Agriculture and Rural Development Support (ARDS) Midterm Performance Evaluation

The project aimed to improve the agricultural sector in Ukraine by addressing land reform, boosting local economic development, and increasing small farmers' participation in value chains. The project focused on three primary areas: land reform, local economic development through the implementation of a land management pilot in Kipti of Chernihiv oblast, and increasing small farmers' participation in value chains. The project was structured under two primary goals: Rules and Regulations Improved and Value Chain Core and Supporting Functions Enhanced. To assess the project's relevance and effectiveness, the Evaluation Team (ET) developed a tailored mixed-methods approach, drawing upon quantitative and qualitative information sources and appropriate analysis techniques. The ET selected eight of the activity's 12 project oblasts for field visits based on USAID guidance, targeted ARDS assistance, ARDS land management pilots, and other factors. The evaluation examined the project's period of performance from September 2016 through September 2018. The Evaluation Questions were: 1) How did ARDS contribute to land reform in Ukraine? 2) To what extent did the land management pilot implemented by ARDS in the Kipti Consolidated Territorial Community in Chernihiv oblast stimulate local economic development? 3) Did ARDS activities increase small farmer participation in agriculture value chains? How was this accomplished and to what extent did it increase farmers' income? 4) How did ARDS collaborate with other related activities? 5) What were the unintended consequences of the project? The project's background is rooted in Ukraine's post-2014 Maidan Revolution, which led to numerous political and economic upheavals. Land reform and decentralization became major social, political, and economic priorities in Ukraine. Agriculture is a driver of Ukraine's economy, but its impact could be strengthened with the establishment of a transparent and equitable agricultural land market, more developed value chains, and overall modernization of agricultural systems. A 2017 World Bank assessment estimated that successful implementation of land reform in Ukraine could boost outputs by $15 billion. To address these challenges and opportunities, USAID developed the ARDS activity, which has been working in 12 of Ukraine's 24 total oblasts since September 2016. The project's goals and objectives are aligned with Ukraine's agricultural sector development priorities. The Evaluation Team's mixed-methods approach involved collecting and analyzing both quantitative and qualitative data from various sources, including field visits, surveys, and interviews with project stakeholders. The evaluation aimed to provide an objective assessment of the project's performance and identify areas for improvement. The project's implementation involved several key interventions, including the establishment of land management pilots, capacity building for local authorities, and support for small farmers to participate in value chains. The project also collaborated with other related activities, such as the Ukrainian Dairy Business Development Project and the Ukraine Local Empowerment, Accountability, Development Programme. The evaluation's findings and recommendations will inform the project's future direction and provide insights for USAID and other stakeholders on how to improve the agricultural sector in Ukraine. The project's success will depend on its ability to address the complex challenges facing Ukraine's agricultural sector and to build on the progress made so far.