end-of-the-project evaluation report of srilankoraa...
TRANSCRIPT
END-OF-THE-PROJECT EVALUATION REPORT
OF SriLanKoRAA PILOT PROJECTS
(Sri Lanka)
(Supplementary Report)
Prepared by:
Dr. G. A. Canute De Silva
28th October 2017
UOPER UORHU UOJAF UORAJ
SSrrii LLaannkkaa KKoorreeaa RRuurraall DDeevveellooppmmeenntt AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn AAlluummnnii AAssssoocciiaattiioonn
Project Partners
GOSL DOA NCP NP NWP
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Abbreviations
Abbreviations in Cover Page:
DOA Department of Agriculture GOSL Government of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka NCP North Central Province NP Northern Province NWP North Western Province UOPER University of Peradeniya UORHU University of Ruhuna UOJAF University of Jaffna UORAJ University of Rajarata
Abbreviations in Text:
ARDC Agriculture Research and Development Centre
DTC District Training Centre
FCRDI Field Crops Research and Development Institute of DOA
GDP Gross Domestic Product
ICT Information and Communication Technology
ITB Information Technology Bank
KoRAA Korea Rural Development Administration
MDF Model Demonstration Farm
MI Mahailluppallama (location of FCRDI)
NCP North Central Province
NPDOA Northern Provincial Department of Agriculture
NR Not Relevant
NWPDOA North Western Provincial Department of Agriculture
OFC Other Field Crops
RDA Rural Development Administration
RRDI Rice Research and Development Institute of DOA
TDF Technology Demonstration Farm
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Contents
Page No.
1. Introduction 4
A. End of the Project Evaluation 4
B. SriLanKoRAA Projects: the overall themes, goals and major activities 5
C. End of project evaluation of selected projects in Theme 1: 6
D. End of project evaluation of selected projects in Theme 2: 6
E. End of project evaluation of project in Theme 3: 7
2. End of Project Evaluation of Projects for the Supplementary Report 8
2.1. Project 1: Community Based Quality Seed
Paddy Production (Polonnaruwa) 8
2.2. Project 2: Weedy-rice Free Seed
Paddy Self-Production (Kurunegala) 12
2.3. Project 3: Technology Demonstration
Farm (TDF) (Polonnaruwa) 16
2.4. Project 4: Technology Demonstration
Farm (TDF) (Seethaeliya) 20
2.5 Project 5: Integrated Model Organic
Farm Village with Women (Anuradapura) 24
2.6. Project 6: Information Technology
Bank (ITB) on Rice, (Bathalagoda) 28
2.7. Project 7: Supporting Agriculture Undergraduate Students
in Sri Lankan Universities through Scholarship Programs 32
3. Evaluation Comparison 36
4. Problems / Constraints 37
5. Recommendations and lessons learned 38
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1. Introduction
A. End of the Project Evaluation
1. This is a Supplementary Report to the previously completed ‘end of the project evaluation’1 Primary Report2 on SriLanKoRAA3 projects.
2. The Primary Report contained detailed evaluation of end-of-project status of three projects
proposed by the RDA for evaluation and presentation at an international conference on KoRRA
Pilot Projects. The three projects included in the Primary Report were; (i) “Model farm for
dissemination of appropriate technology in agriculture-at MI”, (ii) “Community based red onion
true seed production in Jaffna district”, and (iii) “Seed multiplication of indigenous rice variety,
“Suwandhel” in Kurunegala district”. This supplementary report analyses another seven
projects completed by the SriLanKoRAA.
3. The rigour of analysis of seven projects in the Supplementary Report is same as in the
Primary Report with project background and project proposal description somewhat less
exhaustive. The Primary Report has for sake of comprehensiveness an ‘enhanced synopsis of
the project proposal’ for the three projects. The Supplementary Report instead has Background,
Problem Analysis, and Synopsis of Project and Achievements.
4. The Primary Report describes the purpose of end-of-project evaluation, the basis of
evaluation, source of data and the criteria of evaluation. Additionally it details the
characteristics of the member country, Sri Lanka, the profile and modus operandi of
SriLanKoRAA and categories, themes and goals of SriLanKoRAA projects. In this Supplementary
Report the basis and criteria of evaluation, sourcing of data, modus operandi and categories,
themes and goals of SriLanKoRAA projects are briefly reiterated for clarity and completeness.
