Monitoring & Evaluation Report

Transcription

1 Monitoring & Evaluation Report

2 1. Introduction The in situ monitoring of nine projects of Agricultural Innovation Marketplace MKTPlace took place at Embrapa Mid-North on March 15 and 16, Projects in progress with approximately one year of execution in partnership with African institutions were chosen. These projects have Brazilian co-leaders bound to this Embrapa unit as counterparties. A meeting also took place, where researchers José Oscar Lustosa de Oliveira Júnior (Head of Administration and Finances), Flávio Favaro Blanco (Head of Research and Development), Luciano Nass and Rodrigo Ferraz (members of the MKTPlace M&E team) were present, in addition to the researchers responsible for conducting the research projects. The meeting was initiated by the General Head of the unit, Luiz Fernando Carvalho Leite, and, later, conducted by MKTPlace members. 2. Objectives The main objectives of the monitoring and assessment mission were: To check the progress of activities and partial results of the projects; To identify potential bottlenecks in the performance of the projects; To propose solutions to the bottlenecks identified. 3. Methodology The methodology used for the monitoring and evaluation of the projects included: 1) reading of the project proposals; 2) reading of the annual reports; 3) presentation of the partial results by the co-leaders; 4) argumentation by the appraising members; 5) roundtable for discussion of bottlenecks and opportunities for the projects. For project ID 2341, a different methodology was used, since the Brazilian coleader could not attend the monitoring meeting. Therefore, the choice was to debate with one of the members of the project team, and later a telephone contact was made with the co-leader in order to discuss the project results, the progress of activities and possible doubts.

3 4. Evaluated Projects 4.1 Project: Comparative evaluation of different manual cassava harvesting tools ID:777 Co-leaders: Luiz Guilherme (Embrapa Mid-North) Shadrack Amponsah (CSIR- Crops Research Institute) Beginning of the project: 11/20/2013 Conclusion: 11/20/2015 Extension: 05/20/ Assessment of the progress of the project The first contact for the elaboration of this project came from the African institution and the initial contact was arranged by Dr. Tonya Dinkins, project team member and colleague of Dr. Luiz Guilherme. The project creation strategy was based on the perspective of generating a better technique for the manual harvest of cassava and amore adapted instrument for the conditions of both countries. This project aimed to reduce the total cost of production and post-harvest losses, improve the market value of cassava and provide a positive impact on the health and quality of life of smallholders. It was noted that the activities set in the project are happening within the established schedule, thus, the co-leader hopes that the main goal of the project to evaluate the efficiency of five manual tools of cassava harvest in areas of flat and rough relief must be achieved. Regarding the specific objectives of the project, it is noted that all of them were practically concluded: to evaluate the level of work, degree of damage to the root and field capacity associated with different manual tools of cassava harvest; to identify which relief and type of soil preparation are more adequate for the manual harvest of cassava; to analyze the economic feasibility of the use of several manual harvest tools for cassava; to promote the use of the best techniques of manual harvest of cassava by smallholders. The Brazilian co-leader informed that the contact with the African team is made weekly via Skype and that several trips were also made to Africa, aiming to articulate and schedule the activities of the project.

4 The project had a series of significant partial results with high potential for impact, such as the training of African researchers in Brazil, the fostering of artisans in the manufacture of the tool to harvest cassava, besides the fact that the technology developed is adaptable to both countries of implementation of the project. The financial implementation is going as expected. The Brazilian co-leader emphasizes the constant effort of the team to maximize the use of resources, occurring also the integration of this project with other projects that the researcher has in the MKTPlace. During the monitoring of the project, it became evident how the Brazil/Africa cooperation is important for the generation and sharing of expertise and technology Advances The identification of tools for the cassava harvest, agricultural practices and obstacles for the production was made through an survey with the participation of local farmers in Ghana; Four fields of cassava production with different varieties in four agroecological areas in Ghana were established; The analysis of physical and chemical properties of the soil before and after its preparation for the plantation was made; Data about the growth and development of the cassava planted in these soils were collected monthly Difficulties/Bottlenecks Difficulty in using CSIR vehicles for the field activities set in the project Lessons Learned The project allowed the strengthening of the collaboration between the research institutions involved; Although they are culturally different, Brazil and Ghana have similar issues and technologies that can be perfectly adapted from one country to the other;

