Aide Memoire - West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) (Phase I, P172769) Implementation Support Mission, Dakar, Senegal, April 29-30, 2024 and wrap-up mission, Lome, Togo, May 15-18, 2024 I._INTRODUCTION 1. From April 29-30, 2024, the World Bank (WB) and the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF) jointly undertook an Implementation Support Mission (ISM)1 for the West Africa Food System Resilience Program (FSRP) in Dakar, Senegal. The WB team, led by Katie Freeman, thanks the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for the great preparation and participation in the mission. The objectives of the ISM were to: (i) review results; (ii) discuss technical details on elements of the Annual World Plan and Budget (AWPB) 2024; and (iii) review the project procurement, financial management, and environmental and social safeguards issues. 2. This Aide Memoire summarizes the mission’s findings and was discussed in the closing session of the mission and agreed following the ISM. II. PROJECT DATA AND RATINGS Program data Program funding Total: US$ 13 M [IDA-D929: US$ 10 M, TF0B8257: US$ 3 M] Effectiveness date IDA-D929: May 31, 2022, TF0B8257: September 8, 2022 Closing date December 31, 2026 Total disbursement to date 2024: US$ 3.48 M [IDA: US $2.35 M, TF: US$ 1.13 M] Disbursement rate (percentage) of IDA 2024: 24% Percentage of execution of AWPB 36.6% Detailed Ratings Previous (Nov ’23) Current (May ’24) Progress towards achievement of PDO Satisfactory Satisfactory Implementation Progress Moderately Satisfactory Moderately Satisfactory Component 2 Satisfactory Satisfactory Component 5 Satisfactory Satisfactory Financial Management Satisfactory Moderately Satisfactory Procurement Satisfactory Satisfactory Environmental and Social Safeguards Satisfactory Satisfactory Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Satisfactory Satisfactory III. IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS AND KEY FINDINGS 3. Summary: The mission reviewed implementation progress made since the last ISM in November, 2023. Implementation progress has been strong since the last ISM, owing in part to the setup of multiple technology parks and contracting of important commissioned grants. While progress since the last ISM continues and activities are now in place to ensure upcoming disbursements (including contracting of commissioned grants under the matching grant category), disbursements for these activities will follow in the coming six months, at which time Implementation Progress may be upgraded. Key achievements include: a) 9 PhD students awarded grants to work with the centers of specialization, beginning in April 2024; b) seven commissioned grants were signed for research in priority topic areas; c) five demonstration plots were established in five countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Chad); d) two open-field days and one guided tour were organized in three countries (Burkina, Mali, Chad) with 1,169 participants, including 667 men and 502 women. Over the coming months, the mission agreed to increase focus on: a) CORAF’s ILM support to countries through exchanges and technical assistance; b) further incorporation and tracking of MITA technologies (including through a digital, georeferenced platform) and c) closely monitor the 1 The list of participants can be found in Annex 1. progress of the commissioned -grants for possible scale-up of this activity. Under Component 5 (Project Management), unexpected staffing challenges resulted from the sudden departure of the project’s technical assistant and accountant, and the mission developed a plan for replacing them. 4. Review of Terms of Reference ToRs): The WB and CORAF agreed that the technical ToRs will be reviewed and agreed by the teams before submitting to STEP for final approval. Early this calendar year, CORAF submitted a large package of ToRs for review. Some of the activities were to take place within several weeks of receiving the ToRs. The mission reminded that the WB has 5 days to review ToRs, but that if all of the ToRs for the year arrive in a single batch, the review process will take longer. CORAF is asked to send ToRs for activities at least a month before that activity will take place, and to flag upcoming activities. The WB will commit to a faster turn-around of ToR reviews. 5. Staffing: The technical assistant and the accountant of the FSRP project have resigned for reasons which are still to be determined through exit interviews by Human Resources (HR). The mission agreed that CORAF would obtain the HR exit interviews and share with the WB. There have been recent concerns about salary levels (with CORAF requesting salary increases for key positions, including the accountant, technical assistant and communications person). The HR exit interview may determine if the departure was related to dissatisfaction with the salary scale. As noted in previous AMs, there is a high demand for labor in Senegal, and it has proved difficult to retain staff. In the prior reporting period, the CORAF M&E expert exited the program for a more competitive salary. In terms of replacing them, CORAF would like to hire people who have previously worked on other projects. The World Bank has provided the NO for the nomination of an accountant working on a Bank-funded project within CORAF. The contract signing is expected to be completed soon. Additionally, the WB agreed that CORAF will hire a driver under the FSRP budget. Following the resignation of the FSRP accountant and to avoid hindering smooth execution of activities, CORAF proposed 60 days’ work with the former accountant to finalize the pending issues and work on the handing over document. 6. AWPB execution: CORAF’s 2024 AWPB total amount is up to 3,39 billion FCFA. As of May 3 rd, 2024, 441,13 million FCFA expenditures have been executed, representing a budget execution rate of 13.0% (e.g., 16.8% under IDA Grant and 7.2% under TF). However, all the consultancy contracts and other engagements to date cumulate to 1,240 billion F CFA, which represents 36.6% of total budget. The projection of budget execution as of June 30th, 2024 is expected to be over 1,681 billion FCFA, representing 49.6% of the total budget. 7. Increasing the ceiling in the Designated Account (DA): Due to upcoming large disbursements related to commissioned grants, CORAF has requested that the DA ceiling be lifted from the current ceiling of $300,000 per withdrawal request to a larger value to accommodate the commissioned grants. Following the mission, the WB increased the ceiling for the IDA and TF to $750,000 for each. 8. Component 2 (C2): The implementation status of C2 is overall rated as Satisfactory. CORAF only executes activities in support of Component 2. For 2024, a total of 54 activities have been planned for 2024. As of April, 7 activities have been completed, 20 are in progress and 26 are planned for the remainder of calendar year 2024. Calendar year 2024 is expected to yield strong results for the CORAF program, as, among others, seven grants have been commissioned with research institutions across the region and these are expected to increase disbursement and impact of CORAF’s work. Detailed information on the activities implemented and results is presented as follows and in Annex 3. Anupdated version of the AWBP was provided by CORAF and will be discussed and agreed upon with the incoming Task Team Leader end of June. Assessment of Implementation Progress Progress on Component 2.1 9. Strengthen national (NCoS) and regional (RCoE) research centers. In 2023, CORAF, (i) evaluated research centers based on nine performance criteria and conducted a study on preferred governance structures. In 2024, CORAF will share the results of these studies and promote defined recommendations for improvements. (ii) CORAF awarded scholarships for 10 PhD students in 2023 who started their studies in April 2024. It is planned to award an additional 4 scholarships. (iii) CORAF plans to hold the first edition of the A. Toure Agriculture Innovation award – which was designed in 2023 - in 2024 in recognition of individuals and organizations addressing agricultural production constraints in the region. Moreover, (iv) CORAF has and continues to organize regional capacity building workshops on project proposal writing for agricultural research, on scientific articles writing for staff of research centers and on metadata analysis techniques and tools. Moreover, CORAF intends to promote mechanization in West Africa and proposed to hire a consultant to conduct a gap analysis of countries’ evidence-based mechanization policies, strategies, and investment programs. 10. Deepen and expand regional R&D networks: CORAF actively promotes regional R&D through organizing regional planning meetings for centers of specialization bringing together researchers from diverse institutions and research systems. Three meetings were held in 2023 and an additional three are organized for 2024. CORAF is funding 7 research activities (commissioned grants) which were selected in 2023 and will be started in 2024. Commissioned grant days were held on April 24th to 26th, 2024 to connect researchers. Moreover, in 2024 CORAF plans to implement contracts on the promotion of South-South collaboration with the objective to have at least 3 contracts signed per countries with technologies and innovations delivered to the requesting countries for deployment in the project intervention areas. 11. Modernize national extension services: To modernize extension services, CORAF has conducted a study to identify modern extension tools and approaches for recommendation to FSRP implementing countries; supported the development of curricula for innovation platform (IP) with two specialized consultants and provided trainings on IPs in 2023 and 2024. In 2024, extension and Agricultural Advisory Services will be trained in the use of modern extension and CORAF will promote the IP curricula with FSRP countries agricultural schools and universities for adoption. 