Eco-Agric Uganda Third Quaterly Report 2015

Progress Report for VCD Partners

Name of organization: Environmental Conservation and Agricultural Enhancement Uganda (Eco-Agric Uganda)

1- PROJECT INFORMATION 1.1 Project Data

Project Title

Reporting Period

From : To :Scaling Up & Out Beans Production In Hoima District Through Use Of Improved Bean Varieties, Integrated Natural Resource Management, Reduction Of Post Harvest Losses And Strengthening Accessed Market

E1st October 2015 ocooo111cr

30th September 2015

Project AcronymEco-Agric (U)

Grant Number Date of Approval Start date of project

Closing Date for project

Closing date for measurement of results

aBi-VCD 1038-14 30/09/2014 01/10/2014 30/09/2016 31/12/2016Grant Amount Disbursement for Reporting

PeriodCumulative Disbursement at End of Reporting Period

Ug. Shs. 472,935,000 Ug. Shs. 51,528,750 Ug. Shs. 280,875,000/=

Project Co-ordinator Phone +256 (0) 772 586 495

Miss Nakakande Josephine Email [email protected] Nil

2.0 Implementation Status: Progress towards achieving the Objectives/Key Results (outcomes) during the Periodref Activity Progress and Outputs

(Describe what, where, when, who and how, outputs, any delays, reasons for delays/success).

Outcome (Intermediate) /Expected resultsDescribe changes that have occurred as a result of the activity

Way forward/Action areas

1 Mobilization & group strengthening

The 62 farmer groups that were formed from April 1st to June 15nd have developed constitutions and are now saving and accessing credit from their groups. There has been continuous group strengthening, groups have made

186 farmers from the different farmer groups have attended the trainings

Group inventories have been filled for follow up of the farmer groups.

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mailto:[email protected]

ref Activity Progress and Outputs(Describe what, where, when, who and how, outputs, any delays, reasons for delays/success).



constitutions and are meeting regularly2 Setting up

demonstration sitesA total of 62 demonstration sites of one acre each were set up among the 62 farmers groups. a total

Farmers have adopted row planting, appropriate spacing and use of rizorbia during planting

All the demonstration sites were set up by technical people and are doing well though they were initially affected by drought.

3 Training in VSLA The 62 new groups have been trained in VSLA. This was also done by the 65 Change Agents who continued strengthening the groups and following them up.

All the 120 farmer groups are saving in their VSLAs. The amount contributed by group members into the saving scheme is determined by their constitutions. At least each group has an average a portfolio of 400,000/=

Saving boxes have been distributed to the different farmer groups. Continuous group monitoring and strengthening has been done.

4 Post Harvest Handling (PHH) training

At least 70% of the total beneficiaries carried out post harvest handling (PHH) of beans. There were also continued trainings about PHH where 840 people attended.

70% of the beneficiaries that is 525 members participated in the training where farmers gained new skills and knowledge on PHH of beans and bulked 12 tonnes of beans.

A total of 56 trainings and 22 demonstrations on PHH have been done. 12 tonnes of good quality beans were produced and marketed at a better price. Beneficiaries learnt and understood the principles of good PHHS for each stage (harvesting, transport, drying, sorting, protecting, and storing). They also learnt how their own PH systems could be improved

5 Training of farmers in wood fuel saving Lorena cooking stoves & making of charcoal briquettes

762 farmers have been trained in wood fuel saving Lorena cooking stoves in two sub-counties

A total of 42 stoves have been constructed while 324 farmers who were trained have adopted the use of wood fuel saving Lorena cooking stoves

More training and demonstration will be done in the next season

6 Gender mainstreaming

782 farmers have been trained about joint marketing of beans plus equal involvement and participation of family members in different agricultural

Awareness was created to 772 farmers on the role of equal and joint participation of all categories (women, men and

The activity was successfully conducted and Gender mainstreaming has been emphasized in all activities. This will continue as women need to be encouraged

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projects. These trainings were conducted to both women and men in all 62 farmer groups from 1st July to 30th

