Colombia transforma program mid-term performance evaluation : evaluation report

(SI) to conduct a mid-term performance evaluation of the Colombia Transforma program (2015-2019), which aims to increase the Colombian government’s ability to plan and execute rapid response elements of the Peace Accord and to promote collaboration between territorial actors in support of the Accord’s implementation. The evaluation assessed the program’s strategic approach, relevance, and contributions, while offering suggestions to improve its implementation and inform United States Government (USG) assistance in Colombia. The evaluation was conducted by a three-person team between January and April 2018. The evaluation concluded that while the program has focused appropriately on rapid response activities relevant to the Peace Accord’s success, its performance is slowing down due to the volume of activities and other constraints. The program has been more effective in improving the presence of Colombian government entities created for the post-conflict period, and some local entities, than that of the national government as a whole. It has promoted collaboration among local actors, particularly through small infrastructure activities and resources otherwise unavailable. The program, however, faces challenges due to a changing political environment, concerns about the viability of Peace Accord implementation, interpretation of some USG counter-terrorism statutes, and operational considerations. The evaluation offers recommendations to improve the program’s performance