Overview
The Maendeleo Agricultural Technology Fund (MATF) Round V Evaluation Report, conducted by Repcon Associates, assesses the impact and effectiveness of five agricultural projects aimed at improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The projects focused on promoting innovative agricultural technologies and enhancing market access.
Key Projects Evaluated
- Organic Certification and Fair-Trade Labelling of Cashew Nut Production in Masasi District, Tanzania
- Objective: Improve farmer incomes through organic certification and fair-trade labelling.
- Achievements: Increased cashew yields, improved market access, and established a farmer-owned processing company.
- Impact: Significant income increase and job creation.
- Enhancing Regional Trade Alliances for Bulb Onions in Kenya and Tanzania
- Objective: Increase market share and household incomes through strategic trade alliances.
- Achievements: Improved agronomic practices, increased yields, and higher market prices.
- Impact: Enhanced market access and income for farmers.
- Fresh Fruit Processing and Enterprise Development in West Kenya
- Objective: Improve livelihoods through solar drying technology for fruit processing.
- Achievements: Established drying centers and trained farmers.
- Impact: Limited adoption of solar drying technology; preference for selling fresh produce.
- Promoting NERICA III Upland Rice Production in Namutumba District, Uganda
- Objective: Enhance income security through improved rice production and marketing.
- Achievements: Increased rice yields and farmer incomes.
- Impact: Improved food security and reduced pressure on wetlands.
- Production and Processing of Citronella and Lemon Grass in Pallisa District, Uganda
- Objective: Improve household incomes through essential oil production.
- Achievements: Established production and processing facilities.
- Impact: Challenges in market prices and production sustainability.
Key Findings
- Success: Most projects were successful in achieving their objectives, particularly in improving agricultural productivity and market access.
- Challenges: Some projects faced challenges such as market price instability, inadequate partner performance, and low technology adoption rates.
- Economic Impact: Projects demonstrated potential for significant economic benefits, with high returns on investment in some cases.
- Sustainability: The sustainability of project impacts varied, with some projects requiring further support to ensure long-term success.
Lessons Learned
- Close Scrutiny of Proposals: Ensure thorough evaluation of project proposals to verify feasibility and alignment with local needs.
- After-Project Evaluations: Conduct follow-up evaluations to assess long-term impacts and sustainability.
- Revolving Funds: Tie revolving funds to evident technology adoption to ensure effective use.
- Geographical Focus: Minimize geographical scatter to enhance project management and impact.
- Investment in Infrastructure: Carefully consider the merits of investing in physical infrastructure to avoid underutilization.