5 Despite the difference between the languages, the technical and practical formation helps the comprehension and communication among the co-leaders Recommendations Due to the low availability of vehicles at CSIR, it was suggested to the co-leaders the lease of a vehicle in the upcoming missions in Africa so that the field activities of the projects are not compromised. 4.2 Project: Increased smallholder food production through implementation of water conserving aquaphonics-based food systems ID:1096 Co-leaders: Luiz Guilherme (Embrapa Mid-North) Shadrack Amponsah (CSIR- Crops Research Institute) Beginning of the project: 02/06/2014 Conclusion: 02/06/2016 Extension: 08/06/ Assessment of the progress of the project This project aimed to develop an alternative to reduce the scarcity of food for smallholders in Ghana through the transference of knowledge in the area of integrated food systems. For this purpose, small low cost food cultivation systems were built, in order to work as pilot units of demonstration for the production of organic grains, poultry, fish, fruits and vegetables at Embrapa Mid-North and CSIR. These demonstrative units have been used mainly to promote their potential impact on the production of foods and to check their long-term capacity in the preservation of natural resources. Additionally, they have been used for the training of interested smallholders. Since the project is implemented by the same team of the project Comparative evaluation of different manual cassava harvesting tools (ID 777), a great interaction between the activities developed was observed - this has been done aiming to optimize the financial, human and organizational resources.

6 It was noted that the activities set in the project are happening within the schedule, thus, the co-leader expects that the main goal of the project will be achieved. Regarding the specific objectives, it is noted that all of them were practically concluded, and in some cases surpassed, such as: the performance of workshops; maintenance of demonstrative units; development of manuals about the system in different languages; and training of more than 50 smallholders and technicians. Lastly, the Brazilian co-leader emphasized during the visit that the MKTPlace forum was essential for the organization of activities and the establishment of the project foundations, since both did not know each other in person. Additionally, other characteristics considered relevant were: the great institutional ability of the CSIR for the performance of the proposed objectives and the fact that the performance of the project only became possible due to MKTPlace resources Advances Demonstration units were established with the productive activities integrated; fish tanks, a coop, rabbits, a house (for the technicians), a composting unit, a place for ducks, a snailery, a shed for vermiculture and plantations of grains and vegetables; Sale of the food produced in the demonstration units for the local population; Implementation of the integrated production system (Aquaphonics-based Food Systems - AFS) in another African region, in addition to the CSIR; Two demonstrative events were conducted to disseminate the AFS benefits; A 30-minutes documentary was made about the project Difficulties/Bottlenecks Lack of availability of a motor-driven pump in the market of Ghana to be used in the fish tank; Difficulty to obtain polyethylene sheets resistant to ultraviolet rays in the dimensions needed for the coating of the tanks in Ghana.

7 4.2.4 Lessons Learned The co-leader highlighted that the cultural differences between the two countries, Brazil and Ghana, did not affect the acceptance and the adaptation of technology and the choice of recipients of the project Recommendations There were no recommendations from the evaluation team. 4.3 Project: Utilizing sustainable energy for water management in semi-intensive aquaculture ID:411 Co-leaders: Luiz Guilherme (Embrapa Meio-Norte) Lawrence Obeti (National Agricultural Research Organization - NARO) Beginning of the project: 06/25/2014 Conclusion: 06/25/2016 Extension: 12/25/ Assessment of the progress of the project Fish farming in Uganda is mostly characterized by its low production capacity and use of traditional tanks. In this scenario, the intensive aquaculture is almost incipient, especially due to the high costs related to equipment and the energy required for the recirculation of water. Considering this challenge for the local production, the general aim of this project was to develop semi-intensive aquaculture production systems for the producers in peri-urban areas. It was noted that, despite the delay for the signature of the agreement, all the activities established were performed, such as: construction of tanks using low power solar pumps for the recirculation of water; construction of a residual water treatment station using crop cultivations; and assessment of the recirculation system regarding its efficiency in the reutilization of water and energy demand. The co-leader considers that the project has great potential to promote impact on both countries, given the generation of expertise and the development of a low-

