Final Report: Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP) for A-E Services to Support Infrastructure Related Programming in Solomon Islands

The project, funded by USAID, began on October 1, 2020, and concluded on September 30, 2022. The primary goal was to enhance agricultural productivity and market access for small-scale farmers. Preliminary pre-feasibility studies were conducted for seven small-scale agriculture infrastructure projects, including a taro processing facility, a fisheries center, and a coconut oil mill. The studies identified potential projects, with some facing feasibility challenges due to high operating costs or uncertain market conditions. An environmental mitigation and monitoring plan was submitted to USAID in November 2021, outlining measures to mitigate potential environmental impacts. The project team, comprising experts from CDM Smith, Planet Partnerships, and GPTech, held regular meetings to facilitate the transition from pre-feasibility to design. The Malaita Provincial Infrastructure Advisory Committee provided input on project selection and ownership/operator models. Technical approval was granted for three consultants from CDM Smith, and a subcontract was signed with Bixal Solutions to provide a report and training on gender equity and social inclusion. Key accomplishments during the reporting period included the completion of preliminary pre-feasibility studies for several projects, submission of an environmental mitigation and monitoring plan, and approval of a revised annual work plan. The project team also conducted site visits and provided technical support to stakeholders. A three-person SCALE A&E team visited two sites in Malaita for technical overview analysis, and the USAID Country Coordinator visited the SCALE A&E Honiara office. The project's success was measured through the completion of target outputs and outcomes, including the completion of concept and pre-feasibility studies for NTC and related infrastructure. The project team analyzed existing site conditions, determined requirements for site users, and evaluated site conditions for design parameters. The results of the analysis indicated potential large-scale and small-scale projects, which were evaluated using a 'five case analysis' that reviewed strategic, technical, economic, financial, and management aspects. Internal coordination meetings took place between the pre-feasibility team and the engineering design team to ensure smooth project implementation. The project team also communicated with host country stakeholders, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, and the Ministry of Planning and Development Coordination. The project's progress was monitored through regular reporting and stakeholder engagement. The project's geographic focus was on Malaita Province, Solomon Islands, with a specific emphasis on supporting small-scale farmers and enhancing agricultural productivity. The project's timeframes were from October 1, 2020, to September 30, 2022, with key milestones achieved during the reporting period. Recommendations for future project implementation included continued stakeholder engagement, project monitoring, and evaluation to ensure the project's sustainability and effectiveness.