Post Evaluation in Peru 2014

Background

The Norwegian mission has had an important presence in the province of Chanchamayo since the 1970s. In this section, we highlight some of the key partnerships maintained since then. Initially, the type of financial support Norway has provided in the area has been focusing on infrastructure building. Norad provided economical support for the first time in the area with the construction of a bridge in 1976 connecting two towns, Santa Ana and Pueblo Libre, as well as a number of villages along the Perené River. Pym stated in its plan for the current 5-year period that they wanted to support a new project for the indigenous people in the Perene valley. Through advice form Digni, we decided to undertake a post evaluation first to provide learning from former mistakes and check up on results and possible impacts.

This report provides a post evaluation of two of five projects financed by Norad, implemented in the Perené valley in the 1980s through Pym and local partners. The projects looked upon are a Facility Service for Citrus Fruits and a Vocational Training Centre.

Purpose/objective

The primary objective of the post evaluation is to assess the state of the previous projects, and the secondary objective is to provide comments regarding the future scenario for potential projects in the area.

Methodology

The evaluation uses qualitative method analysis based on interviews, participatory observation, and unstructured casual conversation done during fieldwork in August 2014. It complements the analysis with desk study of secondary data. The report focuses on the results and sustainability of the two projects, and shows that both of them have accomplished their objectives. Large local participation and cooperation with the Peruvian state have been two important factors contributing to the sustainability of the projects.

Key findings

The report focuses on the results and sustainability of the two projects, and shows that both of them have accomplished their objectives.

The Vocational Training Centre has managed to provide vocational skills to young people in the Perené valley in matters considered relevant to their society. The Vocational Training Centre is operating today and is run by the Peruvian State. Positive factors contributing to the sustainability of the Centre have been the participation of the local community in its construction as well as the consistent cooperation with the Peruvian state. The Service Facility for Citrus Fruits served local orange producers for several years. It was particularly important for small-scale producers to improve their opportunities to access broader markets and increase their family income. In general, the implementation of foundations to manage the various projects in the area enabled a certain degree of order in financial matters. However, transparency mechanisms could have been improved. 

Large local participation and cooperation with the Peruvian state have been two important factors contributing to the sustainability of the projects

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE SCENARIOS

• Continue with large local involvement, as this has been one of the main positive factors enabling sustainability in the evaluated projects.
• Need for active participation of Indigenous peoples and incorporate Indigenous peoples rights and identity. 
• Continue to strengthen coordination and cooperation with civil society organizations, Peruvian state entities and academic institutions  
• Future local partners need to be further evaluated
• Implement participatory methods for problem identification and analysis, project design, culturally and environmentally appropriate indicators for adequate monitoring and evaluation, and transparency mechanisms for the administration of funds. 
• Strengthening of gender-perspective

Comments from the organisation, if any

PYM is pleased with the information and constructive recommendations. We want to make good use of the findings and recommendation in this report both in Norway and most certainly in Peru. Pym already applied for a pre-project from 2015 to start the process of preparing a new project. However, Digni rejected this as they found that a thorough feasibility study has to be undertaken first. Pym has taken this advice and is now trying to find the best way forward for all parties so that the target group is involved from the very beginning.