July 2008 1

Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative (iAGRI)

Quarterly Report 3rd Quarter – April 1st to June 30th 2016

Cooperative Agreement Number: 621-A-00-11-000090-00

Activity Start Date and End Date: April 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016

AOR Name: David Charles

Submitted by:

David Kraybill, Chief of Party

Ohio State University (OSU) iAGRI

113 Agricultural Administration Building P.O. Box 3114

2120 Fyffe Road Sokoine University of Agriculture

Columbus, OH 43210 Morogoro, Tanzania

Tel: (614) 292-7252 Tel: +255 232 640 033

Fax: (614) 292-1757

Email: kraybill@iagri.org

This document was produced for review by the United States Agency for International

Development (USAID).

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Table of Contents

1. Program Overview/Summary ....................................................................................................................... 3

2. Activity Implementation Progress................................................................................................................. 6

3. Integration of Crosscutting Issues and USAID Forward Priorities ................................................................ 13

4. Stakeholder Participation and Involvement ................................................................................................ 14

5. Management and Administrative Issues ..................................................................................................... 15

6. Lessons Learned ......................................................................................................................................... 15

7. Planned Activities for Next Quarter Including Upcoming Events ................................................................. 16

8. How Implementing Partner Has Addressed AOR Comments from Last Quarterly Report ........................... 17

9. Financial Summary ..................................................................................................................................... 17

Annex 1: PMP Indicator Progress ......................................................................................................................... 18

Annex 2: Estimated Cost of Completing Degree Programs ................................................................................... 20

Annex 3: Collaborative Research Implementation Status .................................................................................... 21

Annex 4: Success Story......................................................................................................................................... 24

Photo Caption (L-R): Mr Luseko Chilagane, an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Crop Science and Production at SUA, is mentored here by Professor Susan Nchimbi-Msola. They were paired during the first round of a mentoring program that iAGRI sponsored at SUA. In this photo, Prof. Nchimbi-Msola is explaining to Mr. Chilagane the steps she went through as a researcher to develop a bean line which is now being replicated by Tanzania’s Agricultural Seed Agency (ASA) under an intellectual property rights agreement between SUA and ASA for distribution to farmers. Professor Nchimbi-Msola is the Principal of the College of Agriculture at SUA.

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List of Acronyms

ASDP Agricultural Sector Development Programme AWARD African Women in Agricultural Research and Development CA Conservation Agriculture CAADP Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme COSTECH Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology EAGC Eastern Africa Grain Council FtF Feed the Future GoT Government of Tanzania HDF Horticulture Demonstration Facility HICD Human and Institutional Capacity Development iAGRI Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative IP Innovation Portfolio LOP Life of Project MALF Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries1 MERL Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, & Learning MoU Memorandum of Understanding NGO Non-Governmental Organization PI Principal Investigator PMP Performance Management Plan PMU Program Management Unit (of iAGRI in Tanzania) PPP Public-Private Partnership RUFORUM Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture SUA Sokoine University of Agriculture SUALISA Sokoine University of Agriculture Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Statistical Analysis TASO Tanzania Agricultural Society USAID United States Agency for International Development USDA United States Department of Agriculture USG United States Government

1 Formerly, Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Cooperatives (MAFC).

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1. PROGRAM OVERVIEW/SUMMARY

Program Name: Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative (iAGRI)

Activity Start Date and End Date: 2011 – 2016

Name of Prime Implementing Partner:

Ohio State University (OSU), Office of International Programs

Agreement Number:

621-A-00-11-000090-00

Names of Subcontractors/Sub- awardees:

Michigan State University, Iowa State University, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, University of Florida, Tuskegee University, RUFORUM, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute

Major Counterpart Organizations Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, RUFORUM, Punjab Agricultural University

Geographic Coverage (cities and or countries)

Tanzania

Reporting Period:

April 1, 2016 – June 30, 2016

1.1 Program Description/Introduction

The Innovative Agricultural Research Initiative (iAGRI) aims to strengthen training and collaborative research capacities of Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) and the Tanzanian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MALF) with the goal of improving food security and agricultural productivity in Tanzania. The project purpose is aligned with the themes and road map of the USAID Feed the Future (FtF) initiative and the Government of Tanzania (GoT) Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP) Compact and Agricultural Sector Development Programme (ASDP).

The goal of iAGRI is to achieve food security in Tanzania by preparing the next generation of agricultural scientists, leaders, entrepreneurs, and knowledge-generating institutions through the following activities: long-term graduate degree training, short-term training, collaborative research, and institutional strengthening. Through these activities, iAGRI aims to fulfill the following objectives:

Provide advanced-degree training in agriculture and nutrition for 135 Tanzanian graduate students;

Establish a program of collaborative research on agriculture and nutrition;

Strengthen capacity of SUA to develop and implement instructional, research, and outreach programs;

Promote cooperation between SUA, U.S. universities, and Global South universities. Now in its sixth year of implementation, iAGRI has supported graduate degree training of individuals who are now employed at MALF, at institutions of higher education, in the private sector, or who have initiated their own businesses. iAGRI has also helped train MALF staff, farmers in and around the Morogoro Region, and faculty at SUA to enhance their capacity to pursue research targeted at addressing food security challenges facing Tanzania.

