were receptive to instruction on the requirements for good quality maize and the
profit incentives of handling maize properly from the time of harvesting up to the point of sale. The
Project explained that AgroWays can store farmers’ maize as depositors at a fee for long periods (more
than three months) without compromising the grain’s quality, so that the farmers receive higher prices
over time rather than immediately after harvest when the market is flooded with a high maize supply.
Another benefit of WRS that the training conveyed is the use of receipts as guarantees for bank
borrowing; depositors can get loans of up to 70 percent of the prevailing market value of their deposits.
There is therefore the potential for farmers to earn additional income under WRS. To further
disseminate this message and engage farmers in the WRS, the Project is developing more activities to
encourage linkages between farmers and AgroWays’ WRS.
As a final activity under this task, the Project is supporting financing for farmer groups, with AgroWays
playing a crucial role as offtaker. On April 14, 2014 the Project Director met with Uganda Development
Bank’s (UDB) Senior Business Development Officer. UDB is a Government of Uganda (GOU)
development bank that is seeking proposals for funding in the agriculture sector. Each proposal should
be for loan amounts of at least UGX 100 million at interest rates of 10% (commercial rates are above
18%) with an offtaker, such as AgroWays, to ensure that the loan principal and interest amounts are
remitted to UDB. Arrangements are being developed to utilize the Project’s Finance Advisor to
investigate this opportunity further, in addition to other commercial financing sources.
22
COMPONENT C: DEVELOP MAIZE
GERM AND MAIZE BRAN
PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN
CONSUMPTION
BACKGROUND
The Project is assisting Maganjo Grain Millers Ltd to develop and promote highly nutritious food
products using the maize germ and maize bran which are the byproducts of AgroWays’ maize de-
germing process. These products will be sold to ordinary customers, bakeries and confectioneries, as
well as food security programs. The Alliance will also work with Maganjo to market and communicate
the benefits of the product to target new consumers, including cross-promotion through existing food
security programs in Uganda and support for use in schools, hospitals, and prisons.
The Project will work to achieve FtF objectives by improving access and availability of food in Uganda;
one of the objectives of this component is to make more nutritious food accessible to low and middle
income Ugandans. To achieve results in this area, the Project will track the number of nutritious food
products that Maganjo puts on the market as a result of Project assistance, and the average decrease in
price of existing Maganjo-developed products.
TASK 1: AGROWAYS ESTABLISHES AN ALLIANCE WITH
MAGANJO GRAIN MILLERS TO SUPPORT PRODUCTION OF
MAIZE GERM AND MAIZE BRAN PRODUCTS
Following the signing of an MOU between AgroWays and Maganjo that will supply high quality maize
germ and bran to Maganjo, UVAMA facilitated a grant to increase Maganjo’s capacity to develop
products using maize germ and maize bran. In April 2014, the Alliance and Maganjo jointly paid for a
maize germ/bran roaster and two flour mixers/ blenders from a selected supplier. The purpose of the
roaster is to enhance the flavor and reduce the oil content of the roasted maize germ and bran; the
rotary mixers will improve the flour mixture’s consistency. Since this new equipment is electric-
powered rather than charcoal-powered, the equipment is also expected to reduce food contamination.
An unexpected result of this quarter’s project activities is that Maganjo paid for a second grain roaster
outside of the grant’s scope, thereby increasing its cost share to the UVAMA project by another
$30,000 USD. The equipment is expected to arrive in August 2014.
23
TASK 2: SUPPORT PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT OF MAIZE GERM
AND MAIZE BRAN PRODUCTS FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION
In addition to providing grant support for additional maize processing and blending equipment, UVAMA
is supporting Maganjo to develop new products that are affordable for lower and middle-income
consumers. During the current reporting period, UVAMA hired a food scientist to assist Maganjo with
its product development efforts. Specifically, the food scientist, Dr. Charles Muyanja has been tasked
with assisting Maganjo to develop two new products incorporating maize germ and maize bran by the
end of August 2014. During the current quarter, Dr. Muyanja developed the formulations for three
products and will proceed to test these with the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) and on
the market, with bakeries and confectioneries.