1. Promote access and exchange of technologies: Five demonstrations plots were established in five countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Chad). Two open-field days and one guided tour were organized in three countries (Burkina, Mali, Chad), and witnessed 1169 participants. Based on great success in 2023, CORAF will continue to support the setting of technology parks to showcase proven technology and innovation in research centers. For the year 2024, CORAF will allocate 64,000 USD to each of the 8 operational Center of Specialization (+ one satellite park at Tamale-Ghana) in the FSRP countries (Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Togo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Chad) to set up and manage a technology park, organize a capacity building workshop for technology park managers, and procure 5 country-selected prototypes of technology to be showcased in the parks (and thereby incentivize the procurement of larger quantifies). CORAF is also planning the next Market of Technology, the MITA, on integrated pest and diseases management technologies and innovations. Moreover, CORAF proposed to develop a CORAF regional nutrition-sensitive agriculture strategy to provide guidance on how countries can better leverage agricultural investments made under the FSRP to achieve country nutrition goals. The World Bank has requested that CORAF work closely with the WB nutrition team and ECOWAS to develop a nutrition-sensitive strategy that builds on work already completed for the region. The objective is to develop a regional comprehensive nutrition sensitive agriculture strategy that provides clear guidelines for the development of cutting-edge technologies and innovations by research organisations with a nutrition lens. Progress under Component 2.2 2. Establish a participatory ILM platform: A firm has been contracted to conduct a study on the success stories of ILM and identify ILM experts in West Africa that could form a regional ILM platform. Results of this study were presented to selected stakeholders shortly after the ISM. Overall, 196 ILM initiatives were identified (24 from Burkina Faso, 36 from Mali, 36 from Niger, 17 from Togo, 32 from Tchad, 36 from Ghana, and 10 from Sierra Leone). The WB highlighted the WB / TerrAfrica studies and documents that were shared previously (including the strategy/concept note and Toolkit on ILM) which should be considered in the mapping exercise. 3. Support to countries for technologies: CORAF hosts the “Marché des Innovation et Technologies Agricoles� (MITA) to support countries in identifying and adopting climate smart agriculture technologies through their matching grant facilities. As of May, 2024 CORAF has supported: - Mali to purchase 285 power tillers and accessories (ploughs, seeders, harrows, and trailers) for distribution to agricultural cooperatives: companies have been selected for assembly and distribution. - Togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali to distribute 25,500 T of mineral and organic fertilizers, to select 1,078 T of improved seeds, and 1,290 poultry breeders to 9,552 beneficiaries. Togo and Mali have strengthened the capacities of 768 producers on techniques for degraded land management (Specially in promotion of the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides for sustainable agriculture, trained by CORAF). 4. Gender: During the reporting period, several gender support capacity-building meetings were organized to support the national teams. CORAF’s leadership was critical to organizing various learning and partnership events for the FSRP countries including on Gender and communication, women’s leadership, technology parks and Seed Business. CORAFs successful partnership with the Gender team at AICCRA should be continued; as well as the good practice of widely sharing TOR’s and programs to seek out complementarity with other Bank initiatives. Progress under Component 5 5. Progress on Component 5 (C5): The implementation status of C5 is overall rated as Satisfactory. Actions planned for 2024 are included in Annex 5. The final version of the AWPB 2025 will be submitted to the WB by November 30, 2024, per agreement in the FA. 6. Communication has been well integrated into the implementation of activities. Recent publications include FSRP activities and have been highlighted in CORAF monthly newsletter , covering component 2 activities. In addition to that, a video has been produced and shared on YouTube about to the recent FSRP Regional Training in Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Bioinformatics. CORAF has also launched a monthly social media campaign featuring success stories and testimonials from program beneficiaries. The first story highlighted the success stories of a cattle feed manufacturing company. CORAF will continue constant communication to countries and PIUs related to their activities. 7. Financial Management (FM): The overall performance of the FM was downgraded to Moderately satisfactory (MS), mainly due to the absence of a dedicated accountant at the time of the ISM, and some discrepancies noted in the last IFR submitted to the Bank. As of May 27th, 2024, a total of US$1,808,190.82 had been disbursed to CORAF under IDA Grant D9290, representing a disbursement rate of 18.1% of the total IDA Grant. Disbursement from the Trust Fund (TFB8257) stood at US$1,130,988.23 or 37.7% of the total TF financing. The total disbursement so far is US $2.9 million implying a disbursement rate of 22.6 percent. 8. Procurement: The Procurement Performance remains Satisfactory and the risk Moderate. Eighty-eight per cent (88%) of the contracts have already been executed. • Implementation of Procurement plan: As of April 30th, 2024, a total of 13 contracts (586.850 US$) were launched out of a total of 15 planned (732.850,00 US$) of which, ten (10) consulting services and two (02) goods, resulting in coverage rates of 87.50 % in number and 83.41 in value (annex 5). Two activities were postponed. There is no work. • Training: The date for the WB training for PIU members will be communicated to CORAF once available. • Archiving of all procurement documents. In STEP, 17 activities are pending implementation, 20 are Under implementation and 0 are signed. CORAF was asked to archive all procurement documents to ensure STEP is up to date. Planning for pending activities should also be updated to reduce the red flags. 9. M&E: The M&E performance was rated as Satisfactory. Currently all results of the program can be tracked through excel. Furthermore, CORAF measures its own additional indicators. Countries have submitted preliminary data on results framework indicators which will be validated by regional organizations. CORAF’s M&E specialist will be invited to join Kobo trainings. 10. Environmental and Social (E&S) Risk Management: The E&S performance of the project is rated satisfactory. CORAF submitted its second quarterly report covering January to March 2024. The specialists from the 3 organizations screened two projects financed by CORAF. Moreover, they insured key E&S considerations have been integrated in the bidding and contractual documents, including the requirements to sign the Code of Conduct for the employees of six consulting firms as well as the six individual consultants contracted directly by CORAF. The revised ESCP has been disclosed on CILSS’ website. With regards to grievances, CORAF’s mechanism is operational. One grievance has been received to date and is now resolved. It concerned insufficient implication of a partner institution to FSRP activities. A GBV focal point has been appointed and its capacities will be strengthened by the regional GBV specialist on SEA/SH mitigation measures. Awareness-raising tools on SEA/SH, the code of conduct and the sensitive GRM will also be developed with the regional GBV specialist support. No accident/incident has been reported to date. In collaboration with CILSS and ARAA, CORAF submitted a safeguard action plan. The WB recommends modifying the plan to include greater support to the countries in the form of sharing of lessons-learned/best practices and identify specific areas for tailored technical assistance or capacity-building. The Bank will facilitate the specialists’ access to the countries’ quarterly reports, aide-memoires, and support the E&S team from the three institutions in establishing a methodology to track key E&S aspects. VI. NEXT STEPS AND AGREED ACTIONS 11. Annex 1 summarizes agreed actions and while Annex 2 shows the status of actions agreed during last mission(s). The mission agreed the following: • The mission discussed the possibility of additional commissioned grants. Pending the successful implementation of this round of commissioned grants, CORAF will explore this option. • The mission encouraged the ILM focal point to work closely with the lead on ILM from the WB side. This includes preparation for the upcoming ILM meetings and missions in Burkina and Senegal with the FSRP teams and hired NGOs. • CORAF will ensure a balance of disbursement of IDA and TF funds, accelerating TF disbursement. • CORAF will ramp up their support to the implementation of national Gender Action Plans and ensure specifically gender-sensitive matching grants. 12. The next technical meetings will take place with the new Task team leader Ashwini Sebastian in June 2024. The date for the next ISM will be determined during these meetings. Signed virtually: Katie Freeman Dr. Alioune Fall Task Team Leader, WB Acting Executive Director, CORAF ANNEX 1: Summary of agreements and agreed actions Actions Responsible Due Date Status 1) Component 2 1 Agree on updated AWPB CORAF August 15, and WB 2024 1a) Component 2.1 2 Consultancy for Strategy for CORAF June 30, nutrition-sensitive agriculture: 2024 Provide an improved TOR based on an analysis of existing information and strategies and consultation with experts on nutrition-smart agriculture to be WB (TOR D4-5) 3 Consultancy on data collection for CORAF May 30, MITA: Provide updated TOR 2024 including IT conceptualization (TOR F2.1) 4 Mechanization: Review KGGTF CORAF June, 30, concept and decide on collaboration 2024 5 Mechanization: Organize a visit for WB (ACT) July, 2024 ACT (and potentially CORAF’s consultant) to Mechanization Center (NCAM) and IITA in Nigeria 1b) Component 2.2 7 Geo-spatial mapping of WB May 15, Ongoing investments: WB will mobilize (Yasmina) 2024 support from Geo-Enabled initiative for Monitoring and Supervision (GEMS) team (Kobo and GEMS can be linked) 8 Geo-spatial mapping of WB May 15, Ongoing investments: WB will mobilize (Yasmina) 2024 support from disruptive technology team 9 Connect CORAF with SLM WB June 30, initiatives WOCAT, TerrAfrica and (Yasmina) 2024 GGW 10 Share draft Concept Note on ILM CORAF June 30, platform with WB 2024 2) Component 5 Project Management 11 Wrap Up: Prepare list of events and CORAF June 30, meetings planned 2024 Financial Management 12 Provision of all FM information (e.g. CORAF May 3 Disbursement disbursement) projections are not provided yet 13 Replacement of accountant CORAF ASAP (Memo: May 3) 14 Share “transition plan� of accountant May 3 15 Send internal audit report to WB CORAF May 1st 16 Send updated FM manual to WB CORAF May 3 17 Send external audit to WB CORAF May 31 (Draft available May 15) 18 Organize FM mission of WB FM WB June 30 – specialist depending on start date of accountant Procurement 19 Completed archiving in STEP CORAF May 30 20 Add all TORs for which the WB has CORAF May 15 provided its technical NO via email to STEP 22 Replanning