As part of a participatory and collaborative approach, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the European Union recently presented the results of the joint impact evaluation of support programs for farmers’ organizations, including the FO4A, FO4ACP, and FO4LA initiatives. This event, which brought together program beneficiaries, key stakeholders, and implementing partners, provided an in-depth assessment of the initiatives supported by these two institutions.
Key Findings from the Evaluation
The report, developed through a rigorous and inclusive approach, highlights the notable successes of the support programs as well as the challenges encountered. Among the successes, the improvement in farmers’ organizations’ capacity to advocate for their members’ interests and promote sustainable agricultural practices was particularly emphasized. The evaluation also identified areas for improvement, particularly regarding the sustainability of interventions and the need for ongoing support to maximize the impact of the actions undertaken.
Strategic Dialogue for the Future
The presentation of the results also provided an opportunity to discuss key recommendations for future initiatives. Stakeholders engaged in a constructive dialogue aimed at strengthening collaboration among the various entities involved and ensuring that the lessons learned from this evaluation are integrated into the planning of future programs. Among the discussed recommendations, emphasis was placed on the importance of an even more integrated approach, where farmers’ organizations play a central role in the design and implementation of projects. Additionally, the need to consolidate existing partnerships while developing new ones was identified as a crucial factor for the sustainability of the efforts made.
Creation of a Unique Platform
The evaluation mission led to the creation of an online information platform for supporting operations related to farmers’ organizations. The goal of the platform is to support these operations by presenting the specific features and activities of each regional program aligned with the logical framework, with dynamic dashboards providing a comprehensive overview of program results and impacts. Users can also access detailed information, such as outcome indicators and case studies. This platform serves as a robust and sustainable database for multiple regions, facilitating in-depth analysis of metadata from all documents. Its design ensures that it can evolve based on user feedback and recommendations. The platform also offers geographical representations of program activities and communication aspects, including access to social media networks and websites of farmers’ organizations, as well as photos and videos of achievements.
Next Steps and Ongoing Collaboration
While this report marks a significant milestone in evaluating the support programs, it is merely a step in an ongoing process. IFAD and the European Union, in collaboration with farmers’ organizations, are committed to continuing the dialogue and implementing the recommendations. This partnership remains vital not only for farmers’ organizations but also for rural development and global food security.
