UGANDA VALUE-ADDED MAIZE ALLIANCE PROJECTpdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/PA00MV4W.pdf · uganda value-added...

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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


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


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;


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


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


include, depending on scale,

Environmental Impact Assessment and

zoning.




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


approved by USAID/Africa BEO prior to

providing this training. The SUAP

recommendations and provisions related

to training in the SO7 PERSUAP




-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.





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.


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





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


approved by USAID/Africa BEO prior to

providing this training. The SUAP

recommendations and provisions related

to training in the SO7 PERSUAP




-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.


report on in annual



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


report on in annual



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




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

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