8 cost technological component as a focus on poor populations. In Brazil, the technology generated has already been used as part of a public policy in the Northeast. In comparison to the other projects, the Brazilian co-leader considers that the communication with their counterpart was less effective. However, both intend to continue the partnership, even after the conclusion of the project. It is worth highlighting that due to its good results the project has resources from other sources Advances A workshop was made at the beginning of the project aiming to disseminate the knowledge and the activities of the project at NARO; A social and economic survey was made on the semi-intensive and peri-urban production of fish in three selected districts; Prototypes of the tank were built in peri-urban areas using the proposed technology; An artificial swamp was established to treat the water of the fish tanks Difficulties/Bottlenecks Bureaucratic processes of acquisitions at NARO, delaying the implementation of the activities established as a result; Difficulties in the importation of equipment, delaying the construction and assessment of the tanks Lessons Learned Considering their experience in other MKTPlace projects, the Brazilian co-leader highlighted the need to keep a more effective and constant communication with their counterpart, in order to improve even more the results of the project Recommendations It is suggested the establishment of a communication plan between the parties, in order to surpass this obstacle.

9 4.4 Project: Farming insects as a possible alternative for high protein feed for chicken and fish in Cameroon and Brazil ID:2341 Co-leaders: Janaina Kimpara (Embrapa Mid-North) Paulin Nana (University of Dschang) Beginning of the project: 11/20/2015 Conclusion: 11/20/ Assessment of the progress of the project The primary aim of this project is to use insects as a protein alternative source in the farming of poultry and fish, since the nutrition is the most burdensome part of this production chain. According to the research schedule created by the co-leaders, the strategy for the performance of activities was established in a way that the development of a production system of insects is made in Cameroon and most part of data analysis is made in Brazil. For such, a visit of the Brazilian researcher to Africa for the transference of the production system technology and a visit of the African co-leader for the beginning of laboratorial activities in Brazil were already scheduled. Since the project obtained an external grant to encourage research, a new member was added to the team in order to assess the carcass of the animals fed with the insects produced. This will allow the integration of the activities with other MKTPlace projects, since the selected animals will come from the Increased smallholder food production through implementation of water conserving aquaphonics-based food systems (ID 1096) project. This project is expected to result in the reduction of production costs, the income increase of producers and the environmental sustainability in Brazil and Cameroon Difficulties/Bottlenecks

10 The loss of the legal agreement between the institutions on the execution stage was reported. However, according to the co-leader, this did not cause any impact on the performance of the activities. 4.5 Project: Cashew fruit Adding value for food security ID:1622 Co-leaders: Ana Lúcia Barreto (Embrapa Meio-Norte) Nina Ackah (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Food Research Institute) Beginning of the project: 12/09/2014 Conclusion: 12/09/ Assessment of the progress of the project Considering that cashew is an underused culture in Ghana, this project aims to formulate two microbiologically and nutritionally stable products from the stem of the fruit (cashew powder as drink and cereal for breakfast). It was noted that most part of the activities established were performed, even though the general aim proposed - to make the generated products arrive at the local market - was not achieved. However, from the perspective of generation of expertise, important information was obtained about the effect of freezing on the sensorial and nutritional properties of the fruit; the microbiological quality of both products; and their acceptability among consumers. It is highlighted that, if these products arrive at the market, the following is expected: positive economic impact on the cashew sector; increase of the aggregate value of the cashew production; and social and economic gains to the producers of this culture. Additionally, the co-leader believes that the products have great potential to be used in Brazil. Regarding the creation and performance of the project, the initial contact came from the foreign institution, through the Embrapa Mid-North international articulator at the time, Dr. Geraldo Carvalho, having an important role in promoting and assisting the development of this proposal. It was also noted that the activities of the project are being developed in parallel in both countries. However, there is not a regular flow of communication, with peaks happening depending on the activities being developed.