of activities of CORAF June 30, Procurement Plan (following WB 2024 approval) 23 Invite CORAF to WB procurement WB TBC training Communication 24 Send all prepared documents on to CORAF June 30, WB 2024 25 Send all prepared documents to WB June 30, 2024 CORAF 26 Develop plan of publications of CORAF June 30, 2024 success stories for the component 2 per key thematic 27 Organize meeting with ECOWAS, WB June 30, 2024 CILSS and CORAF to enhance communication on regional success stories 28 Ensure that a repository on WB/ ECOWAS June 30, 2024 communication materials is created on the shared drive 29 Develop success story on Gender CORAF June 30, 2024 Safeguards 30 Conduct virtual session on ESIRT WB TBC 31 Safeguard training for commissioned CORAF June 30, grant recipients: assess needs and 2024 defined whether and what kind of training is needed (TOR F3.1) 32 Training on occupational health and WB June 30, safety training: assess whether WB 2024 can provide training (TOR F3.2) M&E 33 Join training in GEMS CORAF (M&E TBC specialist) 34 Set up system to measure ILM CORAF July 30, 2024 indicator via GEMS ANNEX 2: Status of actions as of last ISM Table 1: Summary of Agreed Actions Actions Responsible Due Date Status Technical aspects 1 AWPB: Scale-up ambition of CORAF Submission of Done as of AWPB, specifically include final AWPB Dec 2023 procurement of technologies for November 30 national centers and investment plans for additional centers 2 ILM: Share Concept Note on ILM CORAF March, 2024 Will be send platform to the WB by April 30 3 ILM: Develop detailed ILM work CORAF Nov 15 Done plan (Workplan of Harauna) 4 ILM: Plan an ILM day during the CORAF/WB Nov 25 Done wrap-up mission, CORAF to draft agenda 5 Technology dissemination: CORAF Nov 15 Done, based Develop list (from BtoB) of on countries technologies for countries to interest choose from (to be presented at expressed Wrap Up) during MITA. 6 Technology dissemination: WB Nov 20 Done during Organize meetings with WB Wrap Up. country TTLs to clarify mechanism of technology provision 7 Workshops: Provide list of planned CORAF Nov 15 Done. meetings/workshops in 2024 to ECOWAS 8 To provide NO on the financial WB Nov 15 Done. aspects of the PIM and grants manual 9 KGGTF: Follow up meeting to WB Nov 5 Meeting held, decide on collaboration on KGGTF agreement still work on mechanization to be found Financial Management 10 Provide FM presentation, including CORAF Oct 26 Done. confirmed status of disbursement and disbursement projections 11 Share contract of external hired CORAF Nov 15 Done. auditor (Mazars) 12 Share documentation on selection CORAF Nov 15 Done. process and contract of internal auditor (Frant Thornton) 13 Update CORAFs FM Manual CORAF January 15 CORAF has developed draft which will still be reviewed by CORAF management. 14 Enable CORAF to submit the IFR WB Nov 15 Done. IFR via Client Connection was submitted in client connection Feb 25 Procurement 15 Discuss issue to procure MITA WB Dec 1 Done. technologies with all TTL and PIUs 16 Invite CORAF to next WB WB Once date is Not done yet procurement training known Communication 17 Send results stories on CORAF CORAF Throughout Success story activities directly to WB implementation technology park sent Safeguards 18 Disclose updated ESCP CORAF Nov 15 Done. 19 Provide updated versions of the ESF Nov 25 Done. reports, including ESF screening of CORAF 20 Submit updated Safeguard Action ECOWAS/CILSS/ Nov 25 Done. Plan (including GBV/ SEA/SH) CORAF including all planned activities for 2024 21 Confirm that all staff have signed Nov 25 Done. CoC 22 Submit next ESF quarterly report tbc Done. 23 Conduct virtual session on ESIRT WB tbc Not done yet 24 Enhance knowledge sharing about CORAF Ongoing Done. GM of stakeholders M&E 25 Meeting to be held with ECOWAS WB/ ECOWAS/ Oct 28 Done as part of ISM CORAF, CILSS 26 Revise indicator that captures CORAF Dec 15 Done. enhanced capacity of CORAF Proposal will be made during this ISM ANNEX 3: List CORAF Participants ANNEX 4: Results Framework Update A progress report has been provided by CORAF: Progress-report-1st-semester_2024.docx (sharepoint.com) CORAF-specific indicators Baseline Final Actual Actual (2018) Target 2022 2023 1. Organizational capacity score for CNS, Dry cereals: 100% Dry cereals: 94% CRS and CRE 89% Roots and tubers: Roots and 93% tubers: 90% Fruits and Fruits and vegetables: 92% vegetables: Rice: 82% 69% Livestok:72% Rice: 77% Mangrove Rice: 64% 2. Number of people trained 26 incl. (disaggregated by type of training - short, 111 incl. 26 females 0 400 23% medium, and long-term - and by gender and 23 youth women and age category) 3. Number of partnerships established between international agricultural 0 9 7 research centers (CGIAR) and CNS, CRS and CRE. 4. Number of R&D projects jointly implemented by international agricultural 0 10 05 ongoing research centers and NSCs, SRCs and RECs 5. Number of modern, high-performance extension tools/approaches made 0 3 Mapping ongoing available to countries 6. Number of technologies and/or 0 150 70 innovations disseminated 7. Existence of a regional platform for integrated landscape management No Yes No (Yes/No) 8. Number of expert members of the integrated landscape management 0 50 0 community of practice (GIP) ANNEX 5: Detailed Summary of Activities A) OVERVIEW During the reporting period spanning from January to April 2024, the following results were achieved: A. Strengthen national and regional research centers. The first disbursement of about 4 125 000 fcfa (75% of annual funding) was allocated to each of the 9 Phd students amounting to a total of 37.125 million of fcfa. As part of the Immersion Program, 10 students were awarded scholarship in 2023 and are expected to start in April 2024. The centers of specialization have all responded and arrangements have been made for a successful start. B. Deepen and expand regional R&D networks. Seven commissioned projects were evaluated and accepted to be implemented. All have already signed the consortium agreement. A. Modernize national extension services. A 3-day workshop was organized, and the curricula developed for the innovation platforms were shared. The number of participants were 19, including 1 female. As a result, (i) the indicative plan for setting up and running an Innovation Platform and the training curricula were reviewed and validated, (ii) a roadmap for promoting and advocating the use of these curricula and a plan for IPs implementation were drawn up and adopted. B. Promote access and exchange of technologies. Five demonstrations plots are established in five countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Chad) during the off-season period. Two open-field days and one guided tour were organized in three countries (Burkina, Mali, Chad), and witnessed 1169 participants, including 667 men and 502 women. A training session was organized on the theme of "Building a profitable animal feed startup by transforming mango by-products into animal feed". In addition, two training sessions were held, one on heap composting for around a hundred (100) producers, and the other on processing non-timber forest products (NTFPs), in particular Balanites aegyptiaca fruit, into juice and soap for around thirty women from the intelligent village. These trainings witnessed the participation of 187 adults including 27% of women. Workshop organized in Dakar in February 2024 to set up agricultural technology parks in the countries to assess the 2023 crop year, plan activities for 2024 and build the teams' capacities in financial reporting, monitoring and evaluation and communication. The activity witnessed participation of 39 people (9 women) including teams from Benin, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Chad, Togo and Burkina Faso. C. Establish a participatory ILM platform. CORAF has hired a consultancy cabinet to carry out a mapping of good practices and experts in Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) and to guide the setting up of an ILM platform in West Africa. The consultancy identified 196 ILM initiatives: 29 in Burkina Faso, 36 in Mali, 36 in Niger, 36 in Ghana, 17 in Togo, 32 in Chad and 10 in Sierra Leone. D. Cross-cutting activities and project management. Webinar organized on gender mainstreaming in information and communication strategy for FSRP countries communication focal persons. That webinar allowed to provide participants with knowledge and skills to promote and use inclusive and gender-sensitive communications tools such as rural broadcast, gendered video-extension services, local languages and tailored made messages for illiterate farmers to facilitate their access to agric. resources including technologies and climate information and services. A working session was organized with IWMI West and Central Africa Regional Coordinator and Team to discuss partnership in the implementation of activities around Women and Youth Farmers’ Access to Rehabilitated and Irrigated Land, in FSRP implementing countries. As results, A roadmap was developed with agreed joint actions to be implemented by FSRP gender persons, ILM persons, and IWMI country team. A working session organized with the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD)for facilitating scientific and leadership capacity building for female researcher in FSRP countries. Digitization of Component 2 indicators on Kobo collect with the support of the bank and ECOWAS. Training for park monitoring and evaluation officers on data collection using Kobo Collect. Creation of a technology monitoring database on MITA Participation in the AGRHYMET Staff Capacity Building Workshop held in Niamey by introducing the social safeguard tools including the provisions of the Stakeholder Mobilization Plan, the Workforce Management Plan and the MGP. B) DETAILS A. Strengthen Regional Research Centers and Support Establishment of new National Research Centers. A.1 Sharing the outputs of diagnosis of the centers of specialization current governance mechanism. A regional workshop to review the results of the diagnostic study of the governance mechanisms of 7 Centers was held in Lome on 18 April 2023 on the fringes of the CORAF leaders' forum. This workshop provided an opportunity to propose a harmonized model of governance mechanism to be recommended to the countries. The current governance performance rates of the centers evaluated are shown in the figure 3. An average rate of performance of 50% has been observed. The regional centers of excellence including Dry cereals, Fruits & Vegetables and Root & Tubers are showing best rates of performances. Figure 1: Overall governance performance rates of the centers of specialization In response to the challenges of sustaining centers of specialization, the study proposes the governance model including an