Programmatic impact evaluation in the energy sector in Kosovo : final report

The evaluation covered a total of five projects. The evaluation was conducted during the period of June August 2012, by a team of three international consultants that consisted of two Energy Specialists and one Energy and Natural Resource Specialist. The main objective of this impact evaluation was to provide USAID/Kosovo with up-to-date information of the overall impact/results achieved by USAID/Kosovo energy programs. The evaluation used an integrated mixed methods approach including document review, quantitative analysis, and qualitative analysis from information drawn from interviews, as well as specific analyses including: (1) inflection point analyses; (2) an analysis of the political and donor environment in Kosovo; (3) a SWOT analysis of the USAID strategies in the energy sector as observed in the projects' analyses; and (4) lessons learned analysis. Findings for each of the projects are outlined as well as lessons learned. The later includes: (1) there has to be a well-defined strategy to rationalize USAID involvement in Kosovo; (2) donor coordination is key to effective support programs; (3) on balance, open-ended scopes of work have had a negative impact; (4) there is a need within the energy sector for a "fast track" advisory service; and (5) good procedures are of no use if they are not implemented properly. Also included are recommendations for future program design, environmental considerations, and suggestions for specific areas of involvement for the future. (Excerpt, modified)