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1.2 Summary of Results to Date

Feed the Future

Standard Indicators

Units

Baseline

Value

FY 2016 Life of Project (LOP) Target

Cumulative Achievement

by End of Q3 FY2016

On Target (Y/N)

Target Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Achieved to Date

Training

1. Long-term degree training Number 0 2 - - 2 2 144 139 Y

2. Short-term training Number 0 125 0 59 54 113 450 895 Y

Research

3. Technologies or management practices under development

Number 0 16 0 5 2 7 42 97 Y

3A. Phase I: under research Number 0 11 0 0 0 23 82 Y

3B. Phase II: under field testing Number 0 3 0 5 0 5 17 13 Y

3C. Phase III: made available for transfer Number 0 2 0 0 2 2 2 2 Y

Partnerships

4. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) developed/formalized

Number 0 5 - 1 1 2 8 10 Y

5. Value of new public-private investments in agricultural value chain leveraged

Dollars 0 $50,000 $180 - $75,7000 $75,800 $80,000 $75,800 Y

Note: A dash implies no activity was set for the period indicated by the column. A zero implies that an activity was planned but the target was not achieved (except for baseline column, where a zero means there was no activity at the beginning of the project). A blank implies that the quarter has not yet arrived. iAGRI reports on five standard Feed the Future Indicators, according to the USAID-approved Project Management Plan (PMP) for the project. Following M&E procedures described in the Feed the Future Indicator Handbook, we have documented that by the end of Quarter 3, the project has met or exceeded Life-of-Project (LOP) targets for four of the five indicators. The fifth indicator is just five percent under the LOP target and plans are underway for reaching the full target by the end of the project. The primary reason for overachieving on some of the indicators is failure to anticipate secondary benefits of particular activities when targets were set. For example, in the Collaborative Research program area, we projected research outputs but did not anticipate that the researchers would undertake training activities at little extra cost. In the Degree Training program area, we projected training outputs but did not anticipate the technologies that would be developed, tested, and made available for dissemination. In the Institutional Capacity-building program area, we projected public-private partnerships that would be formed but overlooked the fact that some of these partnerships would lead to development, testing, and dissemination of technologies and to monetary investment by the private sector.

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1.3. Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning

Assessment Type Planned for (date) Status

External Evaluation: Collaborative Research Project on Soil Salinity Management for Irrigated Rice Schemes. PIs to collect additional data on the impact of treatments and uptake by farmers. Method: Data collection on reduced soil salinity in field trials and farmers’ fields.

Q4 FY2016 and Q1 FY2017 An evaluation will be conducted by Principal Investigator, Dr. Sophia Kashenge-Killenga, and her research team in August.

Internal Assessment: Student career progression, job type, level of seniority, etc. Method: Beneficiary Based Survey (BBS).

Q3 & Q4 2016 Being conducted by iAGRI’s Leadership Development Coordinator in collaboration with Training Coordinator.

Internal Assessment: Types of collaborations resulting from the SUALISA stats lab consultations by students, staff, and researchers. Method: Beneficiary Based Survey (BBS).

Q3 & Q4 2016 Being conducted by Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist in collaboration with Communications Manager.

Internal Assessment: Student success stories. Method: Rapid Appraisal Methods including key informant interviews.

Ongoing Communications Manager in collaboration with Communications Intern.

Internal Assessment: Site visit planned to Collaborative Research Project nearing transition to Phase III “Promotion of Low‐Cost Drip Irrigation Technology.” Method: Observation and data collection from local partner.

Q4 2016 Being conducted by Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist in collaboration with Innovation Portfolio Manager and Communications Manager

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2. ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION PROGRESS

2.1 Progress Narrative

Degree Training: We are on track to meet the annual and LOP targets for degree training, as shown in the summary table in Section 1.2 and in the PMP indicator progress table in Annex 1. During the quarter, iAGRI picked up funding for two SUA Masters students who were on private funding and half finished with their studies. They were added to compensate for students who had dropped out earlier. There was a jump in the number of graduating students in Quarter 3 because the academic year ended during the months of May or June in all six of the US universities hosting iAGRI students. By the end of the quarter, a total of 73 iAGRI students (65 Masters, 8 PhDs) had completed their studies since the beginning of the project in 2011. During Quarter 4, an additional 19 students (14 Masters, 5 PhDs) will complete their studies. By the project termination date (February 28, 2016), 123 graduate students will have completed their studies.

Enrollment and Completion Status of iAGRI Students June, 20162

Enrollment/Completion Status Category Number

MSc students 118

Already completed (including 2 PhD students switched to MSc) 65

Expected to complete by September 30, 2016 14

Expected to complete October 1, 2016-February 28, 2017 27

Expected to complete after February 28, 2017 10

Dropped/Terminated 2

PhD students 21

Already completed 8

Expected to complete by September 30, 2016 5

Expected to complete October 1, 2016-February 28, 2017 4

Expected to complete after February 28, 2017 4

TOTAL 139

As shown in the table above, 10 MSc and 4 PhD students will not have graduated by the end of the project in February 2017. The 10 MSc students are scheduled to complete their degree requirements by the end of August 2017, though some will not graduate until November or December 2017 because of the graduation calendar of their university. The estimated cost of completing the programs of these students is $303,114. Details are presented in Annex 2 to this report.

2 The figures in this table do not include the 10 undergraduate students from Zanzibar that iAGRI sponsored for Bachelors degrees at SUA beginning in 2012 on the basis of a post-contract request by the Government of Zanzibar and the approval of USAID Tanzania. At that time, the Mission and iAGRI agreed that there would be a 1:10 conversion of Masters to Bachelors in terms of funding. However, for M & E purposes, the Bachelors-level trainees are counted fully, since the Feed the Future indicator for degree training does not distinguish between undergraduate and graduate levels.

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During the third quarter, a Graduate Research Workshop was held on the SUA campus for past and current iAGRI students to report on their thesis and dissertation research and to discuss policy implications of their findings. Thirty nine graduates and currently-enrolled students made presentations at the workshop. This was an opportunity to share research results with peers and stakeholders. The workshop also provided the students opportunity to sharpen their presentation skills. One session was a “Three Minute Thesis” competition in which students had just three minutes to convince the audience that their research was scientifically sound, worthwhile, and relevant to Tanzania. Short-Term Training: During Quarter 3, a total of 54 individuals received short-term training. Of these, 50 individuals were trained on tractor field operations and tractor-hire business management as a part of an iAGRI-brokered partnership between John Deere and SUA. Four individuals were trained on use of specialized software (Matlab) for analyzing weather-indexed crop insurance for smallholder farmers. The training was provided by an Ohio State University member of iAGRI’s Collaborative Research team on

crop insurance. The LOP target for short-term training has been exceeded and the annual target has been nearly met.