organogram (Figure 4) and recommendations (Figure 5) to countries hosting the centers. Figure 2: Governing bodies and framework of RCoS and RCoE Figure 3: Key recommendations for the governance of RCoS and RCoE A.2. Gaps analysis of countries evidence-based mechanization policies, strategies, and investment programs The terms of reference have been drafted and submitted to the bank for approval. Recruitment will start in the second quarter. A.3.Organization of the 1st prize for innovation Abdoulaye Touré A simplified concept note including an implementation manual of the Abdoulaye Toure Agricultural Innovation and research for development grant has been developed and reflected in the project implementation manual (PIM). As recommended during the Implementation Support Mission of May 2023, for a better operationalization of the grant, the Abdoulaye Toure Agricultural Innovation Award policy document has been reviewed. No objection was received. A.4 Finance the scholarship of 10 selected PHD students and award 4 additional The first disbursement of about 4 125 000 fcfa (75% of annual funding) was allocated to each of 9 selected students (Annex 3). Out of this, a total amount of 37,125 million was disbursed. The second tranche will be disbursed after submission of their annual technical report. A.5 Organization of a student day FRSP A meeting was held from 22 to 23 April 2024 in Lomé (Togo) and gathered students and supervisors to share the progress of their study according to the timeline and to be aware about the requirement of CORAF for technical and financial reports. A total of 30 participants including 9 students, 13 supervisors, 6 ES of CORAF team and 2 members of CORAF STC attended to the meeting. The STC members and the specialist of safeguard in CORAF attended virtually. Comments and recommendations were made to students and supervisors to improve their studies. A.6 Capacity building on project proposal writing and scientific articles writing (2 CN) The terms of reference have been approved for implementation but not yet started. The call for applications has been drafted and the notice will be issued by the end of April. A.7 Support capacity-building for NARS stakeholders in metadata analysis techniques and tools The terms of reference have been approved for implementation but not yet started. Recruitment will start in the second quarter. A.8 Immersion of students at the end of the cycle in the centers of specialization As part of the immersion program initiated in 2023, the 10 scholarship students have started in April 2024. The centers of specialization have all responded and arrangements have been made for a successful stay in the centers of specialization (Annex 3). B. Deepen and expand regional R&D networks. B.1.Support regional planning meetings of the 4 centers of specialization. The terms of reference have been approved for implementation but not yet started. Recruitment will start in the second quarter. B.2 Fund research activities of 7 commissioned grants Disbursements were made for the following seven commissioned grants. The review of the contract documents for the two remaining grants is underway and should be concluded by end-may. The grants will support the implementation of the following proposals : 1. Improving maize yields and soil fertility using soil microorganism-based biostimulants in Benin, Burkina Faso and Côte d'Ivoire [BIOSTIMULANT] led by INRAB (Benin); 2. Development of long-lasting onion and shallot varieties and wintering varieties for production and marketing in Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso [SHALLOT] led by INERA (Burkina Faso); 3. Improving the sustainable production of quality fodder and pasture seeds in West Africa [SEMF -AO -SAHEL] led by INRAN (Niger); 4. Diversification of food systems through the development of a soybean sector in West and Central Africa: implementation of action levers to improve the production and functioning of value chains [Soja-AOC] led by ISRA/CERAAS (Senegal); 5. Diffusion of F1 hybrids of irrigated rice varieties through the practice of the System of Intensive Rice production (SRI) in West Africa [SRI-HYBRID], led by IER (Mali); 6. Introduction of superior accessions/varieties of local fruit trees in landscapes under FSRP’s ILM through the grafting technique [Fruitiers Locaux] led by CIFOR-ICRAF-Burkina Faso, and 7. Climate-smart pest management for improved productivity of the main food crops in West Africa [BIORISK], led by ITRA (Togo). B.3. Organize CORAF’s commissioned Grants days 3 days hybrid meeting was held from 24 to 26 April 2024 in Lomé (Togo) to bring together the coordinator of each of 7 commissioned projects and financial specialist of each institution/organization member of grants consortia to attend the meeting. The focal points of non-leading institutions and M&E specialists of each member institution have attended the meeting virtually. The aim of the meeting was (i) to share the content of the proposals with participants for them to be aware of the ongoing research and up-scaling activities and contribute to the improvement of the proposals and (ii) to strengthen the capacity financial specialists, M&E specialists on CORAF’s fiduciary management, procurement, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning. Environmental and Social Safeguards by Mr. Baidy Tall (CORAF): Prior to the presentation of the various sub-grants, Participants were exposed to environmental and social safeguard measures in the following terms. All WB projects are implemented under the same sets of E&S safeguard instruments. CORAF (all partners) has signed and committed to respecting the social and environmental framework of WB. All activities related in project implantation must result in the social and environmental wellbeing of participants. CORAF expected to periodically submit E&S impact report to WB. Suppliers and Service providers also commit to respect the E&S. Grievance Management Mechanism based on confidentiality, accessibility and timely interventions in place. There is an existing Code of Conduct (CoC) from CORAF which all partners agree to conform. CoC highlights on strict avoidance of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH). Failure to respect the CoC may result in Project withdrawal. Sub-grant 1-Improvement of soil fertility and Maize Yield using Biostimulants by Prof. Baba- Mousa Lamine (Abomey-Calavi University, Benin): Maize and other cereals are highly consumed across Africa. There is an overuse of chemical fertilizers in maize production. New technology, Bio stimulants made from bacteria and fungus is proposed. Bacteria produced from harvested sorghum roots. Maintain soil biodiversity to increase yields and reduce striga incidence in Maize is also reported as outcome of the use of the new product. The project will evaluate this outcome in other ecological zones in the sub region. Nutritional status of yield will be evaluated. The project will also evaluate the farmers perception, social and economic acceptance of the Bio fertilizer. Sub-grant 2-Popularisation of the Hybrid F1 SRI in Intensive Rice Farming System by Dr. Minediou Dolo (IER, Mali): Africa has a huge capacity for rice production and consumption. Development of Irrigated rice varieties has increased rice production. Project seeks to popularise the high yielding F1 variety under SRI (Rice system intensification) practice. Hybrid F1 under SRI has a high yield potential. Project intends to establish demonstration plots and build the capacity of 600 farmers on the use of rice F1 variety under SRI. Increased yield will lead to Increased production and income. Sub-grant 3-Improving Onion and Shallot Production by Dr Vianey Targa (INERA, Burkina Faso): Vegetable production and demand continues to increase in the sub-region. Over production in well appropriate seasons (fresh dry season) vs Deficits in off-seasons (hot humid season). There are Pest pressure, lack of seeds and varieties adapted to wet seasons. There are massive imports of shallots and onion in off-seasons. The key objective is to provide producers with varieties suitable for wet season production. Undertake participatory assessment to identify local onion and shallots that tolerate humid and wet seasons. Identify and promote agronomic practices that enhance the production of off-season shallots and onions. Improve income for actors in value chain. Key outcome is to identify at least 10 high performing onion and shallots resistant to diseases an excess moisture. About 300 vegetable producers and other actors trained in cultivation, storage and processing (moisture resistant onion and shallot varieties. Improved storage infrastructure will be promote. Sub-grant 4-Climate-smart management of Bioaggressors of main food crops for better productivity in Africa by Tedihou Ekanao (ITRA, Togo): Cereals and vegetables are most farmed crops in Africa. There is an emergence of new Bio aggressors which have proven to be devasting to crop production. New knowledge of these bioaggressors is critical for their management. Key objective is to have an updated directory on main bioaggressors for tomato, okra and sorghum. Developing climate smart technologies for the effective management of these bioaggressors is needed. Key activities include the identification, characterisation of bioaggressors, the mapping of the distribution of bioaggressors. This new directory will be useful for the formulation and bio pesticides and control of bioaggressors for the main food crops. Prof Lamien was of the view that the project should target emerging bioaggrssors, since existing ones have been well documented. Sub-grant 5-Introduction by the grafting technique of superior accessions/varieties of local fruit trees into landscapes under integrated management of the FSRP by Dr. Catherine Dembele (CIFOR-ICRAF): Fruit trees and shrubs constitute important sources of vitamins and minerals very useful in filling the micronutrient deficiency of cereal-based diet in Africa. Project aims to promote the cultivation of three local fruit trees species including: (i) baobab (Adansonia digitata), (ii) the jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) and (iii) the tamarind (Tamarindus indica) for the intensive production of good quality fruits. Building the capacity, particularly women and young people, to graft accessions superior varieties onto local rootstocks, use as technology parks as source grafts for producers. The Project will raise awareness and promote the cultivation and consumption. Economic analysis of fruit tree production from superior accessions compared to non-grafted plants. B.4. Sharing of outputs of advocacy conducted for the implementation of a sustainable funding model for regional agricultural research activities in West Africa Activity on