September 2015.

youth) in improved beans production and strengthening women farmers’ capacity in decision making. A total of 172 joint plans for the second season have been made

7 Training farmers in collective marketing and quality control

This was successful and a total of 12 tonnes of beans were sold to a seed supplier at 2000/= per kilogram as a result of collective marketing

There was increase in price of beans from 1200/= per kilogram to 2000/= per kilogram since farmers had a common voice

Since some farmers didn’t bulk and sold individually, there is need for continuous training

8 Training farmers in joint planning

780 farmers were trained in joint planning from 1st July to 18th

September 2015

750 farmers trained in joint planning have started practicing it.

The activity was successfully conducted and joint planning has been emphasized in all activities. This has to continue throughout the project implementation

9 Change Agents A total of 65 Change Agents were facilitated monthly and had their quarterly meeting. They are following up farmers and training about joint planning plus VSLA

65 change Agents facilitated successfully

There is need for continued support of the Change Agents especially with filling the report forms

10 Monitoring Participatory monitoring and evaluation method was used when monitoring and evaluating the progress and achievements made by the project.

Effective project implementation

There was introduction and promotion of women leadership in collective production, bulking and co-operative marketing. Change Agents were trained on gender related issues to be able to integrate gender in development activities. This would lead to reduced domestic violence as women will be involved at all stages and will be aware of whatever happens and the related outcome.

11 Monthly radio talk shows

Three radio talk shows were conducted on topic of post-harvest handling, collective marketing and joint planning

Attentiveness of the listeners was rated by their calls seeking for clarity and sharing of their

Othertalk shows will be held on different topics next season

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experience on the different topics discussed. Women were encouraged to discuss so as to capture their views.

12 Lobbing/creation of market

4 collective marketing centers have been initiated and are still being established

Farmers have started collecting their beans at the established centers for bulking so that they can sell at a higher price.

Marketing committees that would be in charge of produce marketing were formed.

Note: Please note that outcomes can also be from activities implemented during earlier quarters

3.0 Performance Measurement Performance measurement summary sheet

Result Level (from the results Chain)

Performance Indicator

Unit of measure

Total Target (Planned) Quarterly Target (planned) Quarterly Actual (realized) Cumulative Actual (since project start)

Deviation (Reason

for variance)

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Intervention level Partner trains farmers in recommended practices

6,000 farmers trained on good Agronomic practices

Number 2400 3600

0 6000 40 0 350 0 750 378 458 0 836 1876 1156

0 3032 Farmers were eager to learn especially on commercial improved beans producti

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Performance measurement summary sheet Result Level (from the results Chain)


Unit of measure


Deviation (Reason

for variance)

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

on

Number of Youth farmers trained / reached / beneficiaries

Number 1570 1430

0 3000 20 0 175 0 375 284 108 0 392 704 500 0 1204 The youth have also taken up the enterprise seriously

Partner establishes and trains marketing committees in collective marketing

4 marketing committees formed and trained in collective marketing

Number 3140 2860

0 6000 40 0 350 0 750 568 369 0 937 1340 1139

0 2479 Women were happy about this as it helped them during marketing

Partner trains farmers groups in VSLA methodology

200 VSLA groups formed / strengthened

Groups 2400 3600

0 6000 600 900 1500 620 980 1600

1360 1980

0 3340 VSLA groups had both male and female

Partner staff and service providers trained in various skills

69 partner staff trained

Number 42 24 0 65 42 24 0 65 42 24 0 65 42 24 0 65

65 service providers trained

Number 42 24 0 65 42 24 0 65 42 24 0 65 42 24 0 65

Input N/A N/A N/A N/ N/A N/A N/A N/A N N/A N/A N/A N N/A N/A N/ N/ N/A

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Unit of measure


Deviation (Reason

for variance)

