Building Evidence on FVC Impacts

A systematic approach to measuring impacts of FVC funding is critical for determining which investments represent a good value for money in terms of development impacts, if and how well subprogrammes are performing, providing data-driven insights to inform decision-making and implementation, and finally, to improve the overall allocation of resources to maximize investment impacts. It can also provide FAO, governments and resource partners increased transparency on the programme, as well as a means to increase the visibility and reach of the work.

This subprogramme will measure the impacts of FVC funding on beneficiaries’ welfare across a diversity of FVC sub-programmes. This approach entails collecting and analyzing comparable evidence on a diversity of projects within the FVC funding portfolio using rigorous impact evaluation methods. Through this subprogramme, seven individual impact evaluations will be carried out. These impact evaluations cover two FVC subprogrammes that were funded under the 2018-2022 cycle: Building back better and greener: integrated approaches for an inclusive and green COVID-19 response in rural spaces (FVC 166), and Promoting coherence between disaster risk reduction, climate action and social protection in Sub-Saharan Africa (FVC 148). In addition, two new subprogrammes that will begin in next funding cycle will be evaluated: “E-empowerment” of small-scale producers: leveraging digital tools sustainably in Farmer Field Schools (FFS)” and “Innovative gender responsive and transformative approaches for inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems”. The evaluations will be implemented in six different countries (Sri Lanka, Zambia, Kenya,  the Syrian Arab Republic and Uganda,) and are tied to three of the FVC thematic programmes (Resilience and sustainable food systems; generational gaps, women’s empowerment, and decent rural employment; and climate action in agriculture). The impacts of these projects will be measured with standardized data collection tools, which are linked to the Four Betters and their associated Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

FAO will partner with local research and data collection organizations that will be identified through transparent procurement processes. In addition, this subprogramme will work closely with relevant lines ministries and authorities (such as Ministries of Economy and Planning, Ministry of Finance, and local government authorities). Partnerships will also be fostered with research institutions, universities, the private sector, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and famers’ organizations involved in data collection, policy analysis, and strategic planning for agricultural and rural development.

The subprogramme’s implementation will be led by Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division (ESP) of FAO, in close collaboration with Government counterparts, under the overall oversight of the Budget Holder. Technical backstopping to the subprogramme will be provided by the Lead Technical Officer (LTO) and other technical experts, coordinated by the LTO, who could be located in several locations, including FAO headquarters, Rome, Italy.  The FAO subprogramme Task Force (PTF) will ensure further technical, operational and administrative support for the duration of the subprogramme. The FAO Representatives in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Sri Lanka and the Syrian Arab Republic will receive field budget authorizations to manage the country related budget. Government counterparts will be identified during the inception phases and will be the main subprogramme counterpart(s), who will work with FAO towards the delivery of subprogramme activities on the ground.