Report of the Council_Overseas Programmes
33
Review of Progress and Lessons Learned In 2010, we evaluated 22 programmes, across 15 countries, within the Food, Income and Markets sector. While there were many positive outcomes, it is equally important to review where we need to improve. A key finding was the need to adopt the planned agricultural training structures we have in place in Sierra Leone, Somalia and Liberia across all our countries of operation, to ensure we provide the necessary level of ongoing support to farmers. Another area where improvement is required is the establishment of stronger systems to measure cost efficiency. For example, in Afghanistan, while some of the trades we support were making a profit, tailoring has suffered because of too much competition. Several programmes are supporting adult literacy, particularly for women. One issue raised in the Somalia evaluation was the need to develop standard indicators to measure when an acceptable level of literacy has been achieved and to compare the effectiveness of the different approaches in literacy. In Tanzania, the evaluation of the Rights Based Approach (RBA) programme reported significant improvements in the lives of poor people. It highlighted improved participation in village councils and local institutions, particularly by women. However, the evaluation also recommended there could be better follow-up on the issues raised at village councils. Evidence of Concern’s commitment to protecting the environment was highlighted in an evaluation in Pakistan. It reported a 50% decrease in the use of firewood following the distribution of 413 economy stoves and the installation of 52 biogas stalls. We will incorporate these findings into future programmes.