Revitalizing Agricultural/Pastoral Incomes and New Markets (RAIN+)

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Date of Operation: 2009 – 2013

Primary Implementing Partner: Mercy Corps

Other Implementing Partner(s): Save the Children

Regions of Operation: Somali

Goal:

Increase resilience to food security shocks

Project Objectives:

  • Improve food security shock preparedness
  • Prevent food insecurity through strengthened and diversified livelihoods
  • Promote efficient market-based business, local economic development and economic integration

Description:

Funded by the USAID Office of Disaster Assistance (OFDA), RAIN protects the asset base of vulnerable and food insecure households through targeted interventions, such as cash-for-work, pastoral rangeland management, and improved access to input supplies and veterinary services. The project then transitions these households to a system of long-term economic growth through high impact interventions in agricultural and pastoral/livestock value chains. RAIN operates on an inputs supply value chain strategy that improves the markets for input supplies needed by pastoralists and agro-pastoralists, contributing to improved production and therefore improved livelihoods, market participation and resilience. In response to the current drought situation in Somali Region, RAIN has provided emergency assistance to approximately 106,450 households (713,300 individuals). Activities included:

  • Commercial destocking to provide vulnerable communities with an opportunity to sell some livestock for cash
  • Increasing water points and water storage capacity
  • Training additional community animal health workers (CAHWs)
  • Emergency livestock vaccinations

Expected Results:

  • Use input supply fairs to replicate a market setting where vendors offer their products to customers at discount prices, improving market linkages
  • Promote livestock health and protection through vaccination and treatment campaigns, training and equipping CAHWs, and strengthening private and government veterinary health services
  • Enhance market opportunities for animals and animal products
  • Community contingency planning, early warning systems and early warning response
  • Utilize seed capital program to award seed grants
  • Organize networking meetings and sessions for livestock sector
  • Develop milk and live animal value chain
  • Improve access to financing