11 4.5.2 Advances A research on the cashew plantations was made in four cities. Through interviews, it was found out that cashew producers changed their cashew plantations to mango due to the disparity of the financial return between the production and commercialization of both fruits in the country; The reduction of the cashew fruits tannin was made through four methods. However, tests to check this reduction could not be made due to delays in the acquisition of chemical and reagent supplements; A type of cashew with a higher level of acidity and greater value in the Brix scale was identified; Cereals ready consumption made of corn, rice, millet or soy and peanut or cashew nut and sugar or honey were produced; Clones of dwarf cashew trees developed by Embrapa Tropical Agroindustry were collected and plated in experimental fields of Embrapa Mid-North. The Follin-Denis method was used to determine the total level of phenolic components in the cashew stem; Formulation of the breakfast cereal from dehydrated samples from the cashew clones Difficulties/Bottlenecks There were delays in the beginning of the field activities due to the seasonality of the fruit, since the resources of the project were received at the end of the period suitable to the cashew plantation. The purchase and delivery process of the reagents required for the performance of the activities of the project took a lot of time and, because of this, implied in delays in these activities; Exit of one of the project members, who had to be replaced; Due to a prolonged drought in Brazil in 2015, only one of the clones was able to produce enough material for the harvesting.

12 4.5.4 Lessons Learned The Brazilian co-leader highlighted that the experience of being part of the MKTPlace was very positive and that it served to broaden the cultural and technological expertise of the participant researchers Recommendations Since the Brazilian co-leader does not know the implementation institution of the project in Africa, it was suggested a visit to the CSIR Ghana to check and discuss the progress of the project and to align the activities. 4.6 Project: Narrowing the yield gap of food legumes through integrated management of parasitic weeds in the highlands of Ethiopia ID:524 Co-leaders: José Oscar Oliveira Jr. (Embrapa Mid-North) Seid Kemal (International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas - ICARDA) Beginning of the project: 11/20/2013 Conclusion: 11/20/2015 Extension: 05/20/ Assessment of the progress of the project The project was created with the primary aim to reduce losses in the production of food legumes (faba bean lentil, field pea) in the Ethiopia highlands through an integrated management to fight against the Orobanche crenatae weed, and consequently increase the income and the nutritional status of farmers. For such, the qualification of farmers, researchers and extension employees was made through field days and training, using a participative approach. Additionally, college students were involved in the project to generate new knowledge about parasitic weeds. The project activities were developed primarily in Ethiopia, since this parasite species still does not exist in Brazil. It is worth noting, though, that it was already found in Chile, making its study strategic to Brazil.

13 It can be highlighted as main results of the project so far: Identification of the main leguminous and other host plants (cultivated and wild) affected by parasitic weeds in Ethiopia. The increase of warning about the dissemination of parasitic weeds in Ethiopia, allowing bigger emphasis on the integrated management in the local extension systems. Identification of food legume crops most resistant/tolerant to the local parasitic weed populations. According to the co-leader, this project obtained results that might help the reintroduction of food legumes in the highlands of Ethiopia. In addition, it has great potential for impact on the region, since an increase of 50%-90% of productivity is expected in the areas affected through the use of the IPWM (Integrated Parasitic Weed Management) system. Lastly, it was reported that the initial contact for the creation of the project was made by ICARDA via the MKTPlace system, and the communication between the project members was kept mainly through Skype. The Brazilian co-leader has visited the project sites and activities Advances Holding of two meetings between team members to debate the implementation and progresses of the project. Researches were made in five areas of the Northeast of Ethiopia in order to determine the composition of species, distribution of parasitic weeds and a data distribution map; Tools were prepared for a study on the impact of weeds in the welfare of farmers; Different weeds management options were tested; Three dates and two methods (dry and wet) of seeding of weeds in leguminous plants were assessed in two places; Two levels of application of glyphosate in cultivations of genetically improved broad beans were assessed.