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

suppliers build capacity of stockiest

A /A /A A A

Market Trigger level

SMEs establish value addition facilities

4 Bulking centers / stores established

Number

0 0 4 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 4 0 0 4 4

Partners set up Demos and offer advice

100 demos set up

Number 0 0 100 100 0 50 0 0 62 62 0 0 115

115

Number of farmers who received advice from the demos

6000 farmers received advice from the demos

2400 3600

0 6000 40 0 350 0 750 378 458 0 836 1876 1156

0 3032 All farmers that attended trainings visited the demos

Partners advise /train farmers in recommended practices

6000 farmers advised /train farmers in recommended practices

Number

2400 3600

0 6000 40 0 350 0 750 378 458 0 836 1876 1156

0 3032

Partners advise/train farmers on

6000 farmers received

Number

2400 3600

0 6000 40 0 350 0 750 378 458 0 836 1876 1156

0 3032 All farmers were

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Unit of measure


Deviation (Reason

for variance)

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

VSLA advise/traini

ng on VSLA

trained on VSLA

Partners train farmers in PHH and quality management techniques

6000 farmers trained in PHH and quality management techniques

Number 2400 3600

0 6000 40 0 350 0 750 378 458 0 836 1876 1156

0 3032 Farmers were eager to know how marketing would be done

Market Uptake Farmers adopting recommended practices

4500 farmers adopting recommended practices

Number 1350 2850

0 4500 675 450 0 1125 678 378 0 1056 2140 1180

3320 There is 77.6% adoption

Farmers adopt bulking and collective marketing

4500 farmers bulking

Number 1350 2850

0 4500 675 450 0 1125 678 378 0 1056 2140 1180

3320 More men are bulking than women

12000 MT in Total volume bulked and collectively sold

Kgs 6000 6000 6000

6000 12000

12000

12000

12000

Bulking has just started and it is still going on. This is the first time to bulk

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Unit of measure


Deviation (Reason

for variance)

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

SMEs adopt SPS and QMS standards

4500 Number of SMEs implementing SPS and QMS standards

Number

N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D

Farmers adopt VSLA methodology

100 VSLA groups operational

Number

0 0 100 100 0 0 50 50 0 0 60 62 0 0 142

80

VSLA savings portfolio

USh 0 0 1000000 1000000

0 0 500000

500000

0 0 320000

320000

0 0 320000

320000

Enterprise performanceFarmers/SMEs Make more Profit

Profit margins from below 240,000 to 500,000 shillings

Ush 0 0 380000 380000

0 0 380000

380000

0 0 380000

380000

0 0 380000

380000

Selling not yet done

Farmers reduce cost of production

Average production cost per acre

Ush / Acre

N/D N/D

300,000 N/D N/D 300,000

N/D

N/D 500,000

N/D 5000

N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D This is still high since area under production is low

Farmers increase productivity

Average yield per Acre from 244 kgs per

Kg / Acre

N/D 700 N/D N/D N/D 700 N/D

N/D N/D N/D 450

N/D N/D N/D 450

450 Not yet established since PHH

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Unit of measure


Deviation (Reason

for variance)

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

acre to at least 600 kgs per acre

still going on

Farmers sell more produce to buyers

2000 MT Total Volume of produce sold

Kgs N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D 6000

N/D Successfully done

Farmers sell at higher prices

Average price at which produce was sold

Ush N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D 2000

N/D This increased the volumes

Farmers/SMEs linked to buyers

Number of buyers linked to buyers

Number N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D N/D N/D N/D

N/D Selling not yet done

Sector Growth

Farmers/SMEs increase production capacity

4500 acreas under bean production

Acres 4500 1125

1504

1504

1504 Each farmer had two acres of beans

Farmers/SMEs Increase volume produced

4000 MT of beans Produced

Kgs N/D 4000 N/D N/D N/D 1125

N/D N/D N/D 6000

N/D N/D N/D 6000

N/D PHH still going on so amount not established yet

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Unit of measure


Deviation (Reason

for variance)

