Tanager

Unlike direct-intervention projects, those taking a systems approach need sophisticated and innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies to measure progress effectively. In our latest blog, Dave Shaw delves into how our SELEVER 2 project in Burkina Faso synchronizes sampling methodologies across baseline, midline, and annual surveys to ensure consistent progress measurement. Read more: https://bit.ly/3NYGQZS

In September, we had the privilege of hosting 15 Mars Ambassadors for the 15th anniversary celebration of the #MarsAmbassadorProgram. On a whirlwind visit across Barabanki and Lucknow, we showcased the incredible impact Mars Wrigley Mint programs have had on mint farming communities here.? The Mars Ambassadors started the day with a visit to the program’s farmers, who produce mint planting material and make up the largest supply chain for quality mint planting material in the globe.?? Later in the day, the ambassadors visited the Subh Vikalp Farmer Producer Company (FPC) in Fatehpur. There, they learned about the quality assurance and control processes for mint oil procurement that have made the FPC the best supplier of clean unadulterated crude mint oil in the country.?The ambassadors spoke with farmer member shareholders of the company to learn more about how the FPC and the program have benefitted their lives since its inception in 2018.?? For the last visit of the day, the ambassadors met with women members from two self-help groups (village savings and lending associations) who, with support from our Shubh Mint program, have transformed their lives through the power of smart investments. Our support has helped them expand their networks and become leaders in their communities.?? Thank you to the Mars Ambassadors for an amazing visit!

?? Exciting times ahead for the Imbewu team! ?? With Acting Country Representative SAMI SARAN (bottom row, second from right in the first picture) now at the helm, our technical team recently introduced him to our dedicated project farmers working with the Imbewu Farmer Development project in the Eastern Cape. Sami had the opportunity to hear firsthand about their challenges and successes in farming. Looking forward to the positive impact and growth under his leadership!

#ICYMI In September, Tanager President Sergio E. Rivas participated in the Business Fights Poverty Fireside Chat "Exploring How Supply Chain Resiliency Is Farmer Resiliency with Mars Inc" alongside Lindsey Yeung, Vice President Sustainability – Thriving People, Mars Inc. Using our Shubh Mint project in #India as a case study, they had a thought-provoking conversation about how farmer resiliency equals supply chain resiliency and how taking a farmer-centric approach is imperative. ?? Check it out: https://bit.ly/3Z6vXeU

In September the Tanager team in India had the privilege of hosting a group of 15 Mars Ambassadors for the 15th anniversary celebration of the #MarsAmbassadorProgram. Since 2016, we have hosted many Mars ambassadors who have helped to solve critical challenges and provide expert analysis. Their insights have supported our mission to increase household decision-making for women in mint farming communities and improve the profitability of mint farmers supplying crude mint oil into the Mars Wrigley supply chain.??? During this visit, we showcased the profound impact Mars Wrigley Mint programs have had on the mint farming communities of Barabanki and Lucknow—including the doubling of income farmers have achieved from their mint crops! ? We are proud of our partnership with Mars and the impactful work being done in India because of it. This partnership is an incredible example of how companies can make a real difference in the lives of the farmers who supply them.?

To effectively measure progress and impact, our SELEVER 2 project in #BurkinaFaso has adopted a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) approach. By synchronizing the sampling methodologies used in our baseline, midline, and endline evaluations with those of our annual outcome surveys, we ensure consistent measurement of progress within the broader market system each year. This method not only provides reliable data but also accelerates our learning cycle, enabling us to quickly identify emerging trends and refine our strategies. Discover more about how market systems development projects like SELEVER 2 are implementing innovative MEL strategies to better track their impact in Dave Shaw’s latest blog: https://bit.ly/3NYGQZS

To help more smallholder farmers in India earn more money from mint farming, Tanager’s Shubh Mint project this year registered a new cohort of 1,000+ farmers in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. While these farmers are new to Shubh Mint, they had seen the positive impacts of the program from farmers in neighboring communities—so were quick to sign up!? New farmers, such as Pramod Kumar (pictured below on the right), have begun receiving customized extension support related to good agricultural practices. This includes guidance on when to apply inputs, how and when to irrigate to minimize water use, and so on. This kind of information allows smallholder farmers to maximize yields, cut production costs, and ultimately increase their incomes from mint! Tanager will be registering additional cohorts of farmers over the next three to four years to continue with our efforts to help farmers profit from mint.?

Unlike direct-intervention projects, those taking a systems approach need sophisticated and innovative monitoring and evaluation strategies to measure progress effectively. In our latest blog, Dave Shaw delves into how our SELEVER 2 project in Burkina Faso synchronizes sampling methodologies across baseline, midline, and annual surveys to ensure consistent progress measurement. Read more: https://bit.ly/3NYGQZS

Last month, Tanager President Sergio E. Rivas attended the AMEA board meeting in the Netherlands with fellow board member and ACDI/VOCA colleague Sabrina Amburgey. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with AMEA, working to professionalize farmer organizations and agri-SMEs. Stay tuned for highlights from this meeting!

For technical experts who served under the IGNITE project, providing technical assistance goes beyond the subject matter. Instead, it requires cultivating strong relationships, employing innovative project management to create demand for services, and ensuring client commitment during delivery of technical assistance. Our latest publication, "IGNITE in Action: Perspectives on Gender and Nutrition Integration in African Agriculture,” outlines approaches that technical assistance providers can use to foster fruitful relationships with their clients. Read more: https://bit.ly/3A2Ypo7