This quarter iAGRI either sponsored directly or was involved in facilitating training of an additional 770 persons, though the training does not meet the FtF Handbook definition of short-term training because there was no curriculum or it was a one-day engagement:

Seminars: iAGRI sponsored ten seminars by professors visiting from the OSUC universities on topics including maize stress tolerance, sweet potato production, how to design university courses to prepare students for the job market, child malnutrition, probiotic foods, biofuel production, GMOs, and leadership skills. 219 persons attended the seminars (98 females, 121 males).

Horticulture Demonstration Facility (HDF): during the quarter, 389 individuals (255 students and 154 farmers and extension agents (213 males and 176 females) were trained at HDF on the SUA campus. iAGRI invested no additional dollars in the HDF this quarter. However, the investments made earlier by iAGRI, TAPP, and TAHA are generating substantial outcomes. The SUA staff persons working in the facility are able to cover costs of operation and demonstration through improved business management techniques that iAGRI has helped them implement.

Sokoine University National Agricultural Library (SNAL): This quarter, 162 students (49 females, 113 males) were trained in digital library usage in 10 training sessions.

Winners of the Three Minute Thesis competition: (L-R) Glory Mhalu, Sebastian Mosha, and Althuman Mahindi. Prof. Susan Nchimbi-Msolla (third from left) stands with the winners of the competition.

Tractor Training and Research Program participants.

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Collaborative Research Workshop Participants

Collaborative Research: Collaborative research projects are on track to meet both the 2016 annual target and LOP target.

Round One Research Workshop: seven research teams submitted their final research reports during the third quarter (the eighth one will be submitted in the next quarter). A Collaborative Research workshop was held for researchers to report on findings of the eight Round One projects. In addition to their scientific findings, the researchers focused on the policy relevance of their research. There was substantive sharing of outputs and outcomes followed by a vibrant Q & A session that enabled shared learning among workshop participants. Some of the papers presented will feature in a special issue journal of TAJAS, a SUA-based research journal, scheduled to be rolled out in December 2016. A summary of round-one research project outputs, outcomes, and impacts is presented in Annex 3 in this report.

Round Two Research Projects: Three research projects from Round Two are headed towards completion. o Maize Productivity Project – during the quarter, this joint research initiative by the Mikocheni

Agricultural Research Institute and Iowa State University continued. Activities and related outputs

in the reporting quarter include (1) field surveys in three northern zone regions to assess hot spots for Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) incidence and symptom severity, (2) mapping of striga in main maize-growing regions of Tanzania, and (3) participation in a regional workshop in Nairobi in June to share information on MLND.

o Agricultural Risk Management Project -- researchers from Ohio State University and SUA conducted a month-long data gathering exercise in semi-arid Dodoma Region during the quarter. Preliminary analysis indicates that weather-index insurance would increase the uptake of agricultural loans by farmers.

o Rice Market Project -- researchers from SERA, SUA, and Ohio State University presented findings of an iAGRI-SERA funded study at a workshop at SUA on the relative consumer demand for domestic versus imported rice. The study authors conclude that Tanzanian consumers have a strong preference for Tanzanian rice and that imported rice is regarded by consumers as a poor substitute. Consequently, protectionist trade policies are not needed to sustain demand for Tanzanian rice.

More information on round-two research projects is provided in Annex 3 of this report.

Policy Dialogue Event: a workshop was planned and implemented at SUA by the members of the Collaborative Research project on maize. Persons attending the workshop were from the

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government, academia, research, and extension. The purpose was to present findings from the maize research project and to discuss potential pathways to improve the agricultural extension system so as to increase maize productivity in Tanzania. Results from the discussion in the workshop will enable evidence-based policy decision-making to improve agricultural extension in the country for maize.

Institutional Strengthening: helping the University meet the needs of internal and external stakeholders is the key focus of iAGRI’s institutional strengthening investments at SUA. During Quarter 3, substantial outcomes of these investments were realized.

Strategic Planning: during the third quarter, SUA’s University Council approved a new 5-year strategic plan for the University. This outcome was a direct result of iAGRI’s efforts to help the University sharpen its strategic direction. Earlier quarterly reports described how, through iAGRI’s efforts, SUA administrators decided to abandon the University’s poorly planned and poorly implemented 10-year strategic plan and, in its place, to create a new 5-year strategic plan focused on stakeholder needs and clearly defined accountability. iAGRI provided technical assistance during the quarter to the College of Agriculture to analyze the input received from a well-attended stakeholder workshop and to develop a strategic plan that responds to stakeholder needs. An important outcome of the iAGRI-sponsored strategic planning process is the “spread effect” it is having throughout the University: three other colleges and the library adopted a similar process of convening stakeholders to develop their strategic plans based on their input.

Restructuring Assistance: also during the third quarter, the University Council approved detailed plans for the restructuring of the College of Agriculture and the office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor-Administration & Finance. These plans were developed by SUA administrators with technical assistance from iAGRI. SUA had struggled unsuccessfully for eight years to develop and agree upon restructuring plans. With two quarters of technical assistance from iAGRI, the largest college within the University – the College of Agriculture – now has an approved restructuring plan which has created a model for the restructuring being carried out (without iAGRI assistance) by the other colleges.

Organizational Experiments: during the third quarter, an assessment of the organizational experiments undertaken jointly by iAGRI and SUA was completed. The focus was on (1) whether the experiments will be sustainable by the end of the project in February 2017, (2) how sustainability can be enhanced during the remaining eight months, and (3) impact of the experiments. In terms of impact, the significant milestones in strategic planning and restructuring achieved at SUA in the third quarter were, in part, the result of a “climate of change” that iAGRI has nurtured at SUA over the past five years through the organizational experiments. By design from the beginning of the project, the purpose of the organizational experiments has been (1) to change mindsets at multiple levels throughout the University about the possibilities for positive internal change in response to the changing external environment, (2) to identify “champions of change” who are willing and able to bring about larger structural changes within the University, and (3) to help the University become fundamentally client-centered in addressing its mission to be a center of academic excellence that plays a key role in developing solutions for food security and other societal problems.

