Mid-term theory of change and impact learning evaluation of the farmer-to-farmer program

Government's role in international development. Through eight Leader With Associates Cooperative Agreements and one additional Cooperative Agreement, seven implementing partners deploy volunteers in 28 countries at present. Over the life of F2F, 17,603 volunteer assignments have been completed in 117 countries with 1.4 million farm families as direct beneficiaries, with a value of volunteer services of $105 million. During the period of FY 2014-2016 30 percent of volunteers were female and 41 percent of trainees were female. The evaluation undertook a survey of 978 respondents from implementing partners, hosts, and volunteers to ascertain stakeholder perception of the Program. Over 90 percent of respondents were satisfied with the project due to it being "needs based." This survey was followed up with KIIs with stakeholders in nine countries. Three main questions were examined through this evaluation: the effectiveness of the theory of change; how well indicators capture the effects of F2F activities; and how well the F2F Program integrates innovation. (Author abstract)