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Project / Programme / Operations Evaluation 2024
Evaluation of the project “Integrated Country Approach for boosting decent jobs for youth in the agrifood system” Phase III (2019–2023)
Agency
FAO

Summary

The evaluation assessed the "Integrated Country Approach for boosting decent jobs for youth in the agrifood system – Phase III" (GCP/INT/335/MUL), implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) from December 2018 to April 2024 across Guatemala, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda. The evaluation aimed to generate evidence of FAO's contributions to youth employment in agrifood systems, provide accountability to stakeholders, and inform future project phases. It utilized document reviews and stakeholder interviews to gather insights. The evaluation found that the project was highly relevant to national priorities and effectively enhanced youth capacities in agrifood systems through training in areas such as financial literacy and agribusiness. However, challenges persisted, particularly regarding access to finance and land, which hindered young agripreneurs' ability to fully capitalize on their training. The project successfully developed agricultural value chains and facilitated market access for youth, yet there was a need for a more strategic market systems approach to ensure sustainable outcomes. The multistakeholder approach fostered youth engagement in policy dialogue, contributing to a sense of ownership among national actors. Despite significant achievements, the lack of a clear monitoring system limited the ability to track progress effectively. The project established valuable partnerships at various levels, enhancing youth engagement in agrifood systems. However, the short implementation period posed challenges for sustaining results. The evaluation highlighted the need for a comprehensive exit strategy to ensure continuity of efforts and recommended: 1) adopting a strategic market systems approach; 2) continuing a holistic project coordination approach; 3) implementing a two-stage targeting approach; 4) developing a clear exit strategy; and 5) establishing a comprehensive results framework and monitoring system.

Report Details

Year Published 2024
Type
Project / Programme / Operations Evaluation
Theme/s
Agriculture and Rural Development | Banking and Financial Services | Civil Society and NGOs | Diversity and Inclusion | Economy & Growth | Gender equality and women's empowerment | Governance | Labour & Employment | Partnerships | Poverty Reduction | Private Sector and Business | Social Protection | Youth
Partner/s N/A
SDG/s
SDG10 - Reduced Inequalities | SDG17 - Partnerships for the Goals | SDG1 - No Poverty | SDG4 - Quality Education | SDG8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth
Managed by Independent Evaluation Office Yes
Geographic Scope Global
Country/ies Guatemala | Kenya | Rwanda | Senegal | Uganda
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Evaluation of the project “Integrated Country Approach for boosting decent jobs for youth in the agrifood system” Phase III (2019–2023)