In the iAGRI organizational change model, there are three stages of change through which organizational experiments travel on their path to sustainably transforming the University. The first is a planning stage, the second is an experiment stage, and the third is a transformation stage. During the latter, the experimental solution is moved into the formal system and the foundation

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is laid for sustainability of the change. Each of the three stages is broken down into steps, shown in the table below: three steps in Stage I, four steps in Stage II, and five steps in Stage III – a total of 12 steps from beginning to end. Experiments that reach the 12th step are deemed sustainable both organizationally and financially.

iAGRI Organizational Change Framework

Stage Step Description Check

if Done

Stage 1

Conver- sations that

Matter

Step 1

Did the conversation end with identifying a problem to be solved and specifying next steps in terms of what will be done, who will do it, and when it will be done?

Step 2

Did the conversation result in agreement to conduct a rigorous search, such as an organizational experiment or study tour, to find a solution to the problem?

Step 3

Has a participatory exercise been conducted to identify objectives of the rigorous search and to identify challenges to solving the problem?

Stage 2

Ways that Work

Step 4

Have procedures for the experiment or rigorous search been documented and initiated?

Step 5

Has a solution based on the rigorous search been identified and documented.

Step 6

Has an analysis of the benefits, costs, and challenges of implementing the solution been conducted?

Step 7

Have persons involved in the experiment or rigorous search agreed to next steps, including how to introduce results into the formal system?

Stage 3

Changes that Sustain

Step 8

Has the documented solution been translated into changes in policies and/or procedures in the formal system?

Step 9

Has the formal system adopted the solution by specifying reporting relationships, assignment of responsibilities, and budgets (if funding is required)?

Step 10

Have performance standards been adopted for the implemented solution?

Step 11

Does the formal system monitor and document compliance with its performance standards for the implemented solution according to a specified frequency?

Step 12

Is the solution adequately resourced with staff and funds so that long-term sustainability can be achieved?

iAGRI has assisted SUA to undertake 15 organizational experiments in the areas of teaching, leadership, research, private-sector linkages, revenue enhancement, and administration. All 15 experiments have completed Stage I, 12 experiments have completed Stage II, and 7 experiments have completed Stage III. The table below shows the current status of the organizational experiments.

Organizational Experiment Progress Tracker

Category Name of Experiment

Stage 1 Stage 2 Stage 3

Steps

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Teaching

Strengthening Capacity to Manage Classroom Facilities X X X X X X X X X X X X

Strengthening Capacity of the English Language Program

X X X X X X X X X

Strengthening Capacity to Utilize Teaching Assistants X X X X X X

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Leadership Strengthening Capacity for Mentorship X X X X X X X X X X X X

Strengthening Capacity for Leadership Development X X X X X X X X X X

Research

Strengthening Capacity of the Library to Provide Access to Digital Resources

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Strengthening Capacity to Provide Statistical Advisory Services

X X X X X X X X X X X

Private-Sector Linkages

Strengthening Capacity for Entrepreneurship Programming

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Strengthening Capacity for Horticultural Teaching and Outreach

X X X X X X X X X X X X

Strengthening Capacity to Provide Commercial Soil Laboratory Services

X X X X X X X X X

Strengthening Capacity for Poultry Industry Outreach X X X X X X

Strengthening Capacity for Farm Mechanization Outreach

X X X X

Revenue Enhancement

Strengthening Capacity to Generate Income X X X X X X X X X X X X

Strengthening Capacity of the Alumni Association X X X X X X X X X X X X

Administration Strengthening Capacity for Efficient Document Handling

X X X X X X X X X X X

Number of experiments by step 15 15 15 15 14 14 12 12 12 10 8 7

The organizational experiments have led to many improvements in the formal system of the University. As a result, new or improved programs/services are now being provided in the areas of classroom facility management, teaching of remedial English, mentorship, leadership development, access to digital resources via the library, provision of statistical advisory services to students and faculty, entrepreneurship programming, linkages to the private sector in horticulture, income generation, and alumni relations. Fourteen out of the 15 experiments can be regarded as successes in the sense that they have either reached the final stage or are progressing towards organizational and financial sustainability. One experiment (“Strengthening Capacity to Utilize Teaching Assistants”) has been discontinued because participant interest was lower than anticipated and a path to sustainability did not seem feasible.

Signing of the MoU and official handover ceremony of the tractor during the launch of the Tractor Training and Research Program.

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Innovation Portfolio: during the third quarter, iAGRI facilitated the signing of an MOU between SUA and the American agricultural equipment company, John Deere. At the beginning of April, iAGRI and SUA sponsored the public launching of a training and research program that brought private sector investment to the University to bolster agricultural mechanization in Tanzania. At the event, John Deere officials handed over to SUA a fully-equipped tractor valued at $75,700 for use in the University’s new Tractor Training and Research Program (TTARP). Over 200 persons, including farmers, students, the Permanent Secretary of MALF, a Vice President from John Deere, officials from USAID Tanzania, and numerous other organizations attended the event. Following the event, a team from John Deere and SUA trained farmers and students on tractor operation and management (numbers reported above under Short-Term Training). This training was the beginning of an ongoing series of short courses on agricultural mechanization planned by SUA and John Deere.

Also during the quarter, iAGRI’s Innovation Portfolio team completed field testing of two drip irrigation systems, one for bananas and one for vegetables. The systems were developed by innovators at SUA under the Collaborative Research Program. The field testing was carried out by World Vision with assistance from the Innovation Portfolio staff. The technology was then made available to the Good African Food Company, which intends to manufacture and sell the drip systems to farmers.

Focus Group Discussion with COUNSENUTH nutrition project beneficiaries led by SUA researchers in Tunduru District.

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The Innovation Portfolio also brokered two contracts totaling $41,000 with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the Centre for Counselling, Nutrition and Health Care COUNSENUTH for SUA researchers to conduct surveys and evaluations of program/project activities for these NGOs.