In the next quarter, the Project, in collaboration with the food scientist will finalize testing, and begin
developing a communications strategy to convey the benefits of these new products to consumers.
24
MONITORING AND EVALUATION
M&E efforts were implemented on schedule during the current reporting period. Through the AFO, the
project relied on lead farmers to track the “follower farmer” trainings. These lead farmers provide
information on training attendance and the topics discussed in the trainings each week. The data
collected contributes to the Project’s farmer and beneficiary targets.
During the third quarter, Grameen also began piloting its smartphone-based M&E system which will
capture data on: (a) the number of households using MIS, and (b) the number of trained farmers and
others who are applying improved technologies and management practices. Already, the VAC operators,
one lead farmer and the AFO have been equipped with smartphones and are registering households in
their vicinity as well as offering smartphone-based extension services to farmers.
In addition to standard M&E activities, on June 26, 2014 the Project and USAID/ Uganda’s M&E Specialist
met with the QED Learning Contract to discuss a number of issues related to uploading the UVAMA
PMP into the Mission’s Performance Review System (PRS). It was determined that although the UVAMA
PMP had been approved by USAID, the Results Framework is not properly aligned to its Indicators. It
was agreed that the Indicators be uploaded and the Results Framework amended and submitted for
approval together with the Year 2 Work Plan.
CROSS CUTTING ISSUES
GENDER
Since maize cultivation is mostly carried out by women, while men participate at the marketing (post-
harvest) stage, farmer groups identified to receive trainings were advised to select mostly women lead
farmers to attend the ToT sessions. As a result, 19 females out of 31 lead farmers attended the ToT in
the Kityerera and Mayuge districts; and 13 females out of 31 lead farmers attended the ToT in the
Namwendwa and Kaliro districts.
As a result of this targeted approach, thus far, the Project’s training data indicates that female lead
farmers have been instrumental in attracting other female farmers in the Maize Agronomy and Farming
as a Business follower trainings carried out from February through June 2014 (around 60% female v. the
project’s targeted 40%). The objective is to have more women involved in the marketing, business
decisions, and quality upgrading that will result in higher revenues and incomes.
The Project is also targeting women through its MIS activities. Grameen carried out an assessment of
AgroWays’ VAC Managers, their assistants and some active lead farmers that could be trained to
operate the MIS. Only 2 operators among AgroWays’ VAC managers were women; however both were
selected out of the seven VAC Managers to be trained to operate the MIS and to manage the mobile
motorized maize shellers. Although there are more men than women trained in MIS, UVAMA ensured
that its female AFO and a highly competent female lead farmer were also trained ensure female
participation.
25
ENVIRONMENT
In order to implement environmentally-sound Project training techniques, UVAMA incorporated
information on the active Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer User Action Plan (PERSUAP) into the
Maize PHH and Storage training materials. The project also tracked activities and results against the
EMMP as described in the table below.
26
Mitigation Measure from EMMP Frequency of
Monitoring &
Reporting
Status of Mitigation
Measure
Outstanding Issues
related to Mitigation
Measures
Remarks
Intermediate Result 1: Expand Access for smallholders to new high-value market segments
Sub-IR 1.1 Facilitate access to investment in corn syrup production
- The project shall incorporate
mitigation measures into all sub-
contracts with construction firms for the
de-germer line as follows: Construction
activities shall not result in the pollution
of water or land resources; no wetlands
or waterways shall be filled or otherwise
affected to construct the foundation; all
construction material shall be disposed of in accordance with regulations, and at
the least, shall be disposed of at an
approved location; all fill material
required for construction shall be
sourced from an approved location;
water conservation measures shall be in
place during the construction process;
appropriate erosion control measures
and drainage shall be in place during
construction.
Review sub-contract when
prepared; report in that
quarter’s Progress Report.
-Site visits at least two
times during construction
to ensure safeguards are in
place; report on adequacy
of environmental safeguards at the site
during construction phase
in that quarter’s Progress
Report.
Civil works currently
being carried out by
AgroWays and involves
leveling the area for the
de-germer. No water
source or wetland filled
and no drainage
blocked. Project
Director has been to site/GBC at least once
every month during
April – May 2014.