going and will be concluded by end-may. B.5 Implement the contract of the promotion of South South collaboration for delivery of technology and know-how Activity ongoing. C. Modernizing National Extension Services C.1 Sharing of the findings of modern extension tools/approaches mapped Activity ongoing C.2 Training of stakeholders on modern extension tools and approaches Three firms were hired to support countries in setting and running priority value chains innovation platform. The firm GRAD consulting group supported Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. The LRIDA firm supported Chad and Togo and Africa-Green firm supported Ghana and Sierra Leone. Of the 3 firms, LRIDA has been the one which completed its mission. For various reasons, including political crisis in Niger, delay in the identification of beneficiaries in Ghana and Sierra Leone, misunderstanding of the activity in Mali, the 2 other firms are yet to complete their mission. LRIDA firm’s achievements: Support to countries consisted of six main phases characterizing the methodological approach adopted for the implementation of the mission. These are: (i) the methodological framework, (ii) the update of the training document (modules), (iii) the identification of the actors to be trained, (iv) the training of the actors of the FSRP project in Togo and Chad and (v) the first coaching session/ IP launch and (vi) the second mentoring session for IP actors. The mission aimed to strengthen the capacities of actors of the Food System Resilience Programme (PRSA) in Togo and Chad on the establishment and facilitation of innovation platforms around agricultural value chains. The team of the Laboratory of Research on Innovation for Agricultural Development (LRIDA) that carried out the mission was composed of three experts specializing in agricultural innovation systems and technology transfer and agricultural innovations. She has trained 41 actors from different categories in Togo, including 13 women and 14 young people under the age of 35. In Chad, this training involved 55 actors including 16 women and 14 young people. Furthermore, the mapping of the sectors targeted by the Programme as well as the analysis of the different value chains identified in Togo and Chad have made it possible to set up seven (07) Innovation Platforms in each of its countries. These are, for Togo Innovation Platforms (i) Broiler for the national market of Agoe-Assiyéyé (Maritime region), Fresh cassava for the regional market of Ogou 1 (Plateau region), Fresh yam tuber for the national market of Tindjassé (Central region), Soybean grain for the national market of Tchamba (Central region), White husked rice for the national market of Tchaoudjo (Central region), Fresh tomato for the national market of Kozah 1 (Kara region), Fresh onion bulb for the national market of Dapaong (Savannah region). In Chad, the Innovation Platforms set up are related to (i) grain for the national market in Matafo in the Lac region, (ii) Grain maize for the national market in Lobotigué in the Sila region, (iii) Maize flour for the regional market in Pala-Erde in the Mayo-Kebbi West region, (iv) Grain maize for the national market in Linian in the Chari Bagrimi region, (v) Sesame grain for the national market in Tapol in the Logone Occidental region, (vi) Sesame grain for the national market in Marchout de Ouadaï, and (vii) Sesame grain for the national market in Bokoro in the region of Hadjer Lamis. In Togo, for the coaching & mentoring sessions, 173 actors including 30% women and 36% young people under 35 participated in the first coaching & mentoring session and 168 actors (43% women and 41% youth) at the second coaching & mentoring session. As for Chad, the first coaching and mentoring session helped strengthen the capacities of 224 actors, 34% of whom were women and 25% were young people under the age of 35. At the second coaching session, 299 actors, 45% of whom were women and 22% were under 35 years old. In addition, the actors were supported to identify the strategies and mechanisms for resolving the main constraints identified during the first coaching & mentoring session. It appears that the capacity building needs of actors are related to the training of actors on technical production and processing routes, integrated management of pests and other pests of crops, training on marketing and marketing techniques, facilitating access to production and processing materials and equipment, facilitating access to inputs (certified seeds, plant protection products and mineral and organic fertilizers), improvement of rural avenues for the approximation of agricultural products, capacity building for the reduction of production and processing costs, access to finance and financial education, etc. Compliance with environmental and social safeguard’s standards: As part of the training of PRSA stakeholders in Togo and Chad on the establishment and facilitation of innovation platforms by LRIDA experts, they have strictly complied with environmental, social, health and safety (ESHS) standards, have complied with the project’s occupational health and safety (HST) requirements and have also helped prevent EAS/HS, gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against children (CVE) both in the workplace and in the vicinity of the workplace, in workers' camps or in neighboring communities. 68 compliances with these standards was observed in the performance of the mission’s activities and in its environment. As the establishment and facilitation of IPs is an area of expertise specific to the LRIDA, the conduct of this mission was carried out entirely by LRIDA experts. Thus, no contract was made with a third party. The LRIDA experts also performed their duties with great professionalism and ethics. No actions aimed at harming the environment or adversely affecting social, health and safety standards were observed during the mission. The LRIDA experts also sensitized the actors met on gender-based violence (GBV) as well as violence against children (VCE) both in the workplace and in the surroundings during the different trainings of the actors. The LRIDA has therefore not received any complaints from the actors both against the LRIDA experts and against the actors themselves about these various acts mentioned above. Table 1: Chad PIs Management Committees Information and Innovation Platform President Secretary Treasurer communication Training manager officer BRAHIM Mahamat ADAM Zakaria Yacoub ABAKOURA Mahamat SEBA Beigararné MAHAMAT Altona Grain wheat for the national Abacar Seed Producer Shopkeeper SODELAC (CAT) market in Matafo Storekeeper 99 16 47 03 99 37 90 29 66 50 11 74 66 78 42 10 99 28 14 86 MAHAMAT AHMAD HAJJ Baradine Brahim BELENGAR Jacob ALHADJI Rachia Idriss Hamat Grain maize for the national Sabil Transformer Agricultural Shopkeeper Producer market in Lobotigué Tradesman 93 10 74 63 Advisor/ANADER 63 59 21 27 91 81 22 33 99 58 09 85 66 80 23 80 69 32 46 11 TCHAKNDIRIMITAO DJAMI Henri DAMI Tchéo DJINTOU Koye IGNABAYE Tchin Maize flour for the regional Odette Shopkeeper Producer Input supplier SODELAC (ANADER) market in Pala-Erde Transformative 66 77 20 21 66 84 93 74 66 08 63 25 66 86 29 21 60 18 01 57 DJIONRO Bembon IDRISS N'garbled DJAKOBAYE Kodmbaye MASSAL Lucie AHMAT Moussa Grain maize for the national Djinadoum Producer Producer Shopkeeper Producer market in Linian Counselor 66 45 90 04 66 39 70 43 66 40 22 06 66 42 62 62 66 05 07 22 NABO Charles RIMASBE IDRISS ALNODJI NINGAYO MAHAMAT MBAIRE Producer Shopkeeper Madeleine SOUMAINE NOUDJIMBAYE Sesame grain for the national 62 94 59 34 66 73 49 37 Transformative Shopkeeper ANADER market in Tapol 99 73 59 20 92 25 39 71 66 42 96 56 68 62 92 62 66 27 44 44 90 95 90 60 NASSOUR Abdel ADAM Bouhari ZARA Zakaria NASSOUR Khayara MOUMANE Youssouf Sesame grain for the national KhaniProducer Producer Producer A. Producer Agricultural adviser market in Marchout 66 18 45 96 99 00 17 59 90 61 97 39 69 88 67 78 95 55 84 06 Youssou Abakabir NENOUMRA MAHAMAT Bakhit ZIBA Ageline NISSOH Abel Sesame grain for the national Seed Madjibaye Producer Producer Producer market in Bokoro 62 20 68 78 Trainer (ANADER) 66 44 76 85 62 30 04 14 95 08 08 65 98 20 53 19 91 33 94 84 Table 2 :Togo PIs Management Committees Information and Innovation Platform President Secretary Treasurer communication Training manager officer DAOUDA Madjari TSOGBE Adjo BABA Dimitri LANHA Fernand ABI Stéphanie Ester Chicken meat for the national market of Ahmed Firmine Support services (Agro- Shopkeeper Avicultrice Agoé-Assiyéyé Input supplier Transformative service NGO) 99 99 67 81/98 98 55 15 90 11 19 45 90 84 24 66/99 63 12 02 90 93 59 67 93 53 75 06 OGNANKITAN Koffi KPANDEKPA Adome KASSABAGNE SEWOU Akouvi AKASSI Koffi Fresh cassava for the regional market of Dodji Support Service (Town Ognadon Desided Support Services (ICAT) Ogoué 1 Transformer Hall) Producer Shopkeeper 90 32 63 33 91 15 09 10 93 27 88 99 90 93 59 67 93 79 56 64 OUYENGA Hantou TCHAPOU ANAKPA Maleleng/ Fresh yam tuber for the national market DJAGRE Bowami HCDP (High Council KADISSOLI Hodalou Nakpème/ SONDOU KINGLO S. Elom of Tindjassé Shopkeeper for the Development of Shopkeeper Bigno-Kignohou ICAT agent the Prefecture) Microfinance MISSIH Aklesso BAMANA Mayambatena OUDEI Djariatou KAO Noélie ASSIH Abalo Soybean grain for Tchamba national Awossa Head of Agency ICAT Producer Seed farm Shopkeeper market Shopkeeper Tchamba 90 11 79 15 91 76 04 51 91 98 30 12 92 68 29 23 90 84 97 66 OURO-BANG’NA OURO ATAM ALEGBE Safianou WIYAOU Mazibédong BIKILI Sindjalim White husked rice for the national market Mamatou Mohammed Head of Agency ICAT Transformer Seed of Tchaoudjo Shopkeeper Rice producer Sokode 92 46 25 43 90375681 90165085 90250980 90 02 47 63 GNASSINGBE S. YAKA Essokilina KATAMBARA WIYAOU Essozimna TCHAMDJA Gnimdou Fresh tomato for the national market of Assimarou Marc Gnimtou Transformative Agricultural adviser Kozah 1 Producer Producer Input supplier 91 95 69 59 70 48 41 12/ 90 75 75 20 90 16 31 71 90 77 75 09 70 48 40 67 POKABIGOU BOLDJA LANLIEDA DOUTI Gangui ADZATO Kossivi Mawuli Fresh onion bulb for Dapaong national Monipak Yendoubouam Matieyendou Shopkeeper Advisory support (ICAT) market Producer Producer Shopkeeper 91 36 99 60 91 46 24 12 93 36 20 57 70 75 81 36 91 64 18 75 C.3 Meeting to share curricula developed for innovation platforms 3-days workshop gathered 3 representatives with the following profiles (i) two representatives of training program from agricultural schools and one representative of the national agricultural extension service from 6 FSRP countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Niger, Sierra Leone and Togo). The meeting took place in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from April 3 to 5, 2024. The outputs of this workshop