2.2 Implementation Challenges

One of the biggest challenges iAGRI faces in attempting to help SUA become client-driven is the general lack of experience in public-private sector collaboration on the part of both the University and businesses. During this quarter, a great deal of time and effort went into helping SUA prepare itself at several administrative levels for the launch of the Tractor Training and Research Program with John Deere. On the private-sector side, iAGRI is now facing a major challenge because the John Deere employee with whom we collaborated most closely on the tractor training program has recently left John Deere. We are now trying to build similar relationships with others within the company. A second implementation challenge as to do with rigidity in public-sector staffing. Tanzanian universities cannot hire employees directly but, rather, must petition the personnel unit of the Office of the President for each position they desire to fill. This results in long delays between the University’s identification of a hiring need and the authorization to hire. Furthermore, during the third quarter, the Government of Tanzania imposed a hiring freeze. Consequently, SUA has not yet been able to get approval for the hiring of a Convocation Liaison Officer to carry out the plan iAGRI helped the University to develop to make its alumni association more effective.

2.3 Data/Information Management

A survey of iAGRI graduates was conducted during the third quarter to assess the impacts of degree training on job responsibilities and performance. To date, approximately half of the graduates have responded. The graduates were contacted by email with follow-up by telephone where needed.

3. INTEGRATION OF CROSSCUTTING ISSUES AND

USAID FORWARD PRIORITIES

3.1 Gender Equality and Female Empowerment

Mentoring Program: The Centre for Gender Studies at SUA conducted an information session with iAGRI assistance in May to recruit mentors and mentees. iAGRI then assisted the Centre in launching the second round of mentoring for young lecturers during the third quarter. The first round of mentoring was launched in 2014. Lessons learned from the first round informed improvements in the design of the round-two program. The second round was kicked off with a three-day Mentoring Orientation Workshop held during the third quarter. Attending the workshop were 29 mentoring pairs of SUA faculty members consisting of 15 female and 14 male mentees and eight female and 22 male mentors. The training was organized by the University’s Center for Gender Studies and iAGRI’s Gender Specialist. The facilitators for the workshop were provided by AWARD. Prior to the workshop, iAGRI sponsored sensitization sessions in various departments on campus to make people aware of the need for mentoring and of the opportunity to participate in the round-two mentoring program.

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Mentoring Orientation Workshop participants with Prof. Susan Nchimbi-Msola

3.2 Sustainability Mechanisms

A focus on sustainability was part of the design the organizational experiments undertaken by iAGRI at SUA. During quarter 3, an inventory of all organizational experiments was prepared to reevaluate the experiments to determine progress towards organizational and financial sustainability. See the preceding section for a detailed report.

4. STAKEHOLDER PARTICIPATION AND

INVOLVEMENT

During Q3, iAGRI was involved with many stakeholders throughout Tanzania.

Government Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (MALF), Permanent Secretary’s Office, Agro-Processing and Renewable Energy Section, and Research and Development Office, Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology (COSTECH)

Regional Organizations Eastern Africa Grain Council (EAGC)

International Agricultural Research Institutes

International Food Policy Research institute (IFPRI) teamed up with SUA/iAGRI/MSU in a land access study being conducted in eight districts of Tanzania Mainland.

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Feed the Future Projects The SERA project is collaborating with iAGRI in the land access study and funded the first stakeholder engagement meeting.

iAGRI is carrying out research on Maize Lethal Necrosis to assist NAFAKA in its efforts to improve maize productivity.

World Bank The World Bank has shared a methodological approach it has developed to establish the number, distribution, ownership and utilization of medium and large scale farms in Tanzania with the iAGRI/SERA/SUA/MSU land access study team.

National Agricultural Research and Extension

Researchers from MALF, who are members of the iAGRI Collaborative Research teams, participated in a research reporting workshop sponsored by iAGRI at SUA.

Ministry of Agriculture Training Institutes (MATIs)

iAGRI and SUA are collaborating with MATIs regarding how to improve their curricula. This includes a new emphasis on entrepreneurship, business training, and preparation of graduates to better respond to current market demands. During the third quarter, two extension specialists from Ohio State University worked with the MALF Division of Training, SUA extension specialists and MATI Ilonga staff members to plan a pilot program for curriculum improvement.

NGOs Tanzania Horticultural Association (TAHA), World Vision

Private Sector John Deere (Nairobi office), LonAgro, Litenga Holding (agribusiness consulting company), Great Africa Food Company (GAFCO), Deloitte, Kilombero Sugar Company, Tanzania Private Sector Foundation (TPSF), Tanzania Agricultural Society (TASO)

5. MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES

iAGRI has struggled to cope with delays in the auditing of SUA’s financial accounts. The delays jeopardize Ohio State University’s ability to comply with federal requirements on financial disclosure. Because the audit report was not available, OSU could not transfer funds to SUA during part of the third quarter. Fortunately, the report was released by the end of the quarter. The 2015 audit report has not yet been released and if it is not released soon, the Office of Sponsored Research at OSU will be required to withhold funding until the report becomes available.

6. LESSONS LEARNED

Tanzanian researchers are eager to share their findings and solutions with end users. Many of the SUA and MALF researchers supported by iAGRI consider their work unfinished until they have disseminated their findings to farmers and other beneficiaries. Some have gone to great lengths to transform their findings into practical solutions and have conducted feedback sessions and training sessions not foreseen

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in the research proposals. Many of the researchers would be pleased to share their findings to a much wider audience if Tanzania had better developed extension mechanisms. University leaders are willing to listen to external clients but lack the forums and methodologies for doing so. We have found the colleges and departments at SUA eager to receive external stakeholder input in the preparation of their restructuring and strategic plans. For the most part, they had not previously consulted external stakeholders in an intensive way. The stakeholder meetings held at SUA based on the iAGRI model were very productive and were appreciated by both sides.

7. PLANNED ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT QUARTER

INCLUDING UPCOMING EVENTS

Tech Talent

June 22, 2016, SUA campus, iAGRI headquarters, Morogoro

Sub IR 1.1 Enhanced human and institutional capacity for increased sustainable agriculture productivity

SUA students will present technological innovations or business ideas of their own at a public “innovation fair”. Presentations will be judged and prizes will be awarded. The students will be matched with mentors and will be coached as they prepare their innovations and ideas for the market.