N/A N/A
27
-For de-germer construction, the
project shall comply with GOU
environmental regulations, which may
include, depending on scale,
Environmental Impact Assessment and
Pollution Control procedures.
-Review documentation of
approvals obtained and
report in that quarter’s
Progress Report
The de-germer is
expected in Sept. 2014.
N/A N/A
-For de-germer line processing, the
project shall comply with GOU
environmental regulations, which may
include Pollution Control procedures.
-The project shall ensure that a re-
use/recycle plan is in place that
conserves water, energy, and other
resources, and that describes how
disposal of all material is done in an
environmentally sound manner.
-Review reuse/recycle
plan, site visit to check on
implementation one time
during operation. Report
in that quarter’s Progress
Report
The de-germer is
expected in Sept. 2014.
N/A N/A
Sub-IR 1.2: Establish 3 additional Village Aggregation Centers (VACs) and 2 silos
- For silos and VACs, the project shall
incorporate mitigation measures into all
sub-grants with construction firms as
follows: Construction activities shall not
result in the pollution of water or land
resources; no wetlands or waterways
shall be filled or otherwise affected
during construction; all construction
material shall be disposed of in
accordance with regulations, and at the
least, shall be disposed of at an approved
location; all fill material required for
construction shall be sourced from an
approved location; water conservation
measures shall be in place during the
construction process; appropriate
erosion control measures and drainage
-Review contract and sub-
grants when prepared;
report in that quarter’s
Progress Report.
-Site visits at least two
times during construction
to ensure safeguards are in
place; report on adequacy
of environmental
safeguards at the site
during construction phase
in that quarter’s Progress
Report.
Civil works currently
being done by
AgroWays and involves
leveling the area for the
new silos. No water
source or wetland filled
and no drainage
blocked. Project
Director has been to
site/GBC at least once
every month during
April – May 2014.
N/A N/A
28
shall be in place during construction.
--For construction of silos and VACs,
the project shall comply with GOU
environmental regulations, which may
include, depending on scale,
Environmental Impact Assessment and
zoning.
-Review documentation of
approvals obtained and
report in that quarter’s
Progress Report
Silos expected in Sept.
2014.
N/A N/A
-In accordance with 22 CFR 216.3(b),
assistance for the procurement or use of
pesticides, including training in control of
stored product pests, shall comply with
the SO7 PERSUAP, 36Uganda3 SO7
Crop PERSUAP or the follow-on active
PERSUAP; if training will involve safe use
of pesticides, which have not been
evaluated in that PERSUAP, an
amendment must be completed and
approved by USAID/Africa Bureau
Environmental Officer (BEO) prior to
providing this assistance. The SUAP
recommendations and provisions of the
SO7 PERSUAP
http://www.encapafrica.org/documents/ie
e/36Uganda3_SO7_PERSUAP.pdf (or
other active PERSUAP) shall apply.
-Review curricula when
prepared; attend courses
as necessary; report on in
that quarter’s Progress
Report
Reviewed curriculum
and training materials –
included safe use of
pesticides.
N/A N/A
Intermediate Result 2: Increased saleable value and volume of smallholder produced maize
Sub-IR 2.1: Provide training in improved farming and post-harvest handling (PHH) practices
-In accordance with 22 CFR 216.3(b),
project assistance for the procurement
or use of pesticides, (including training in
pesticide use, safe use, and IPM), shall
comply with the SO7 PERSUAP,
36Uganda3 SO7 Crop PERSUAP or the
follow-on active PERSUAP; if training will
-Pesticide training curricula
complies with SUAP (only
approved pesticides
included in training; safe
use and IPM provisions are
included in training)
PHH and Storage ToT
training in June 2014
included safe use of
approved pesticides.
N/A N/A
29
involve safe use of pesticides, which have
not been evaluated in that PERSUAP, an
amendment must be completed and
approved by USAID/Africa BEO prior to
providing this training. The SUAP
recommendations and provisions related
to training in the SO7 PERSUAP
http://www.encapafrica.org/documents/ie
e/36Uganda3_SO7_PERSUAP.pdf (or
other active PERSUAP) shall apply.