are: (1) the indicative plan for setting up and running an Innovation Platform and the training curricula were reviewed and validated, (2) a roadmap for promoting and advocating the use of these curricula and a plan for leading IPs were drawn up and adopted. In the next stages, CORAF and the agricultural vocational training schools and extension services invited will work together to have the curricula and training plan adopted by the national agricultural schools. C.4 Supporting the establishment of climate-smart villages The concept note has been drafted and submitted to the bank for approval. Recruitment will start in the second quarter. NOT YET STARTED C.5 Digitalize training modules/curricula for online sessions The terms of reference have been approved for implementation but not yet started. D. Promote access and exchange of technologies. D.1 Setting technology parks Technology parks are other way of promoting access to proven technologies. In fact, they are conceived as physical demonstration spaces were demonstration plots of new crop and fodder varieties are set up in combination with technical itineraries, pens for animal breeds and feeding formulas, aquaculture devices, exhibition sheds of mechanization tools to organize open days for the users of these technologies (producers, processors, agro-dealers), students as well as policy makers. During the fiscal year 2024, CORAF has planned to continue supporting the technology parks established in the different countries. Addendum of letter of agreements have been drafted and shared with the target national center of specialization and regional center and excellence of target countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo and Chad. The main objective of the establishment of the technology and innovation parks is to significantly increase the rate of adoption of advanced technologies and innovations that have been developed by the research centers by improving the exchange of information on these T&I. January to March is the off-season period and some, research institutions with established technology parks organized several activities including plot installation for off season campaign, multiplication of seeds and vegetative materials of varieties under demonstration. The off-season crop production mainly focused on horticulture, dried cereals, fodder production and also on small husbandry. With the support of CORAF, countries also start to explore more actively opportunities to establish more partnerships with private sectors for technology upscaling. Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Chad, during the off-season period succeeded to establish demonstration plots. Burkina Faso, Chad and Mali succeeded to organize at least one open field day or a guided tour, with the participation of key agriculture stakeholders. In order to foster the year-round crop production, off-season crop production is advised to improve the year-round availability and accessibility of foods. A guided tour organized in Burkina Faso on 14th March 2024, witnessed the participation of 55 persons including 31% of women and 93% of youth. In addition, , several capacity building activities were organized to facilitate transfer of technologies. A training session was organized from March 12th to 14th, 2024, on the theme of "Building a profitable animal feed startup by valorizing mango by-products into animal feed". The session was organized for young entrepreneurs of future startups in the ECOWAS region. Participants came from 3 countries: Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, and were resident in Burkina Faso. In Mali, an open-field days was organized the 12 March 2024 and witnessed the participation of 141 Women and 241 men including farmers, private sector actors, technical and financial partners, 21 research and training institutions and policy makers. In addition, a meeting aiming to foster development of partnership to support technology upscaling was organized the 14th March 2024 in Bamako, and witnessed the participation of more than 30 agriculture stakeholders. In Chad, open field days organized from 6th to 8th March witnessed the participation of 388 men and 344 women. Table 3. Number of technologies and innovations that will be showcased in 2024. Benin Burkina Ghana Mali Niger Senegal Sierra Togo Chad Faso Leone Superficy 5 5 4.9 5 1.3 1.5 2 (Ha) Improved 14 58 20 113 38 22 28 48 25 varieties Agronomic 2 24 5 4 3 2 3 practices Equipments 6 6 3 1 2 4 5 1 Post harvest Agriculture technology park in Chad Figure 4: Youth during and others 1 a guided 1 6 Burkina 12 tour in Animal Faso raising and 3 fishery Total 21 67 29 129 45 30 31 55 29 D.2 Annual Planning and Capacity Building Meeting for Technology Park Managers The main objective of the workshop organized in Dakar in February 2024, was to enable the teams in charge of setting up agricultural technology parks in the countries to assess the achievements of 2023 and plan activities for 2024 and strengthen the teams' capacities in financial reporting, monitoring and evaluation and communication. The specific objectives of the activity were to (i) Present the concept of agricultural technology parks; (ii) evaluate the activities implemented in 2023 at the level of community agricultural technology parks; (iii) draw up work plans for 2024; (iv) improve M&E managers' and program coordinators' knowledge of the results framework, logical framework, performance indicators and monitoring matrix; (v) improve M&E managers' and program coordinators' knowledge of digital data collection sheets; (vi) improve participants' knowledge of various concepts, including climate-sensitive technologies, climate-smart technologies and nutrition-sensitive technologies; (vii) d develop a collaborative reporting model; (viii) build capacity in strategic communication; (ix) share skills on how to communicate and engage the media to increase ATP visibility and (x) train financial managers on financial management and reporting rules for the various funding sources supporting the establishment of agricultural technology parks. At the end of the workshop country teams submitted their revised annual workplan and budget for agriculture technology parks. The activity witnessed participation of 39 people (9 women) including teams from Benin, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Chad, Togo and Burkina Faso. D.3 Develop tools to assess the smartness of nutritional-sensitive technology and innovation The terms of reference have been drafted and submitted to the bank for approval. D.4 Development of CORAF’s nutrition-sensitive agriculture strategy The terms of reference have been drafted and submitted to the bank for approval. D.6 Organization of MITA under the theme: Facilitating access to agricultural technologies and innovations for integrated pest management The terms of reference have been approved for implementation but not yet started. D.7 Acquire prototypes of proven agricultural machinery for showcasing in the park of technologies The terms of reference have been drafted and submitted to the bank for approval. E. Establish a participatory ILM platform. E.1. Restitution of the mapping of good practices in ILM 22 CORAF has hired a cabinet that has just completed the study. The results of the study are expected to be presented on 24 and 25 May 2024 at Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Concept notes and invitation letters have already been developed and will be shortly sent to participants. E.2 Organize an ILM success story tour This activity is planned to take place at the same time as the sharing of the findings of the study above. E.3. Convene a meeting of ILM group of experts and NGOs recruited by countries to design and operationalize the hub of experts. This workshop is scheduled to take place on 13 and 14 June 2024 in Saly, Senegal. Concept notes and invitation letters have already been developed and will be shortly sent to participants. aE.4. Set up a Spatial information system for ILM investment monitoring. The terms of reference are under review at the WB. E-5 Countries support on ILM activities From CORAF interaction with countries, the following achievements were reported: In terms of on-farm Investments level, Mali is in the process of purchasing 285 power tillers and accessories (ploughs, seeders, harrows, and trailers) for distribution to agricultural cooperatives: companies have been selected for assembly and distribution. In terms of investment at community level, Togo, Burkina Faso, and Mali have respectively distributed 25,500 T of mineral and organic fertilizers, 1,078 T of improved seeds, and 1,290 poultry breeders to 9,552 beneficiaries. Also, 241 sub-projects selected in Togo and 118 beneficiaries have received transfers of the first tranche. Mali has also selected 75 sub-projects. Togo and Mali have strengthened the capacities of 768 producers on techniques for degraded land management (Specially in promotion of the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides for sustainable agriculture). In terms of participatory ILM planning, Mali has developed ILM plans for 75 landscape units. For the other countris, a total of 11 NGOs (3 in Burkina Faso, 3 in Mali, 3 in Niger, and 2 in Sierra Leone) have recruited to support in the development and implementation of ILMPs. E.6 Writing and publishing of at least two scientific metadata analysis manuscripts on the results of the mapping study of best practices and ILM experts The WB has cleared the ToR and in the next days, CORAF will launch the express of interest for the recruitment of a consultant. F. Cross-cutting activities and project management F.1. Gender activities implemented during the reporting period. Webinar organized on gender mainstreaming in information and communication strategy for FSRP countries communication focal persons. Although they make up most of the agricultural workforce, vulnerable groups as women and youth have inadequate access to productive resources such as climate, gender and nutrition-sensitive technologies and innovations in the entire agricultural value chains, in extension services, climate information, agricultural trainings, agricultural markets and infrastructure, and financial services due to the gender gap in agriculture. Gender responsive Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is crucial to overcome challenges in access to agricultural resources for resource poor farmers to benefit climate smart agriculture technologies and services to enhance food productivity. The webinar was organized to provide participants with knowledge and skills to promote and use inclusive and gender-sensitive communications tools such as rural broadcast, gendered video-extension services, local languages and tailored made messages for illiterate