MATI Strengthening Pilot Program

July 11-16, 2016, SUA campus, Morogoro. Sub IR 1.1 Enhanced human and institutional capacity for increased sustainable agriculture productivity

SUA, iAGRI, MATI-Ilonga staff persons will convene to plan for a pilot initiative for curriculum improvement at the MATI.

Training Workshop on Qualitative Research Methods

July 13-16, 2016, SUA campus, iAGRI headquarters, Morogoro. Sub IR 1.1 Enhanced human and institutional capacity for increased sustainable agriculture productivity

Training will be provided in qualitative research methods (for example, case studies, focus groups, transect studies, etc.) for SUA faculty and graduate students.

Farmer’s Field Day at Horticultural Demonstration Facility (HDF)

August, date TBD, SUA campus, Morogoro. Sub IR 1.1 Enhanced human and institutional capacity for increased sustainable agriculture productivity

Best horticultural practices will be demonstrated for farmers from Morogoro region in collaboration with TAHA.

Meet with Good African Food Company to Plan for Commercialization of SUA drip irrigation system

First week in September, 2016, Arusha. Sub IR 1.2 Enhanced technology development, dissemination, management, and innovation

Meet with private company interested in commercializing the drip irrigation system developed by SUA researchers under the Collaborative Research Program.

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8. HOW IMPLEMENTING PARTNER HAS

ADDRESSED AOR COMMENTS FROM LAST

QUARTERLY REPORT

Discrepancy in Reported Number of Trainees

An email message has been sent to the AOR and the Mission M&E Specialist explaining the reason for a discrepancy in the number of trainees reported in the previous quarterly report compared to those reported to IPRS.

Correspondence between

Indicators and Text of

Report

An effort was made to ensure that the text of this report directly addresses progress towards achievement of indicator goals.

Student Status Summary statistics on student status are presented.

Cost of Completing Degree Training

A table is presented Annex 2 showing the cost of completion for the students who will continue their studies beyond the end of the project in February 28, 2016.

9. FINANCIAL SUMMARY

As per the Cooperative Agreement between USAID and The Ohio State University, project finances are reported on a quarterly basis using Federal Financial Form (SF‐425). The accumulated expenditure from inception of the project to the end of the current reporting period (June 30 2016) is $21,698,113. The total expenditure for the current reporting period is $1,271,614. The planned expenditures for the next quarter, Quarter 4 of FY 2016‐2017, is $2,009,219. Projected expenditures by the end of next quarter will be $23,707,332.

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ANNEX 1: PMP INDICATOR PROGRESS

Indicator Units Baseline

Value

FY2016 Life of Project (LOP) Target

Cumulative Achievement

by End of Q3FY2016

Target Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Achieved to Date

A: FTF INDICATORS

IR 1: Improved agricultural productivity / Sub IR 1.1: Enhanced human and institutional capacity development for increased sustainable agriculture sector productivity

4.5.2-6: Number of individuals who have received USG supported long-term agricultural sector productivity or food security training

Number 0 2 2 2 144 139

Male 0 0 0 0 72 83

Female 0 2 2 2 72 75

4.5.2-7: Number of individuals who have received USG supported short-term agricultural sector productivity or food security training

Number 0 125 59 54 113 450 895

Type of individual

Producers

People in government

People in private sector firms

People in civil society 0 125 59 54 113 450 895

Sex 0 125 59 54 113 450 895

Male 0 65 20 45 65 225 539

Female 0 60 39 9 48 225 356

IR 1: Improved agricultural productivity / Sub IR 1.2: Enhanced technology development, dissemination, management and innovation

4.5.2-39: Number of technologies or management practices in one of the following phases of development:

Number 0 16 5 2 7 42 97

Phase I: under research as a result of USG assistance

Number 0 11 23 82

Phase II: under field testing as a result of USG assistance

Number 0 3 5 5 17 13

Phase III: made available for transfer as a result of USG assistance

Number 0 2 2 2 2 2

IR 3: Increased investment in agriculture and nutrition related activities/ Sub IR 3.1: Increased participation of the private sector in the delivery of services

4.5.2.-12: Number of public-private partnerships formed as a result of FTF assistance

Number 0 5 1 1 2 8 10

Agricultural production Number 0 1 1 1 2 2

Agricultural post-harvest transformation

Number 0 3 4 4

Nutrition Number 0

Other Number 0 1 1 1 1 2

Multi-focus Number 1 2

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Indicator Data / Disaggregation Units Baseline Value

FY2016 Life of Project (LOP) Target

Cumulative Achievement

by End of Q3FY2016

Target Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Achieved to Date

B: iAGRI CUSTOM INDICATORS

IR 1: Improved Agricultural Productivity / Sub IR 1.1: Enhanced human and institutional capacity development for increased sustainable agriculture sector productivity

OSU 1.1.4 Number of research projects conducted which specifically focus on gender

Number 0 2 0 0 9 7

IR 1: Improved Agricultural Productivity / Sub IR 1.2: Enhanced technology development, dissemination, management and innovation

OSU 1.2.1 Number of research projects that address issues of climate change

Number 0 2 1 1 14 13

IR 3: Increased investment in agriculture and nutrition related activities/ Sub IR 3.1: Increased Participation of the Private Sector in the Delivery of Services

4.5.2 (38) Value of new private private/public/NGOs investments in agricultural/food chain leveraged

US $ 0 50,000 180 0 75,700 75,880 80,000 75,880

IR 3: Increased investment in agriculture and nutrition related activities / Sub IR 3.2: Increased capacity of women to participate in agriculture and nutrition

OSU 3.2.2. Number of high school girls provided with career guidance and counseling program

Number 0 1,000 0 0 4,150 5,295

OSU 3.2.4. Number of actions supportive of gender mainstreaming at Sokoine University of Agriculture

