Mid-Term Performance Evaluation of Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II

The project aimed to expand the development of horticultural markets by improving market linkages, market actors' capacity for participation, and facilitating improved governance. The project's theory of change posits that by improving market linkages, capacity, and governance, the horticulture sector will experience growth, leading to increased sales, employment, and investment opportunities. The project's results framework outlines several indicators to measure progress, including the number of farmers participating in the project, the value of horticultural sales, and the number of market actors participating in the project. The project employed a hybrid Business Linkages and Market Systems Approach (BLA-MSA) model to realign business strategies and relationships in a more integrated and inclusive market system. The project also implemented a gender action plan to promote the participation of women in the horticulture value chain. A mid-term evaluation was conducted in November 2018 to assess the project's progress. The evaluation team used a mixed-methods approach, combining desk reviews, surveys, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The evaluation team collected data from 549 surveys, 43 key informant interviews, and 16 focus group discussions. The evaluation found that the project had made progress in increasing sales, employment, and investment opportunities among horticulture sector actors. The project had also enhanced capacity for market participation, improved linkages among actors, and facilitated improved governance. The evaluation team provided recommendations per evaluation question and the project's purpose and three sub-purposes. The project's purpose is to contribute to the growth of the horticultural sector, while its three sub-purposes are to improve market linkages, enhance capacity for market participation, and facilitate improved governance. The evaluation found that the project had made progress in achieving these sub-purposes, particularly in improving market linkages and enhancing capacity for market participation. The project's geographic coverage includes the four provinces of Pursat, Battambang, Siem Reap, and Kampong Thom. The evaluation team collected data from these provinces, including household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. The project's total estimated amount is $17,559,953.00, and it is being implemented by Abt Associates, with The Mitchell Group, Inc. (TMG) serving as the evaluation team. The project's evaluation team includes John Magistro, John McCauley, and Socheat Keo, among others. The evaluation team provided several recommendations for the implementing partner, Abt Associates, and USAID Cambodia. These recommendations include strengthening the project's monitoring and evaluation system, improving the project's communication and coordination with stakeholders, and enhancing the project's capacity to address gender and social inclusion issues. Overall, the evaluation found that the Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II project had made progress in achieving its purpose and sub-purposes, and that it had the potential to contribute to the growth of the horticultural sector in Cambodia.