Livelihoods and inclusive finance expansion (LIFE) : midterm performance evaluation

This evaluation aims to assess the performance of LIFE in terms of relevance to the current economic context, effectiveness in terms of objectives and impact, efficiency in terms of monitoring and evaluation, sustainability, and success in gender mainstreaming. The evaluation team carried out a total of 47 key informant/group interviews and 25 focus group discussions, plus an independent analysis of the project’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning database. The project has encompassed an unusually diverse range of activities, as its priorities have shifted repeatedly over its history. Over this time, LIFE has demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with and remain responsive to stakeholders at all levels. Noteworthy and enduring achievements include livelihoods work (grant/training packages) for end-user beneficiaries and capacity building for partners. Other promising work, including partnerships with commercial banks, has been undermined almost completely by the financial crisis. Although all questions of sustainability will be heavily conditioned by the current crisis, the impacts of training/capacity building are likely to be sustained at all levels. LIFE’s inclusion of women has been consistent and effective in every component of its work. Recommendations include full and continued USAID support for the project, but with a new and more focused theory of change to support a narrower range of activities with interconnected, well-defined ends, mindful of the current economic crisis.