14 The assessment of the effects of fertilizers (organic and inorganic) on weeds of leguminous plant was made; The multiplication and distribution of partially resistant seeds of broad beans to local farmers was made with the aim to monitor the production; The sorting and identification of genotypes of broad beans for future tests were made; Identification of the weed with higher incidence in plantations; Identification of 14 SSR polymorphic markers transferable from Orobanche spp. to O. crenata Difficulties/Bottlenecks Suitability (topography) of the fields selected and accessibility to them to execute the trials; Appearance of a new disease in on faba bean which is the key focus of this project, what has reduced its harvest; Difficulty in identifying Orobranche spp.; Little experience of researchers with data analysis and poor awareness of policy makers and extension personnel on impact of parasitic weeds on food legumes Lessons Learned The Brazilian researcher highlighted that the MKTPlace forum was essential in the organization and planning of the project activities. He also reinforced some strengths of the MKTPlace which helped the good operation of the project, such as: the fact that the Platform allows the formation of new partnerships focusing on trust; the establishment of a multi-institutional vision; a differentiated dynamic in comparison to conventional projects; the flexibility of the budget; in addition to being a great opportunity to practice new languages Recommendations It was recommended to the Brazilian co-leader the increase the number of team members in a potential upcoming project, to avoid damages in case of

15 unpredicted situations. In this project, for instance, there were difficulties of interaction and execution in the second year due to the fact that the Brazilian researcher took over a new position in the leadership of his unit. In addition, it was suggested to the researcher the use of the remaining financial balance to purchase equipment and consumption material for the project or unit, in order to avoid the return of the resources to MKTPlace. 4.7 Project: Assessment of the Booroola Fecundity (FecB) gene in Ethiopian sheep breed for improvement of sheep production ID:554 Co-leaders: Geraldo Carvalho (Embrapa Mid-North) Yisehak Redda (Mekelle University) Beginning of the project: 02/18/2014 Conclusion: 02/18/2016 Extension: 08/18/ Assessment of the progress of the project The performance of the project began through the MKTPlace matchmaking system, with the researcher being aware of the initiative since he was the international articulator of the Embrapa unit at the time the project was created. The development of the project was motivated initially by the fact that the sheep breeding is the main husbandry activity in Ethiopia, and therefore, very important for the rural economy and national GDP. In addition, the country has a wide genetic diversity of sheep, but with low reproductive efficiency. As an implementation strategy, the project aimed to assess the genetic potential of the breeds of sheep from Ethiopia by the presence of the booroola gene, for the genetic improvement through reproductive management, consequently increasing the size of the brood and influencing the profitability of the production of sheep. The progress of the project activities is according to the schedule, and as main results so far it can be highlighted: the characterization of the presence or absence and

16 frequency of the fertility gene (fecb); the characterization of polymorphism of the gene and its association with fertility; the use of marker-assisted selection and the consequent impulse in cutting-edge researches in Ethiopia; the qualification of associated researchers and students in reproduction techniques at a molecular level; the increase of the reproductive and productive efficacy; and the establishment of laboratories (molecular genetics and microbiology) in the African university, with it being currently maintained with resources of the project. From the operational point of view, the implementation of resources occurs adequately and the co-leaders have frequent communication via Skype and mutual trips. Lastly, it is noted that the co-leaders were already experienced in development projects and intend to continue the interaction they ve already held a meeting with other members from Mekelle University to discuss the continuation of the partnership and the possibility of new collaborations between the institutions Advances The standardization of protocols of sample collections and preparation of questionnaires was made; The training of the people in charge for the blood sample collection, the visits for identification of the area to be studied and the obtaining of laboratory materials and equipment was made; Several meetings with local leaders were held for the promotion of the aims and potential impacts of the project; The Brazilian co-leader made a presentation on the project at Mekelle University with his African counterparty; Promotion of the project in the local media; Blood sample collections from 7 of the 12 breeds which will be studied; Six Veterinary Medicine students (four Masters students and two Doctorate students) are committed to the project Difficulties/Bottlenecks