Number 0 4 2 2 4 20 23

IR 3: Increased investment in agriculture and nutrition related activities / Sub IR 3.3: Enhanced knowledge and external ideas through study tours

OSU 3.3.1. Number of people participating in study tours as a result of FtF assistance

Number 0 5 2 2 18 54

Male Number 0 3 1 9 36

Female Number 0 2 1 9 18

IR 8: Improved enabling policy environment for both agriculture and nutrition / Sub IR 8.1: Improved capacity to conduct policy research and analysis

OSU 8.1.1. Number of policy issues in agriculture, natural resources and environment, climate change and nutrition researched and analysed as a result of FtF assistance

Number 0 1 1 1 12 12

IR 8: Improved enabling policy environment for both agriculture and nutrition / Sub IR 8.2: Public/private sector dialogue on policy increased

OSU 8.2.1. Number of USG-supported policy dialogue events held that are related to improving the enabling environment for agriculture and nutrition

Number 0 3 3 3 5 5

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ANNEX 2: ESTIMATED COST OF COMPLETING

DEGREE PROGRAMS

Name Host University Costs during March 1st- August 31st,

20171

Costs from September 1st,

2017 to conclusion2

Total

Deogratias Massawe3 OSU $40,140 $16,000 $56,140

Elizabeth Ndaba MSU $17,503 $0 $17,503

Winfrid Tamba OSU $17,503 $0 $17,503

Anna Tesha SUA $8,635 $1,500 $10,135

Fahmia Selemani SUA $8,635 $1,500 $10,135

Mbano Nuru SUA $8,635 $1,500 $10,135

Elizabeth Medard SUA $8,635 $1,500 $10,135

Hope Masanja SUA $8,635 $1,500 $10,135

Sarah Luzangi SUA $8,635 $1,500 $10,135

Gosbert Shausi SUA $13,635 $1,500 $15,135

Scholastica Mwema LUANAR $10,000 $3,100 $13,100

Mercy Mmari Jomo Kenyatta $6,500 $3,100 $9,600

Zaharan Hussein Stellenbosch $13,300 $17,530 $30,830

Student Costs $170,391 $50,230 $220,621

Administrative Costs4

$34,325 $34,325

Total Direct Costs $204,716 $50,230 $254,946

Indirect Costs $37,442 $10,726 $48,168

Total Cost $242,158 $60,956 $303,114

1The period represents a six month no-cost extension (to include expenditures through Summer 2017 including August). 2Conclusion means the end of the financial commitment of iAGRI. 3Funding for Autumn 2017-Summer 2019 to come from OSU department in Year 3 and iAGRI follow-on in Year 4. 4Starting September 1st, 2017, administration for follow-on would be in place.

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ANNEX 3: COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH IMPLEMENTATION STATUS

A. iAGRI Round 1 Collaborative Research Projects

Name of PI Title of Research Project

Most Notable Research Outputs, Outcomes, and Impacts

Training Completed Implementation Status Summary

Implementation Location

Nyambiblila Amuri, SUA

Improving Agricultural Productivity and Crop Nutritive Quality through a Gender Sensitive Approach

Knowledge on macro and micronutrient status of soils in the surveyed areas made available for further research use and for use by extension advisory services. Nutritional status of staple food crops in the surveyed areas established. To date one paper published, one seminar paper presented, and a flyer disseminated.

2 MSc students; 20 farmers, 1 ward executive, 3 undergraduates, and 15 farmers (8 female and 7 male) trained in fertilizer use for improved yields and crop quality.

Final research report submitted. Additional papers for publication being written.

Dodoma and Kilombero

Carlene Chase, Florida

Improvement of Tomato Productivity and Quality in Tanzania

At least 100 farmers were introduced to grafting technology, learned how to do it, and adopted it. Grafting will provide protection for tomato plants from diseases and lead to higher yields. Five articles prepared for publication in peer reviewed journals.

138 farmers trained in various aspects of tomato production (about 50% female). Three extension agents trained on grafting.

Final research report submitted in April 2016. Several publications for journals in progress.

Various villages in Morogoro Region

Sophia Kashenge‐ Kilenga, MALF

Integrated Salt‐Affected Soil Management Options for Sustainable Rice Productivity in Irrigation Schemes of Tanzania

Fields abandoned for almost 20 years are now being rehabilitated through effective salinity management. Rice yields have increased from 0 to 4 tons/ha. Local markets have been created for gypsum. A book chapter, journal papers, posters and brochures have been published and a farmer field day for 70 farmers undertaken.

163 female/257 male extension officers trained in soil salinity mitigation practices; 149 female/139 male farmers trained in soil salinity mitigation; 197 female/192 male farmers involved in field visits.

An interim final report submitted in April 2016. Project is scheduled to end in December, 2016 in order to allow for additional field experiments to be conducted.

Dakawa, Ndungu, Katrin, Ilonga, Mlingano

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Didas Kimaro, SUA

Agricultural Innovation for Smallholder Farmers through Locally Adapted Conservation Agriculture (CA)

Two hundred farmers in the study area adopted SRI; yields increased from 1.7 to 3.6 tons/ha; one paper published; 6 conference papers presented; 2 farmer training materials sets and 2 policy briefs prepared; 2 M.Sc. and 1 Ph.D. students supported and completed programs.

200 farmers trained in SRI; 6 ag extension staff trained on efficient rice production; 72 students at Kilimanjaro MATI trained on use of SRI

Final research report submitted in April 2016; several publications for journals in progress

Moshi Rural District

Joyce Kinabo, SUA

From Soil Elements to Food Nutrients

Awareness of importance of soil nutrients was heightened through feedback sessions with community members where studies were conducted. Community members became aware of nutrient content of their foods and dietary intake. Three papers presented at conferences; four journal drafts available.

50 community members trained on cooking techniques designed to preserve various food nutrients followed by testing of improved recipes.

Final research report submitted in April 2016

Gairo, Kilosa, Kilombero

Sally Miller, Ohio State

Improved Soil Health and Germplasm to Advance Tomato Production in Tanzania

Farmers’ yields improved by 150%; individual incomes for adopters estimated to increase by 50% in three years—from Shs 5 million to 7.0 million; 6 journal papers published; 3 papers presented at conferences; and 4 webinar series conducted on tomato production.

