External evaluation of GRAIP

Background

NCA and GRAIP had a multi-year agreement for the period 2000 to 2004, and it was
extended to include 2005. This evaluation will serve as a basis for the elaboration of a new multi-year agreement for collaboration.

Purpose/objective

- Review of activities during the period 2000-2004, analysis of pertinence of
activities, results, challenges and deviations, impact on the living conditions of
the beneficiary populations, use of resources
- Analysis of processes and tools for programming, implementation, follow-up
and evaluation, as well as of the roles and responsibilities of different actors
- Identification of other actors and interventions in the area
- Identification of priority actions and domains for a new multi-year program
- Production of a database on the present situation in the area with regard to
schooling, alphabetisation, participation in elections, female local politicians,
social infrastructures

Methodology

- 2 consultants (one with particular focus on gender aspects)
- phase 1: analysis of documents, phase 2 : elaboration of tools /
questionnaires, phase 3 : collection of information in the field (2 weeks) - both
individual and group meetings and with a workshop in the end for debriefing
and comments, phase 4: analysis and writing of report

Key findings

The activities of GRAIP have had an important impact in the program area, most of
the activities have reached the planned objectives and they are pertinent for the
needs of the people they are meant to help. Dikes, wells, cereal banks, and income
generating activities in particular have been important for the food security of the
beneficiary populations. The activities have also contributed to reduce migration from the areas.

Recommendations

The recommendations are divided in 4 groups:
1 - With regard to Graip:
- Concentrate activities and focus on the impact they will have on vulnerable
groups
- Improve the planning, monitoring and evaluation system with use of indicators
(also impact level) and elaboration of tools such as manuals and written
policies
- Integrate gender better in the strategic approach
- Identify clear criteria for the choice of beneficiary groups in order to reach the
most vulnerable people
- Take info account local specificities in planning and implementation strategies
- Reinforce technical support staff
- Use external technical staff for particular needs
- Particular focus on continued reinforcement of management skills of women to
ensure the sustainability of their associations
- Recommendations for the elaboration of a new multi-year program
2 - With regard to the associations and final beneficiaries:
- Stressing the importance of maintenance, internal mobilisation of resources as
well as participation of beneficiary groups in the identification, planning and
control of activities
3 - With regard to the collaboration with NCA:
- Harmonisation of NCAs and partners strategies for implementation
- GRAIP needs support in the following areas: institutional support for
elaboration of tools and documents, adequate logistical means, make sure
that allocated budget is adequate for programmed activities (need for more
funding to GRAIP to enable them to respond to the needs in the area),
capacity building within PME
4 - With regard to the activities:
- Particular observations with regard to food security, income generating
activities, schools, training and water