Nepal economic, agriculture, and trade (NEAT) activity performance evaluation : final report

The program focused on: (1) enhancing food security; (2) increasing agricultural production, exports, and sales; (3) improving capacity; (4) increasing government revenue; and (5) improving trade and commerce in 21 districts in the East, Far West, Midwest, and Western regions of Nepal. NEAT's evaluation focuses on the following six guiding evaluation questions, as posed by USAID/Nepal: (1) how appropriate and effective were NEAT's approaches and interventions in promoting inclusive economic growth; (2) how effective was the NEAT program in improving the economic status of women and disadvantaged populations; (3) How has NEAT's policy-reform work improved the business-enabling environment for private sector–led growth; (4) how appropriate and effective was the program in improving the government of Nepal's (GON's) systems and capacity for economic growth; (5) how has the program enhanced the competitiveness of the selected agriculture value chains (lentil, ginger, vegetables, and tea); and (6) what are the prospects for sustainability of the end results produced by the NEAT program? Overall, the NEAT program was successful in its attempt to enable a better policy and business environment through its many activities with the public and private sectors. Specific detailed analyses of each evaluation question outlines conclusions, recommendations and results. (Excerpt, modified)