17 Lack of suppliers of specialized consumption material in the Ethiopian market; Lack of qualified personnel and specialized laboratories in the local market, what hinders the outsourcing of technical activities; The high inflation in Ethiopia has made the purchase of supplies difficult; Lack of reagents suppliers Lessons Learned The Brazilian co-leader presented as main lessons the need to: Take advantage of opportunities of trips abroad (MKTPlace workshop, for instance) to purchase materials that do not exist in the African market; Outsource activities that can be made by commercial laboratories, for example, genotyping; Plan in advance the activities that are crucial to achieve proposed aims Recommendations It is suggested for the Brazilian co-leader to try to involve the other members that are part of the team in Brazil more effectively, in a way to ensure the continuity of the project in case of unpredicted situations. 4.8 Project: Screening indigenous strains of lactic acid bacteria for development of a high quality probiotic for poultry ID:2512 Co-leaders: Geraldo Carvalho (Embrapa Mid-North) YisehakRedda (Mekelle University) Beginning of the project: 09/22/2015 Conclusion: 09/22/ Assessment of the progress of the project The poultry production is the most important farming activity of Ethiopia, and it is common to use antibiotics in the food of these animals. This project aimed to

18 isolate, characterize and choose lineages of lactic acid bacteria collected in poultry for their potential use as probiotic supply in poultry farming. The use of probiotics has a strong environmental appeal and constitutes an important aspect of applied biotechnology, as opposed to antibiotics and chemotherapeutic agents, and can be used to promote growth in poultry. Therefore, the development of an efficient and low-cost probiotics will contribute to promote the farming of healthier poultry, reduce the incidence of diseases, increase production and help the fight against poverty. Since the project co-leaders already knew each other and had experience in the performance of MKTPlace projects, the budget execution and the performance of activities surpassed expectations. Although the project is approximately one-year old, the project already achieved its general and specific aims. In this period, 36 probiotic bacteria colonies were isolated and tested, and six new colonies were identified. From these six colonies, the two most well evaluated are being tested and will possibly originate patents. Currently, the researchers have only tried to repeat the tests in different animals, location and periods to validate the results. It is expected, as main impacts of this project: to improve and increase the poultry production in Ethiopia; to deepen the study of probiotics for the development of new strains; to reduce the use of antibiotics as food additives in poultry production; and to strengthen laboratory activities existent in the African institution. Additionally, the project intends to train post-graduation students and generate scientific publications Advances Samples of gastrointestinal contents from each poultry were collected; Pure colonies were obtained by the identification of the isolated, through their morphological features (shape, size, color, margin, elevation and texture). Isolation of 36 bacterial cultures six of these colonies were characterized at a molecular level; Identification and selection of the potential candidates to be used as probiotics.

19 4.8.3 Difficulties/Bottlenecks The co-leader has not reported any particular difficulty to the performance of this project Lessons Learned According to the Brazilian co-leader, it is necessary to embrace the opportunity of purchasing materials that do not exist in the local market when a member of the team travels abroad. Furthermore, aiming to make the activities easier and faster, the activities that can be performed by commercial companies must be outsourced Recommendations Since this technology has high potential for impact on the poultry industry and considering the similarity between the breeds of both countries, it was suggested that the researchers tried to transfer and use the probiotics chosen in animals in Brazil. 4.9 Project: Initiating data recording system at Ethiopian dairy farmers level and improving farm data management ID: 1438 Co-leaders: Geraldo Carvalho (Embrapa Mid-North) Zemelak Goraga (Ethiopian Institute for Agricultural Research) Beggining of the project: 12/09/2014 Conclusion: 12/09/ Assessment of the progress of the project Given the importance of the dairy production in Ethiopia, this project aimed to establish the foundations for a program of genetic improvement of dairy cattle in the Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center (DZARC). For this purpose, the Brazilian experience was used to implement a data collection system in Ethiopia, and the results generated were used in the management of herd, in the flow of information, in the adoption of technologies, in the selection of breeds and in the strengthening of bonds with the rural leaders.