-This condition (above) and other
information on the active PERSUAP shall
be included in the SOW for training, and
the trainer shall be made aware of
USAID pesticide requirements.
-SOW includes the
condition and information
on the PERSUAP.
Language to include: Only
pesticides that are approved
in the governing PERSUAP
may be recommended; no
assistance or advice shall be
provided on pesticides that
are not approved in the
PERSUAP; and all pesticide
training shall include
information on safe use,
personal protective
equipment, and IPM. The
trainer shall familiarize
himself/herself with the
PERSUAP prior to conducting
training.
Trainer’s SOW included
the condition and info
on PERSUAP.
N/A N/A
-Training tools and manuals shall comply
with the requirements on pesticides
-Training tools and
manuals are in compliance
with the active PERSUAP.
Training Manuals,
Pictorials, hand shellers
and tarpaulins were in
compliance.
N/A N/A
Sub-IR 2.2: Promote mechanized maize shelling to increase efficiency and reduce loss
30
Training of VAC operators on maize
shelling shall include information on
avoiding contamination of water sources
and soils, minimizing water use, and
proper disposal/re-use of maize cobs.
-Review curricula when
prepared; attend courses
as necessary; report on in
that quarter’s Progress
Report
Training was on proper
shelling. Operators
advised to use cobs for
either pig feed or as fuel
for cooking.
N/A N/A
Sub-IR 2.3: Build backward linkages through AgroWays’ embedded services to supplier groups
-The project shall ensure that demo
plots are located on plots where
agriculture is already established, and no
natural areas shall be disturbed to
establish the plot.
-Site visit to proposed
demo plot one time prior
to beginning demo
plantings, report on when
site visit takes place
In planning stage. Initial
demo plots expected in
Aug./Sept. 2014 on part
of VACs’ land.
N/A N/A
-The project shall not promote GMOs
and any activities involving promotion of
GMOs shall be subject to USAID
biosafety review and approval, as well as
host country review and approval before
being introduced.
-Review documentation of
no GMOs; monitor and
report on one time prior
to planting at demo site
NASECO, the seed
company working with
AgroWays does not
promote GMOs.
N/A N/A
-The project shall sensitize farmers by
providing TA in conservation farming
practices to promote environmental
protection at the farm level.
-Review TA provided.
Report on when training
occurs
This was done in the
Feb. 2014 ToTs.
N/A N/A
-Training for VAC operators, farmer
associations, and demo site staff: In
accordance with 22 CFR 216.3(b),
project assistance for the procurement
or use of pesticides, (including training in
pesticide use, safe use, and IPM), shall
comply with the SO7 PERSUAP,
36Uganda3 SO7 Crop PERSUAP or the
follow-on active PERSUAP; if training will
involve safe use of pesticides, which have
-Review curricula when
prepared; attend courses
as necessary; report on in
that quarter’s Progress
Report
VAC operators trained
in May 2014 on
Grameen MIS extension
service which comply
with PERSUAP.
N/A N/A
31
not been evaluated in that PERSUAP, an
amendment must be completed and
approved by USAID/Africa BEO prior to
providing this training. The SUAP
recommendations and provisions related
to training in the SO7 PERSUAP
http://www.encapafrica.org/documents/ie
e/36Uganda3_SO7_PERSUAP.pdf (or
other active PERSUAP) shall apply.
-Fertilizers shall be used in accordance
with best practices, promoting
integrated soil fertility management,
within the context of the prevailing
biophysical and socio-economic
conditions, as well as the desired
outcomes. To this end, the Fertilizer
Fact Sheet (Annex C) shall be followed
by those managing the demo plots.
-Monitor quarterly, and
report on in annual
statement in the end of
year Progress Report
Demo plots not yet set
up.
N/A N/A
-The project shall not assist in obtaining
financing for purchase of pesticides.
-Monitor quarterly, and
report on in annual
statement in the end of
year Progress Report
The Project has not
been involved or
assisting in this regard.
N/A N/A
-The project shall not assist in obtaining
financing for purchase of GMO seed or
other GM material
-Monitor quarterly, and
report on in annual
statement in the end of
year Progress Report
The Project has not
been involved or
assisting in this regard.
