Mid-term performance evaluations for two Economic Growth Office projects : final report

Together, the two projects represent a portfolio of $4,800,000. The purpose of the mid-term evaluations was to measure the performance-to-date of the two very different projects, analyze any implementation problems, and make recommendations as necessary for needed course corrections. The evaluators developed evidence-based findings, and conclusions based on analysis of those findings, in terms of project results and sustainability, institutional capacity-building and gender, under-represented populations and other important categories. These are presented in terms of cross-cutting findings and conclusions, as well as project-specific findings and conclusions. The most salient of these are: (1) both projects appear to be on track to meet or exceed most of the results and sustainability targets specified under their performance monitoring plans and work plans; (2) with regard to institutional capacity building, the IMARE 1 project relied on large and formal buyers, like WalMart, for sustainability, but the shift in focus to Feed the Future (FtF) departments under IMARE 2 has de-emphasized that model by also focusing on local and informal markets; and (3) the extent of women's and under-represented populations participation in farming activities, producer association management, or both, appears to be limited by cultural norms, literacy and language barriers, especially in the altiplano. The evaluators also developed concrete recommendations for current activities based on the findings and conclusions that are action-oriented, practical and specific, with defined responsibility for the recommended actions. These are presented in terms of project-specific recommendations. (Excerpt, modified)