20 As most proposals issued to the MKTPlace by the Brazilian researcher, the initial contact happened via MKTPlace system, and the proposal was suggested by the African institution. Most of the project activities are taking place in Ethiopia, and the Brazilian co-leader has been acting primarily in the transference of technology and training of the teams. The Brazilian co-leader also informed that frequent contacts are made with the African team via internet and also through several trips to Africa, with the aim to articulate and schedule the actions of the project. So far, the project has advanced a lot in its activities and has already obtained a series of significant partial results, as: collection, maintenance and availability of qualitative and quantitative data for networks of local dairy farmers; generation of data for P&D; standardization of the formats of data storage; development of an app (software) for data analysis aiming to systematize the comprehension of the breed composition and the performance of the herd. It is worth noting that, in front of these good results and due to financial resources from other sources, the researchers have widened the scope of the project, and currently, in addition to the app and characterization of the animals, they have searched for the importation of improved embryos and semen of cattle from the Gir breed to be used in programs of genetic improvement from the African institution, Through this project, it will be possible to improve the quality of the cattle herd, and, consequently, of the dairy production, ensuring food safety, reduction of poverty and change of the entire cattle production chain from Ethiopia Advances A seminar to launch the project was conducted at the Debrezeit Agricultural Research Center; Detailed information about the Gir and Girolando breeds were collected and analyzed; Embryos and semen from improved cattle were imported to Ethiopia; A research was made to identify the target audience of the project and to establish the foundations of a questionnaire used in the project;

21 The questionnaire was applied after the identification of the farms that were adequate to the data collection; A data management system in Microsoft Access was developed for the animals of the project; The Brazilian co-leader went to Ethiopia to conduct trainings on the data management software with the project team; Contact was made with the Brazilian ambassador in Addis Ababa for help in the importation of technologies for dairy production; The training of the team on data collection and phenotypic characterization of the local cattle was conducted; Body measurements of the cattle raised at DZARC and at the farms chosen by the project were collected; Analysis of the data collected and stored in the app Difficulties/Bottlenecks Lack of qualified personnel and specialized laboratories in the Ethiopian market, what hinders the outsourcing of technical activities; Difficulty and long period of time for the importation of the technology from Brazil to Ethiopia Lessons Learned The Brazilian co-leader highlighted the importance of the field visit of the MKTPlace forum to the Jerivá farm (agroindustry) for the development of the project, since the reality and the techniques applied in this farm are compatible to the African one. Both co-leaders were part of the visit because they already had a project in progress at MKTPlace approved in previous rounds Recommendations There were no recommendations from the evaluation team.

22 5. Results and General Observations During the monitoring of the projects, it was noted that the teams on both continents have technical competence to develop the activities and that they are willing to share the knowledge available in their areas. Despite being the Embrapa Center with the biggest amount of projects approved at MKTPlace, the Brazilian co-leaders believe that Embrapa Mid- North should provide more institutional support for the development of its activities. 6. Suggestions for Improving the MKTPlace It was suggested for the MKTPlace team to provide more effective assistance in the solution of bureaucratic procedures for purchase and transportation of equipment from Brazil to African countries. Additionally, the difficulty to obtain co-leaders for new proposals during the matchmaking period was emphasized. Lastly, the co-leaders reported issues with the inclusion of the project in the IDEARE system. 7. Final Comments During the monitoring, it was possible to notice that several projects assessed present potential for great impact and scaling up, and might be of interest for M-BoSs. Significant partial results have already been obtained, and, in some cases, the products and technologies generated can be adapted to Brazil and arrive at the market, especially in the semiarid region. However, in other cases, there were projects with aims that were too ambitious to be performed in the period of two years, what must be observed by the MKTPlace when approving the proposals. Brasília, March 16th, Luciano Lourenço Nass MKTPlace team

23 Rodrigo Montalvão Ferraz MKTPlace team