Performance evaluation report for Feed the Future innovation lab for genomics to improve poultry (GIP-IL)

GIP-IL’s aim is improving poultry production among African small farmers through advanced genomic approaches that enhance chicken’s innate resistance to Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) and heat stress. The GIP-IL was awarded to the University of California at Davis in 2013 with an end date of September 2018. This evaluation covered the period April 2013 - April 2017. The Evaluation Team (ET) used mixed methods to assess the project's progress, its success building host country capacity, and its effectiveness in fostering collaborations. The ET also evaluated project management and prospects for the project's future. Quantitative and qualitative methods included document reviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, site visits, and an online survey. The evaluation concluded that the project has had partial success achieving its research objectives and has produced high-quality research. It has successfully built capacity by training researchers and students; and has had success achieving sustainable collaborations with academics and, to a lesser extent, with government, civil society, and private sector partners. The project has also successfully engaged women. Technical and research aspects are managed well, but logistical and other constraints remain. Therefore, the project would benefit from additional funding for an extension to complete research, validate, and distribute poultry among small farmers.