farmers to facilitate their access to agric. resources including technologies and climate information and services. Collaboration with International Water Management Institute (IWMI). A working session was organized with IWMI West and Central Africa Regional Coordinator and Team to discuss partnership in the implementation of activities around Women and Youth Farmers’ Access to Rehabilitated and Irrigated Land, in FSRP implementing countries. The meeting involved FSRP Gender Task Force with all the implementing countries gender specialists, along with the Integrated Landscape Management (ILM) Countries Focal Persons, and AICCRA Gender and social inclusion Cluster Lead (Sophia Huyer). A roadmap was developed with agreed joint actions to be implemented by FSRP gender persons, ILM persons, 23 and IWMI country team. The partnership started already in Ghana and will be extended to all FSRP countries. Chairing ECOWAS Rice Observatory Equity, Resilience and MLE Committee monthly meeting FSRP regional adviser chaired the ERO monthly meeting held on January. The committee reflected on the progress made in the previous year and shared ideas on the prospects in 2024. ERO secretariat presented (i) Updates (overview of 2023 and outlook for 2024); (ii) Planning the ERO Annual General Assembly (21 - 23 May); and (iii) ECOWAS Rice Roadmap (2024 - 2030). Consultants have been engaged to interact with the committee for thematic insights and contributions including the incorporation of gender and youth dimensions in the regional rice roadmap were made for improvement. Facilitating scientific and leadership capacity building for female researcher in FSRP countries. A working session was held with FSRP countries coordinators, the gender focal persons, and the African Women in Agricultural Research and Development (AWARD) management to present and discuss a scientific and leadership capacity building program for female researcher. Some coordinators who attended the meeting showed interest for the program. Discussions are ongoing between CORAF and AWARD team on ways to implement the program as soon as possible. Working session with FSRP Gender Task Force and ILM regional and countries focal persons to facilitate gender mainstreaming in Integrated Land Management activities. Discussions led to screen and to identify gender entry point in ILM activities. Recommendation was made for ILM team to put emphasis on economic medicinal crops such as Moringa to foster women and youth empowerment with ILM activities, and make sure the gender focal persons are well involved in implementation of ILM activities, to provide the needed gender support. Facilitating gender training for NCOs and RCEs researchers in collaboration with GREAT (Gender- responsive Researchers Equipped for Agricultural Transformation) program led by Makerere University). Working session was organized with GREAT team, to discuss partnership to provide researchers with knowledge, skills, and tools to incorporate gender lens in technology development profile, in access, adoption and scaling of technologies and innovations. Discussions are ongoing with GREAT team to prepare context-specific trainings content and methodology. AICCRA – FSRP Gender collaboration: FSRP regional gender adviser attended AICCRA West Africa 2024 Planning Workshop and had opportunity to discuss joint gender activities, for consideration in the AICCRA-CORAF 2024 planning (see CORAF presentation). Forging Ahead with AICCRA collaboration: (i) a joint proposal (AICCRA-FSRP) for follow up activities on women’s leadership in climate research was developed and submitted to the Canadian Embassy in Dakar, the 5th of April 2024; (ii) a working session was held with AICCRA gender cluster team to discuss the planning of joint activities for 2024. The minutes of the meeting was shared with FSRP national coordinators and gender focal persons to prepare for implementation. Facilitating gender training for regional Agri-food cooperatives and SMEs to foster inclusive intra - regional market and trade: working sessions were held with FAO Africa Region Gender team to discuss ways of implementing this activity in collaboration with FAO. The contribution of women to agricultural trade and the challenges they are faced with including sexual harassment and abuse, rape, and extortion are not always recognized and considered in policies, projects, and programmes for sustainable development of intra-regional trade. Barriers relate to non-tariff barriers, including road hassles (many checkpoints, long road delays and illicit perceptions), as well as technical barriers to trade including standards of quality and hygiene, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, difficulties in accessing financing, challenges in fundraising and development of business plans. 24 The general objective of this training is to equip cross-border agri-food inter-professional organizations to mainstream gender and youth dimensions in regional inter-professional development policies, projects, and programmes, and to share with them gender protocols in free trade agreements and protocols such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), to foster inclusive and gender responsive regional trade and market. The training concept note was shared with FSRP regional coordination and planned to be held from 07 to 09 May in Accra-Ghana. Proposal development in progress with FAO on gender sensitive rural advisory services. Working session was organized with FAO Africa Region Gender Lead, to discuss development of the proposal and ways of implementation. The proposal is to make use of the manual developed by FAO to conduct national assessments of the public advisory systems in FSRP implementing countries followed by training of agriculture extension staff on gender-sensitive service delivery and policy-related support to agriculture ministries and extension departments. The project will be implemented jointly with FAO. Working session with Technologies Parks Focal Persons and FSRP Gender Task Force. Discussions led to screening and to identify gender entry point in Techno Parks activities. Recommendation was made for Techno Parks Focal Persons to (i) put emphasis on exhibition of gender responsive technologies in the parks; (ii) use gender responsive communication tools to attract more women and youth in the parks to facilitate access to information around the technologies and their access and adoption for greatest impacts; and (iii) put emphasis on tailored made capacity building of women and youth in agri-business start up development with the parks technologies, in collaboration with private sector. Table 4: Table of the state of implementation of gender action plan National Gender National Women and Youth Action Plan Gender Training in Seed reviewed and in Training Business AWPB. Burkina Faso Yes Yes Yes CN & ToR submitted. Mali Yes Niger Yes Yes Togo Yes Yes Yes Chad Yes Yes Ghana Yes Yes In good progress Sierra Leone Yes Yes F.2. Monitoring and evaluation During the reporting period the achievements of the monitoring and evaluation were: Digitization of data collection: The contractual indicators for Component 2 were implemented on Kobo collect with the support of the consultant mandated by the bank and ECOWAS. Component 2 indicator forms have all been digitized and testing has begun at CORAF. This link shows the state of progress of the component 2 indicators provided by the countries: IPTT_FSRP_GLOBAL.xlsx Training for park monitoring and evaluation officers: Those responsible for monitoring technology parks have been trained in data collection using Kobo. CORAF has acquired a license to enable the 11 countries with parks to manage mobile data feedback. The training involved 07 countries. Technology Park tracking: a tracking system has been created for Kobo Collect. It will be improved and shared with other countries. https://kf.kobotoolbox.org/#/forms/aQtzwKdAihkqBaozHAkCLS/landing 25 Table 5: Indicators achievement Indicateurs additionnels CORAF Baseline (2018) Final Actual 2022 Actual Target 2023-2024 1. Organizational capacity score for CNS, Dry cereals: 100% Dry cereals: 94% CRS and CRE 89% Roots and tubers: Roots and 93% tubers: 90% Fruits and Fruits and vegetables: 92% vegetables: 69% Rice: 82% Rice: 77% Livestok:72% Mangrove Rice: 64% 2. Number of people trained 137 incl. 32 (disaggregated by type of training - short, 26 incl. 23% 0 400 females and 23 medium, and long-term - and by gender women youth and age category) 3. Number of partnerships established between international agricultural research 0 9 7 centers (CGIAR) and CNS, CRS and CRE. 4. Number of R&D projects jointly implemented by international agricultural 0 10 7 research centers and NSCs, SRCs and RECs 5. Number of modern, high-performance extension tools/approaches made available 0 3 Mapping ongoing to countries 6. Number of technologies and/or 0 150 70 innovations disseminated 7. Existence of a regional platform for integrated landscape management No Yes No (Yes/No) 8. Number of expert members of the integrated landscape management 0 50 0 community of practice (GIP) F.3. Environmental and social safeguards As part of the implementation of the FSRP activities and in accordance with the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan approved by the World Bank and other E&S safeguard tools, the following activities were carried out: - Reminder of the safeguard provisions to be included in the intellectual services contracts concluded between CORAF and certain design offices/consultants. - Environmental and social screening of commissioned projects submitted for funding under the FSRP; - Monthly meetings held with countries on the status of implementation of E&S backup tools; - Training and capacity building workshop held in Niamey on behalf of AGRHYMET. - Follow-up meeting/supervision of the consideration of safeguard aspects with the firms in charge of the training of actors in the facilitation and implementation of innovation platforms within the framework of the FSRP; F.3.1. Reminder of the E&S provisions to be included in the conduct of intellectual service assignments entrusted to private providers under the FSRP As part of the implementation of the activities of Component 2 of the FSRP, CORAF entrusted firms with the training of actors in the facilitation and implementation of innovation platforms but also a study on the 26 mapping of ILM good practices and experts. In this context, the following firms have been selected for the training of stakeholders in facilitation and the implementation of innovation platforms: - LRIDA (TOGO, CHAD): the mission team was reminded of the following safeguard provisions: the systematic signing of the code of conduct by all team members, the provision of contracts to all stakeholders on