Page Header

Project / Programme / Operations Evaluation 2023
Terminal evaluation of the project "Integrated Land and Agroecosystem Management Systems (ILAMS) for Tonga"
Agency
FAO

Summary

The terminal evaluation of the "Integrated Land and Agroecosystem Management Systems for Tonga" project, conducted by the Food and Agriculture Organization from September 2016 to December 2022, aimed to assess the project's effectiveness in promoting sustainable land management across four islands in Tonga. The evaluation involved a comprehensive review of project documents, stakeholder interviews, and site visits to Haveluliku and Pukotala, despite challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha'apai volcano eruption. The evaluation found that while the project aligned with national priorities, its design lacked beneficiary involvement, leading to mixed effectiveness across components. Notably, sustainable land management practices were well-received, particularly among women, and contributed positively to biodiversity and food security. However, challenges persisted, including incomplete policy endorsement and difficulties in implementing the digitized cadastre system. The project demonstrated adaptability in response to the volcanic eruption, enhancing community resilience. Nevertheless, the sustainability of outcomes remains uncertain, particularly for policy and digital management components, due to insufficient government buy-in and resource allocation. The evaluation concluded that while some practices are likely to continue, the overall coherence and integration of project components were weak, necessitating improved communication and stakeholder engagement strategies. The recommendations included addressing shortcomings in policy documents, exploring locally developed biodigesters, consolidating results on medicinal plant preservation, ensuring active beneficiary involvement in future projects, and expediting procurement processes for small-scale infrastructure. The recommendations included: 1) Address shortcomings of the normative products delivered by the project; 2) Explore viable alternatives to the ready-made biodigesters; 3) Consolidate project results on preservation of medicinal plants; 4) Ensure active role of beneficiaries in project design; 5) Explore options to speed up procurement of small-scale infrastructure.

Report Details

Year Published 2023
Type
Project / Programme / Operations Evaluation
Theme/s
Agriculture and Rural Development | Food Security | Land Governance & Tenure | Partnerships | Ecosystem Restoration & Nature-based Solutions | Environment | Civil Society and NGOs
Partner/s N/A
SDG/s
SDG2 - Zero Hunger | SDG12 - Responsible Consumption and Production | SDG15 - Life on Land | SDG17 - Partnerships for the Goals
Managed by Independent Evaluation Office Yes
Geographic Scope Country
Country/ies Tonga
YOU 'RE READING
Terminal evaluation of the project "Integrated Land and Agroecosystem Management Systems (ILAMS) for Tonga"