N/A N/A
M & E System
The project shall ensure all activities are
in compliance with GoU regulations
(environmental, zoning, pollution
-Review documentation of
approvals obtained and
report in that quarter’s
All activities are in
compliance.
N/A N/A
32
control, labor). Progress Report
Alliance members shall review each WP
against the IEE to ensure planned
activities are included in the IEE; and if
additional activities not described in the
IEE are added to this program, an
amended IEE must be prepared and
approved before any funds can be
obligated.
Review documentation
showing screening of WP
against the IEE; report
annually at the time of WP
development.
2015 work plan will be
reviewed against the
IEE.
N/A N/A
33
COLLABORATION, LEARNING
AND ADAPTING EFFORTS
On April 29, 2014 the Project Director and the Finance and Administration Manager attended the Feed
the Future (FtF) Implementing Partners Planning Meeting. In addition to receiving updates on partner
Projects and activities, UVAMA received contacts for Munyegera Agromachinery which fabricated the
four mobile motorized maize shellers that were purchased during the current period.
On May 19, 2014 the Project Director and the Finance and Administration Manager attended the USAID
Mission Risk Assessment Workshop at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel. The workshop was intended to
guide implementing partners on how to assess risks, liabilities and security concerns and related costs.
Consequently, the UVAMA Risk Mitigation and Contingency Plan was submitted to the Mission on June
6, 2014.
On May 19, 2014 the Project Director attended a PowerPoint presentation by Mr. Simon Costa of the
World Food Program (WFP) who presented their findings on a study that explored the effects of post-
harvest food losses. The study, funded by the British Department for International Development (DFID),
the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and WFP, was carried out on 400 homes in Uganda and
another country in West Africa from April 2013 to April 2014. The results emphasize the need to train
and sensitize smallholder farmers on all aspects of PHH to maintain good food grades and connect to
quality markets.
From June 16-19, 2014 the Project Director attended the FtF Partners Meeting in Mbarara, Western
Uganda. The objective of the meeting was to enhance collaboration and sharing among partners in
order to improve integration, innovation and scaling up of results. As a result of this meeting and field
visit, the Project Director:
a) Witnessed how CPMA’s processor/trader/village agent model operates, and how Ag-Inputs Activity
has linked village agents with wholesale agro-input suppliers;
b) Observed how the Community Connector (CC) offers an integrated package of agriculture,
nutrition and savings activities to the most vulnerable households; and
c) Interacted with members of the District Operations Planning (DOP) which coordinates and
harmonizes the district local government and donor activities.
The UVAMA project is collaborating with the Agro-Inputs Activity to link the UVAMA VACs to their
identified agro-inputs wholesalers.
34
QUARTER 4 PLANNED ACTIVITIES
Task Activity Timeline Responsible
Component A: Expand access for smallholder farmers in Busoga region to new higher
value maize market segment
Task 1. Facilitate access to new investment in corn syrup production
A.1.c Complete the feasibility study for
corn syrup production
August 2014 Consultant
A.1.d Complete civil works for the de-
germer line
August 2014 AgroWays
A.1.e Prepare ToR for business
development consultant and
identify one to two consultants
with knowledge of regional
funding sources who can sell the
business plan
September 2014 AgroWays and CARANA
A.1.f Engage the business development
consultant to complete business
plan and identify the regional
funding sources
September 2014 AgroWays and CARANA
A.1.g Identify the corn syrup
production equipment supplier
September 2014 AgroWays
A.1.h Make further payments for and
install the de-germer line
Aug – Sep 2014 AgroWays
Task 2. Establish 2 silos, each of 1600MT, at AgroWays’ GBC and 3 VACs