this mission in accordance with the Manpower Management Plan validated by the World Bank but also the availability of a Complaint Management Mechanism in case of dissatisfaction in the collaboration or any other complaint related to the exercise of the mission entrusted to them. - GRAD CONSULTING GROUP (BURKINA FASO, MALI, NIGER): the same provisions were also recalled to this firm. - AFRICA GREEN CORPORATION (GHANA, SIERRA LEONE): the same provisions were also discussed with this firm. F.3.2. Environmental and social screening of commissioned projects submitted for funding under the FSRP. Two (02) projects were submitted for E&S screening based on the following grid: Table 6: Grid of E&S screening 1. Potential Impact 20 • Creation of employment opportunities • Reduction of rural/urban and/or cross-border migration 1.1 Social Impact • Stakeholder empowerment and capacity building 5 • Improving food and nutrition security • Reducing conflict and improving social equity • Revenue improvements 1.2 .Economic Impact • Creation of market access opportunities 6 • Improvements in competitiveness • Water, vegetation and soil conservation 1.3 . Environmental • Protection and improvement of the environment 5 Impact • Combating the effects of pollution 1.4 . Issues relating to • Participation of women, youth and vulnerable groups 4 gender Project 1: International Center for Research in Agroforestry, also known as World Agroforestry (ICRAF): Introduction via grafting technique of superior accessions/varieties of local fruit trees in landscapes under integrated management of the FSRP; target countries: Burkina, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Chad, Northern Togo and Senegal. The results of the E&S screening have largely focused on the following aspects: For the employment issue, it is also important to specify whether in the context of the implementation of activities by beneficiaries, they will need to use certain types of jobs such as seasonal work. To prepare for any eventuality, capacity building sessions on best practices in the use of seasonal staff are to be expected. The project leaders must sensitize the beneficiaries on the provisions of the Manpower Management Plan prepared under the FSRP. In relation to the economic impact criterion, the following recommendations were made: Prepare financial management training for beneficiaries; Given the difficulties that may be related to the availability of land, provide for crop training/techniques on small plots of land with greater or equal yield potential on large areas. Project 2: Climate-smart management of pests for better productivity of the main food crops of West Africa: Togolese Institute for Agricultural Research, Lomé, Togo. For Project 2, the following recommendations emerged from the E&S screening: The Project plans to create jobs but it would be good to present in clear terms the modus operandi to benefit young people the jobs that will be created by the project. These positive impacts that will be induced by the project must be consolidated through a clear and precise system. It will be necessary to specify the number of potential jobs that the project will create and 27 the criteria to take advantage of this advantage. The issue of reducing urban migration is not very well addressed by the project and it deserves to be well addressed in the project. Gender issues have not been sufficiently considered, whereas for such a project, the effort should be made for this. The gender update is not in the document, which assumes it has not been addressed. The case of young people has been mentioned, but it is insufficient because gender cannot be limited to young people. The crops mentioned like okra, tomatoes, we know that women are involved in these value chains, as an effect/impact, we could mention the improvement of their income, the improvement of the nutritional values of women and children, … Objectives, indicators and activities have not sufficiently integrated the gender dimension. At the team level women are very poorly represented, only 2. F.3.3. Monthly meetings held with country PIUs: Monthly meetings are held with all FSRP country backup specialists to establish contact between them but also to operationalize the mechanism of sharing experience between specialists. Given the differentiated state of implementation of the E&S safeguard instruments, these meetings are a good opportunity for the least advanced to draw inspiration from their counterparts who are at a much more advanced state. F.3.4. Participation in the AGRHYMET Staff Capacity Building Workshop held in Niamey: AGRHYMET organized an E&S backup capacity building workshop for staff working on the FSRP project on 20, 21, 22 and 23 February 2024 in Niamey. The purpose of this workshop was to make an introduction/presentation of the backup tools developed as part of this mission. It was animated by the safeguarding specialists of the FSRP Regional Coordination. My intervention was specifically to introduce the social safeguard tools including the provisions of the Stakeholder Mobilization Plan, the Workforce Management Plan and the MGP. There was also support for the establishment of the Complaints Management Committee and specific training on the complaints management procedure was provided to the members of the said committee. F.3.5. Monitoring of the implementation of safeguard provisions by firms in charge of training actors in the implementation of innovation platforms: Working sessions were held on March 11, 2024 with the firms in charge of this mission above to see the overall implementation status of the mission including the E&S safeguard aspects. The firms in charge of the various missions (LRIDA, GRAD CONDULTING GROUP and AFRICA GREEN CORPORATION have all confirmed the signing of the codes of conduct by all staff and the documents will be annexed to the mission reports, all staff also have formal contracts and a reminder of health and safety provisions is also carried out. PS: It was also prepared the ToR and NCs for safeguarding activities planned for 2024 and submitted to the World Bank for approval F.4. Communication FSRP activities has been highlighted in CORAF monthly newsletter , covering component 2 activities. In addition to that, a video has been produced and shared on YouTube about to the recent FSRP Regional Training in Biotechnology, Genetic Engineering and Bioinformatics. CORAF has also launched a monthly social media campaign featuring success stories and testimonials from program beneficiaries. The first story highlighted the success stories of a cattle feed manufacturing company. The formula for manufacturing the cattle feed was provided to the entrepreneur from the work of the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN). The entrepreneur adopted the formula and, on this basis, set up his business, which today generates several million CFA francs. This story highlights the potential of agricultural research institutions to promote high-impact innovations and technologies. Furthermore, CORAF has designed and distributed informative leaflets, posters and brochures on Component 2 initiatives and results. In addition to that, regular updating of the FSRP activities has been made on CORAF website with articles, videos and infographics detailing program progress and activities. Finally, CORAF has initiated data collection of photos, videos, and success stories on agricultural technology parks in the framework of the FSRP project. As such, FSRP implementation countries were asked to provide a list of 10 cutting-edge technologies and innovations to focus on. The various countries then drew up a list of these technologies. The next step will be to document these technologies and identify the success stories linked to the adoption of these technologies. The ToRs for this activity has been elaborated. CORAF started to collaborate with agricultural park manager to emphasize country-specific 28 stories and technologies, providing necessary documentation for content collection. Discussion has also been made in the view to prepare visit logistics, determining routes, locations, and interviewees based on communication needs. F.6. Financial management Over the period we conducted the following activities: - Internal and external audit of the project and amounts pending final reports. - FY2024 setup in TOMPRO with new data for better budget tracking - Fiduciary training of students on the procedures of disbursements and justifications of scholarships awarded - Financial monitoring of technology parks - Review of commissioned project budgets Key challenge: The accountant has resigned on April 25th, 2025. CORAF will need few days to be able to provide an updated financial situation including current disbursement rates, commitments, and short-term projection of disbursement rates. F7. Procurement During the first quarter of 2024, no market has yet been launched by the program. The procurement plan was submitted on 26 February 2024 for a no objection notice. Concerning the procurement activities of 2023 already completed or in progress, there are 10 of which 06 are completed in the first quarter and 4 are in progress. The table in Annex 4 gives the detailed situation. • ANALYSIS OF THE AWARD OF CONTRACTS Contracting activities during this period resulted in: - the implementation of the 2023 procurement plan, - monitoring of contracts in progress, - support for the various partners in the implementation of their respective activities, • IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROCUREMENT PLAN It mainly concerns contracts for consulting services and the acquisition of goods and services performed or in progress as of 31st March 2024. The table 6 above provides detailed information on the status of contracting activities. IV. CONCLUSION, MAIN DIFFICULTIES AND SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS. The planned activities are currently being implemented. However, ILM’s activities in the first quarter of 2024 were conducted with constraints mainly on: ➢ The No-objections notices from the WB, which slow down activities at CORAF and FSRP country level. ➢ The slowness of the WB's financial disbursement process for the benefit of the country units: setting up a mechanism to lighten the financial disbursement process would enable the country to speed up the implementation of activities. Also, the integration of the FSRP into the emergency project disbursement process could be a very effective solution that would contribute to achieving the objectives of ILM investments. ➢ Political and security crisis affecting ILM activities in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger: teams will be made aware of security risks, terrorism and armed gangs through technical workshops and planning meetings. 29