Mercy CorpsAgriculture Development

Overview

• Snapshot of Mercy Corps’s Agricultural Development Programming

• Our “Preferred” Methods and Approach

• Some Examples and Results

Mercy Corpsand

Agriculture Programming

• Traditional area of intervention for Mercy Corps since inception in 1979

• In recent years (5-7 years), in response to global contextual situations and Mercy Corps’ global growth, agriculture programming has expanded quickly.

• Globally, approx. 80 projects implementing $150+ million in 30 countries

• Reach: Approx. 1 million smallholder farmers

We work with:farmers, agribusiness, communities, and local governments

to decrease hunger, increase incomes, and improve environmental sustainability

METHODS: Who we work with and how we work towards sustainability?

I. Emergency Programming:•Feed Provision (conventional feed) •De-Worming (Broad spectrum drugs)•Vaccination exercise

II. Longer Term Programming•Promotion of Animal Health services–Training of CAHWs (Technical training and Business skills)–Provision of Vet-Kits (starter Kits)Developing Best Livestock Management practices Guide –Drought cycle management–Herd Management –Destocking/Restocking–Breed selection

METHODS: Mercy Corps Livestock Interventions

Livestock Related Infrastructure• Veterinary clinic

• Cattle Market

• Veterinary Pharmacies

• Cattle Crushes/Dips

METHODS:3 primary components to effective Ag Development

METHODS:Livestock Intervention cont…

Feed Production

•Fodder Production from Indigenous plant (Ethiopia)

•Feeding trials on Drought resistant fodder (Halophyte based, Mangroves)

Institutional Support to Government

•Capacity building on planning

•Provision of Equipment (Means of transport)

•Policy Advocacy

METHODS:Financial Services / Access to Capital

• Design and pilot new savings and loan products

• Design loan guarantee, access to on-lending capital, loan capital needs of Fin. Institutions.

•Foster linkages between farmers and Fin. institutions.

•Financial literacy.

Coordination

• National Government (Vaccination exercise, Training of CAHW)

• INGOs and FAO, specially on CAHW training

• Beneficiaries through provision of grants (community implement livestock related project through MC grant)

Naik Abad

Gezab

Zearat

Tarin Koot Mohibullah

Nade Ali

Shoor Andam

Pak border

Chilghor

Nagahan

Baba Sahib

Khojalai

Grishk

Garam ser

Nawa

Maiwand

Panjwai

Cattle market

Boldak

Choora center

Tarin Koot

Bust

Dand

DecNovOctSepAugJulyJunMarAprMarFebJanDecNovOctMonth

20082007Year

Time Frame

Name of VFU

subsidize medicine @25%

subsidize medicine @25% +VFU rent

Subsidize medicine @25% + VFU rent+ salary

Monitoring + VFU cooperative formation

What have we achieved?

VFUs' Net income(category III)

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-5000

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5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

30000

35000

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VFUs

Ne

t In

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me

September07

October 07

November 07

December,07

January,08

February, 08

March,08

April, 08

May, 08

June, 08

July, 08

Aug.08

Sep.08

Oct.08

Nov.08

Dec.08

Challenges

• Lack of long term funding commitment

• Free handouts undermine sustainability

• Poor coordination at a field level

Thanks

The End