A.2.b Identify potential farmer groups
for grants/VAC selection in
Buyende district
July - August 2014 Project Director and
AgroWays
A.2.c Release a grants solicitation to
the pre-identified groups in
Buyende district
August 2014 Home office grants team
35
A.2.d Identification of potential
contractors and equipment
suppliers
July - August 2014 Project Director and
AgroWays
A.2.f Selection of sub-grantees in
Buyende, Kaliro and Namutumba
district
July – September 2014 CARANA and
AgroWays
A.2.g Implement three (3) grants Aug – Sep 2014 CARANA and
AgroWays
A.2.i Complete civil works for the
3,200MT silos
Jul - Aug 2014 AgroWays
A.2.j Make payment for and install the
silos at AgroWays GBC
Aug - Sep 2014 AgroWays
Task 3. Establish a maize market and MIS
A.3.f Develop a data mining report on
maize
August 2014 Grameen
A.3.g Carry out baseline assessment July 2014 Grameen
A.3.h Develop dashboard July 2014 Grameen
A.3.i Bulk SMS sent Jul - Aug 2014 Grameen
A.3.j Produce bi-monthly reports August 2014 Grameen
A.3.k Registration of households Jul –Sep 2014 Grameen
Component B: Increase saleable value and volume of smallholder-produced maize
Task 1. Provide training in improved farming and PHH practices
B.1.a Print the Maize PHH and Storage
Manuals and Pictorial
Presentations in English and
Lusoga
Jul - Aug 2014 Project Director
B.1.b Supervise "Follower Farmer"
trainings in PHH and storage in
Kamuli and Mayuge
Jul – Aug 2014 Agriculture Field officer
B.1.c Distribute the Maize PHH and
Storage Manuals and Pictorials to
lead farmers trained in Mayuge
and Kamuli districts
Jul - Aug 2014 Agriculture Field Officer
B.1.d Deploy the consultant for maize
agronomy and farming as a
business trainings in Jinja, Kaliro
and Namutumba districts
Jul - Aug 2014 CARANA
B.1.e Conduct 2nd ToT training in
maize agronomy and farming as a
business in Jinja, Kaliro and
Namutumba for lead farmers
Jul - Aug 2014 Consultant
B.1.f Distribute the Agronomy
Manuals and Pictorials to lead
farmers trained in Jinja, Kaliro
and Namutumba districts
Jul - Aug 2014 Agriculture Field Officer
36
B.1.g Supervise "Follower Farmer"
trainings in maize agronomy and
farming as a business
Aug - Sep 2014 Agriculture Field officer
B.1.h Air radio spot messages and
hold radio talk shows on maize
agronomy, PHH and storage and
farming as a business in Jinja,
Kaliro, Kamuli, Mayuge and
Namutumba districts
Jul - Sep 2014 Project Director,
Agriculture Field Officer
& AgroWays’ General
Manager
B.1.i Develop, produce and distribute
project communication
materials e.g. T-Shirts,
brochures, bags, etc.
Jul - Aug 2014 CARANA
Task 2. Promote mechanized maize shelling to increase efficiency and reduce losses
B.2.b Procure part of the 22 mobile
maize shellers
Aug - Sep 2014 Project Director and
AgroWays
B.2.c Train VAC operators on use of
the mobile motorized shellers
Jul - Aug 2014 CARANA, AgroWays
and Supplier
Task 3. Build backward linkages through AgroWays’ embedded services to supplier groups
B.3.a Establish long-term selling/buying
and VAC management
relationship with the selected
grantee farmer groups in
Buyende, Kaliro and
Namutumba districts
Jul - Sep 2014 AgroWays
B.3.b Set up maize demonstration plots
at VACs
Aug - Sep2014 AgroWays and
Agriculture Field Officer
B.3.c AgroWays interests
agrochemical companies to stock
supplies at its VACs
Aug - Sep 2014 AgroWays
B.3.d Work with selected financial
institutions to offer financing
solutions for small farmers
groups
Jul - Aug 2014 AgroWays
Component C: Develop maize germ and maize bran products for human consumption
Task 1. AgroWays establishes an Alliance with Maganjo Grain Millers to support
production of maize germ and maize bran products
C.1.e Implement the grant agreement Apr – Jul 2014 CARANA and Maganjo
Task 2. Support product development of maize germ and maize bran products for human
consumption
37
C.2.a Develop maize germ and maize
bran products
Jul - Aug 2014 CARANA and Maganjo
Task 3. Promote nutritional benefits of maize germ and maize bran products for human
consumption
C.2.a Communication Specialist
develops marketing strategy for
Maganjo
Aug - Sep 2014 CARANA