Interim performance evaluation of the knowledge-driven agricultural development project

KDAD's prime implementer is Insight Systems Corporation. Major subcontractors are The QED Group, LLC, and Training Resources Group. KDAD aims to promote knowledge-driven agricultural development using effective and innovative knowledge management, strategic communications, and training services. The interim performance evaluation assessed the extent to which KDAD's objectives have been achieved, identify potentially useful modifications, and inform the design of similar future USAID mechanisms. The evaluation used a mixed-methods including qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Many respondents viewed KDAD-managed activities as being of high quality. KDAD-managed websites were used by 73 percent of users to learn about best practices and by 59 percent of users to learn about upcoming events and webinars. The vast majority of users found the website to be useful for their work. Partnerships were formed, managed, and implemented early in the project without a codified set of guidelines to provide a framework. However, some key partnerships (e.g., those with Cracking the Nut, and the Youth Economic Opportunity Forum) were very structured and achieved measurable results. Recommendations for future programs include a call for more direct collaboration with Missions, ample time set aside for strategy discussions at the beginning of the project, and approaches to technology implementation that match available resources and hiring and retention strategies that suit market conditions. (Author abstract)