Category Archives: International Development/Agricultural Development

Sierra Leone Agricultural Value Chain Analysis for USAID/Feed the Future

Posted on 10/02/2015 by

In July-August 2015, I traveled to Sierra Leone (Salone) for work (ACDI/VOCA), to lead an agricultural value chain analysis commissioned by USAID. The analysis will inform a planned Feed the Future program in the country. Sierra Leone grabbed my heart … Continue reading →

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Senegal F2F: Getting to know Relais et VNC, and their communities

Posted on 03/20/2015 by

Bonjour from Senegal! On days three and four of my Farmer to Farmer assignment, we visited Relais et Volontaire pour la Nutrition Communautaire (Relais et VNC) members in five villages to learn about the behavioral changes they’re promoting, the related … Continue reading →

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Farmer to Farmer Senegal: First Few Days

Posted on 03/17/2015 by

Bonjour from Senegal, where I’m starting my fourth USAID Farmer to Farmer (F2F) volunteer assignment. I volunteered via ACDI/VOCA previously (Jordan, Ghana and Viet Nam), and am with NCBA CLUSA this time. Thanks to Jane (CLUSA program manager), Abibou (in-country … Continue reading →

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Thesis Submitted: Effect of Certification on Cacao Smallholders’ Net Incomes

Posted on 12/28/2014 by

I submitted my thesis for my M.S. in International Agricultural Development: “Evaluating the Effects of Certification on Smallholders’ Net Incomes, with a Focus on Cacao Farmers in Cooperatives in Côte d’Ivoire.” I focused on evaluating smallholders’ agronomic and economic outcomes, … Continue reading →

Posted in Agriculture & Food, Chocolate & Cacao, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) & Sustainability Strategy, International Development/Agricultural Development, Sourcing & Supply Chain, Writing & Presentations | Tagged , | Leave a comment

M&E Review: LEI Impact Report on UTZ Certification in Côte d’Ivoire

Posted on 10/24/2014 by

My posts have become  infrequent due to grad school and now thesis writing (certification impacts on cacao producers’ net incomes in Côte d’Ivoire). UTZ Certified (UTZ) just released a report on cacao certification impacts (PDF) that’s very relevant to my thesis, … Continue reading →

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Thesis Research Profile on UC Davis Website

Posted on 03/16/2014 by

UC Davis is running a series of profiles of graduate student research. The latest in the series focuses on four studies in the food sector. I’m humbled that it includes my thesis research on the costs and benefits of cacao … Continue reading →

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ACDI/VOCA Assignment: Cocoa farmer financial record keeping & GAP

Posted on 09/20/2013 by

This summer, I had the good fortune to do another ACDI/VOCA Farmer-to-Farmer volunteer assignment. I evaluated financial record keeping, and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) adoption and cost-benefit, among Ghanaian cocoa farmers. It was a great experience that allowed me to … Continue reading →

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