Final performance evaluation of the Azerbaijan competitiveness and trade (ACT) project

The evaluation of was conducted from July to August, 2013. The main purpose of the evaluation was to determine the extent of the contribution made by ACT in supporting the Government of Azerbaijan (GOAJ) make progress towards regulatory reform in strengthening and improving agricultural value chains and advisory support services, as well as enhancing Azerbaijan's trade environment with particular emphasis on accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The main thrust of the evaluation was to: (1) determine the extent to which ACT was successful in influencing a change in the mindset of key decision-makers in GOAJ towards improving the business enabling environment in Azerbaijan; and (2) assess the effect of measures taken by the project to improve the economic and trading prospects of the farming community nationwide, including farmers and local business service providers (BSPs). An integral part of the evaluation mission was to answer a set of pre-determined questions in order for USAID/Azerbaijan to obtain a greater understanding of the effect that ACT had on intended beneficiaries. In addition, the evaluation was to provide lessons learned for USAID/Azerbaijan regarding the design and implementation of ACT, and offer recommendations for consideration regarding the implementation of the follow-on Azerbaijan Trade Linkages and Agribusiness Strengthening (ATLAS) Activity. The evaluation questions were sub-divided into four specific categories: (1) meeting targets/reporting progress; (2) progress in key intervention areas – results and impacts; (3) evaluating the effectiveness of technical assistance; and (4) evaluating the sustainability of the ACT Project. The Evaluation Team's response to each of the questions within the above categories is addressed within the main body of this report, both in tabular format as well as text. (Excerpt, modified)