Performance evaluation of the partnership for growth in El Salvador

The evaluation used desk review and interview data to answer three questions: (1) what has been the overall impact of PFG in El Salvador, and how did the various lines of action contribute to this outcome?; (2) how did the PFG approach affect the bilateral relationship -- including U.S. Government (USG) and Government of El Salvador program implementation and dialogue -- in each partner country, both in intended and unintended ways?; (3) what best practices and lessons can be learned from the PFG approach to: (a) apply to the bilateral relationship in El Salvador and (b) apply to future USG assistance efforts worldwide? The evaluation team concludes that PFG enabled legislative reform, established new institutions, and supported international agreements. PFG's approach strengthened bilateral cooperation, improved trust, and directed greater attention to priority issues. Challenges included the lack of new funding and an excessive number of goals. There were mixed opinions on the scorecard completion process, and concern that PFG was overly optimistic regarding its potential for effecting change. The evaluation recommends that U.S. participation in the Growth Council continue, and the council expand to include other actors. Future multiagency collaborations of this type should empower leadership at the highest levels, and include more coordination resources and centralized recordkeeping. Similar activities should include the host government at the planning and reporting stages to encourage higher levels of participation. (Author abstract, modified)