13 technical staff trained in soil testing and advanced tomato germplasm usage; 201 farmers trained in various soil health and soil testing kit usage.

Final research report submitted in April 2016. Several publications for journals in progress.

Several villages in Morogoro Region

Andrew Tarimo, SUA

Low‐Cost Drip Irrigation Technology

Increased consumption of vegetables from one meal to four meals per week; increased sales of vegetables in village from 375 to 625 bunches per week; water productivity increased from 2.6 kg/m3 to 5.5kg/m3; 2 journal articles published.

Community members trained on all aspects of efficient drip irrigation.

Final research report submitted in April 2016

Oljoro, Arusha Region

Raphael Munanka Wambura, SUA

Enhancing Extension Service Delivery by Using Agricultural Innovation Systems: The Case of Maize

71 ag extension stakeholders involved in identification of options for improving maize extension system. Report will be an input to several high level forums for improving maize extension system.

10 extension agents trained on GIS and research ethics.

Final research report submitted in May 2016. Several publications for journals in progress.

Morogoro and Dodoma

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B. iAGRI Round 2 Collaborative Research Projects

Names of PIs

Name of Collaborative

Research Project

Outputs, Outcomes and Impacts Training Component Implementation Status

Implementation Location

Mario Miranda and Richard Gallenstein, Ohio State; Flavianus Magayane, Sokoine

Investigating the Impacts of Drought-Insured Loans on Farmer Group Sustainability and Technology Adoption

i) Developed a research design for predicting the impact of index insurance coupled loans on farmer risk taking decisions under individual and joint liability lending. ii) Conducted Framed Field Experiment with 405 farmers from 40 farmer groups in 8 villages in the Dodoma region of Tanzania.

i) 3-day training on introduction to Matlab for the 4 team members. ii) 3-day seminar for the 4 project team members on behavioral experimental economics.

The second and last framed experiment will be towards the end of August. Project scheduled to end last week of January 2017

Dodoma villages

Thomas Lubberstedt and Walter Suza, Iowa State; Joseph Ndunguru, Mikocheni Agricultural Research Institute

Abiotic and Biotic Maize Productivity Constraints

Field surveys conducted in three northern-zone regions to assess hot spots for Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease (MLND) incidence and symptom severity; striga incidence mapped in main maize growing regions of Tanzania; participation in Nairobi regional workshop to share information on MLND.

Three iAGRI sponsored students trained by Joseph Ndunguru in his lab on MLND lab material handling; students advised on MLND research.

This project will end in January 2017

Ruvuma, Iringa, Sumbawanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha, Manyara and Morogoro

Agricultural Resource Water Management in the Ruvu Basin

Conrad Heatwole Henry Mahoo

Stakeholders’ workshop involving the Ruvu Basin staff, local community representatives, Ministry of Water and SUA was held to collect key project information and perceptions on challenges facing the basin and alternative pathways of circumventing the problems.

One SUA –based staff person (Mbungu) is being trained at VT to lead this research activity.

This project is scheduled to end by January 2017

Morogoro, Coast and Dar es Salaam

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ANNEX 4: SUCCESS STORY

Tanzanian Scholar Trained in Rice Genomic Selection for Food Security

Elias Balimponya is an iAGRI student who undertook and completed his Masters-level studies in Crop Science at The Ohio State University (OSU). “Farming can be an inventive sector with the potential to solve the problems of food shortages and underemployment among youth,” says this young agricultural scientist.

Before pursuing his Masters degree at OSU, Balimponya had completed a Bachelors in Agriculture degree at Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA) in 2012. After his studies, he obtained a position at Amboni Plantations Limited Ltd where he worked as a Production Supervisor. In 2014, Balimponya read about the iAGRI scholarship in the newspaper. “Luckily, I was one of the people who was short-listed for an interview. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. The interview was not at all easy but I managed to get accepted. Upon acceptance, I packed my belongings and headed to Ohio on my first trip to the United States.”

At Ohio State University, he took courses and wrote his Masters thesis on rice blast and bacterial blight in East Africa. During his studies, he carried out field testing of 238 African and 180 USDA rice lines for resistance to rice blast and bacterial blight diseases and used the data for genomic selection and association analysis. “The overall aim of the research was to identify high yielding rice varieties that can eed future generations,” says Balimponya.

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His supervisor at the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science was Dr. Clay Sneller, an experienced geneticist who specializes in wheat breeding, plant stress molecular biology, and genomics. Dr. Snell helped him not only with his research but to adjust to his new learning environment. “I had to make a lot of adjustments. I especially had to adjust the way that I managed my time.” Balimponya says Dr. Sneller helped him to learn to work hard and more efficiently.

Balimponya’s accomplishments and performance at OSU led to his selection as a Fellow of the 2014 Norman E. Borlaug Leadership Enhancement in Agriculture Program (LEAP). While in the middle of his studies at OSU, he spent a month through LEAP working with Dr. Bo Zhou, a plant pathologist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in the Phillipines. ‘’Dr. Zhou assisted me with additional training in software and technologies used in the genomic selection and association analysis process,’’ he says.

As his studies at OSU progressed and after gaining additional training at IRRI, Balimponya refined his research plan until he was confident he could implement his field research activities in Tanzania. Upon returning to Tanzania to carry out the field work, his local academic advisor, Dr. Ashura Luzikihupi at Sokoine University of Agriculture, helped him acquire additional understanding and tools to carry out his research successfully.

After graduation from Ohio State University, Balimponya was hired by the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute (TOSCI) as an Assistant Research Officer. TOSCI is charged with certifying locally-produced and imported agricultural seeds and for safeguarding farmers from poor quality or fake seeds. It is a unit of the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries and is located on the campus of Sokoine University of Agriculture. The knowledge and tools he acquired through his USAID-funded Masters degree training are helping to make the current and future generations of Tanzanians food secure.