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Mal

e

Fem

ale

Oth

er

Tot

al

Impact Farmers/SMEs increase Income

Income of the farmers/SMEs increased by 30% per farmer

USh N/D N/D

500,000 500000

N/D N/D 500,000

500000

N/D N/D 380000

380000

N/D N/D 380000

N/D This is 25% increase in income per acre

Farmers/SME employ more people

3000 casual workers on-farm Jobs created

Jobs N/D N/D

3000 N/D N/D N/D 750

N/D N/D N/D 1602

N/D N/D N/D 1602

1602 Each beneficiary created at least 2 jobs

Add any other information that you think is relevant

3. Lessons learned (give 3-5 key lessons)

Working with groups makes work easy especially when it comes to monitoring and follow up. Gender integration gives high rates of household development as both husband and wife plan together Collective marketing fetched a lot of money to the farmers and saved on time Farmers need to work under the guidance of technical people so as to have the best results as expected

4. Planned activities for the next reporting period

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No.

Types of activity Targets to be achieved

When to be implemented

Where and by who Responsible person

1 Mobilization and group strengthening 25 groups to be established and 750 farmers to be trained

October, November and December

Bugambe, Kiziranfumbi, Buhimba and Buhanika, by Eco-Agric staff

Project staff

2 Training on post-harvest handling techniques

750 to be trained October, November and December


Agricultural officer

3 Lobbying/creation of market linkages October, November and December


Agricultural officer and Gender officer,

4 Monthly radio talk shows 3 radio talk shows to held


Radio Hoima by Project coordinator, gender officer and radio presenter

Gender officer

Training of farmers in wood fuel saving Lorena cooking stoves & making of charcoal briquettes

750 farmers to be trained


Bugambe, Kiziranfumbi, Buhimba and Buhanika, by Eco-Agric staff.

Project staff

5 Training in VSLA methodologies 750 farmers to be trained



Project staff

6 Gender mainstreaming 750 farmers to be trained


Bugambe, Kiziranfumbi, Buhimba and Buhanika, by Eco-Agric Gender officer

Gender officer

7 Monitoring 50 farmer groups to be monitored


Bugambe, Kiziranfumbi, Buhimba and Buhanika, by Eco-Agric staff M & E officer

M & E officer

6 Staff support 4 staff to be supported


aBi trust and Eco-Agric Uganda aBi trust and Eco-Agric Uganda

7 Report writing and submission December Eco-Agric Uganda staff Eco-Agric Uganda staff

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5. Any other Information/comments

A total of 120 farmers groups have started Saving and Loans Associations and all of them have got saving boxes from Eco-Agric Uganda. A total of 12 tonnes of beans were harvested by the farmers and this has increased farmers income making beans growing commercial in Hoima district.70% of the farmers are using the recommended Post Harvest Handling techniques trained. this has helped them improve on their bargaining power.

Success story

Hoima Farmers Transformed from Subsistence into Commercial beans Growers

Transforming an individual farmer from subsistence to commercial farming is a big huddle. Farmers benefiting from the beans project supported by the aBi Trust have been organized in groups and are saving money jointly. This has opened up new opportunities in accessing credit easily from their groups, managing risk and making long-term investments to maximize incomes. This has prompted FINCA Uganda LTD and opportunity bank to come to the groups benefiting from the aBi Trust funded project to give loans to the groups. Some groups have accessed loans from opportunity bank for commercial beans production.

Farmer Groups Become Commercial Enterprises

Eco-Agric Uganda has trained farmer groups in improved beans production through use of improved agronomic practices like conservation agriculture “Less Labor, High Yield”, post-harvest handling, Farming as a Family Business, plus group saving and credit mobilization

More emphasis has been put on proper post-harvest handling techniques and collective bulking and marketing which is transforming farmers from subsistence to commercially farmers.

Agriculture Officers have worked with all farmer groups in a participatory way to cover the functions and expectations of commercial farming group members. Groups carried out self-assessments, identifying individual farmers who were ready to commit to the group for the purpose of producing surplus crops for marketing.High quality beans have been produced and farmers are now bulking so as to market collectively.

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Documents

Eco-Agric Uganda Third Quaterly Report 2015