Feed the Future Dekkal Geej midterm performance evaluation : final report

It used a mixed-methods approach (document review, surveys, semistructured interviews, and focus groups) to examine progress toward results achieved, the overall approach and relevance of activities conducted, and the sustainability of interventions that support fisheries, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Results from the evaluation indicate that Dekkal Geej identified key players in the fishing sector value chain and prioritized its efforts on the Conseils locaux de pêche artisanale (CLPAs, local artisanal fishing councils), while engaging to a lesser degree with other institutional actors. Dekkal Geej made considerable progress in decentralized fisheries co-management, but far less progress in enhancing livelihoods. Dekkal Geej also saw achievements in advocacy, evidencebased decision making, and incentivizing behavior change, though important gaps remain. Dekkal Geej experienced staff turnover in key technical positions, which resulted in a lack of expertise that especially affected efforts to enhance livelihoods. Its support for the CLPAs has the greatest potential for sustainability, though financing for their activities is key. Dekkal Geej targeted women in its biodiversity, climate change and livelihood activities, but its approach to engaging youth was less clear. Dekkal Geej contributed to USAID biodiversity and climate change objectives in Senegal, but struggled in its value chain approach. The report presents actionable recommendations for USAID, Dekkal Geej, and institutional actors, including CLPAs.