5. The evaluation is based on the “Guidelines for the End-of-the-Project Evaluation Report of
KoRRA Pilot Projects” prepared and instructed to use by the RDA of Republic of Korea. Project
1 Prepared by Dr. G. A. Canute De Silva, Agricultural Economist, and Consultant for End-of-the-Project Evaluation. He wishes to thank especially the RDA of Republic of Korea, the Executive Committee of SriLanKoRAA for the offered consultancy and for the corporation extended to him, the project managers of the evaluated three projects as well as project managers of few other projects who have earnestly supported him with necessary information and deliberations to complete the report. 2 The primary report on detailed analysis of three projects was completed in September 2017 3 Sri Lanka Korea Rural Development Administration Alumni Association
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performance is evaluated using the standard OECD4criteria: relevance, effectiveness,
efficiency, sustainability, and impact. The guidelines recognize three possible levels of
performance for each criterion to assign an appropriate score from 1 to 5; where 4 or 5 being
the satisfactory level.
6. The required information for the evaluation was obtained from various sources: (i)
Workshop; pre-evaluation data base clarification workshop with selected SriLanKoRAA
members, (ii) Interviewing; SriLanKoRAA executive committee members, project leaders,
project partners, (iii) Examining; original project proposals, refined project proposals, seminar
presentations, progress reports, (iv) Researching; scientific contents mentioned in proposals
and reports, national policies, sector policies, related publications, and (v) Triangulating: sorting
out few conflicting data.
7. A unique design feature of SriLanKoRAA projects was the role and the work-load obligations
of collaborating institutions. By having proactive and foresighted discussions with potential
institutions, SriLanKoRAA had effectively enrolled relevant institutions to collaborate and
physically undertake the conceptualized project by-and-large with their own resources of funds,
material, skills and professionals; thereby confining the role of SriLanKoRAA to initial seed-
money, item-specific expenditure, advocacy, intermediacy, monitoring, and coordination. This
arrangement had been mutually beneficial.
8. SriLanKoRAA members have professional relationships with major agricultural institutions
originating from their career experience. Hence forging such working arrangements was easier.
B. SriLanKoRAA Projects: the overall themes, goals and major activities
9. Since its inception, SriLanKoRAA had undertaken thirteen significant projects, in three broad
intervention themes; (i) community-based quality seed multiplication, (ii) demonstration-
based technology dissemination and (iii) corporate social responsibility based scholarship
support.
4 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development/Development Assistance Committee (OECD/DAC)
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C. End of project evaluation of selected projects in Theme 1: Community-based
quality seed multiplication:
10. Quality seed is crucial for realizing productivity potential of crops and adoption of crops to
different agro-climatic conditions. The quality of seed alone is known to account for at least 10-
15% increase in the productivity poor quality seeds greatly suppress the effectiveness of all
other agronomic practices. Educating farmers to produce their own quality seed for them and
for trade is essential.
11. Under the Theme 1: Community-based quality seed multiplication, SriLanKoRAA had
implemented seven main projects: (i) Production of Red Onion True Seed (Jaffna), (ii) Big Onion
Seed Production (Kurunegala), (iii) Seed Multiplication of Traditional Paddy (Kurunegala), (iv)
Other Field Crops Seed Production (Kurunegala), (v) Wayamba Seed Paddy Production
(Kurunegala), (vi) Community Based Quality Seed Paddy Production (Polonnaruwa) , and (vii)
Weedy-rice Free Seed Paddy Self-Production (Kurunegala).
12. Of the seven projects, Primary Report has analysis of two projects; Production of Red Onion
True Seed (Jaffna) and Seed Multiplication of Traditional Paddy (Kurunegala).
13. Supplementary Report has analysis of another two projects from theme 1; (i) Community
Based Quality Seed Paddy Production (Polonnaruwa) and (ii) Weedy-rice Free Seed Paddy
Self-Production (Kurunegala).
D. End of project evaluation of selected projects in Theme 2: Demonstration-
based technology dissemination:
14. Adoption of appropriate technology is necessary for the development of the agricultural
sector. They can motivate youth to stay in farm, increase farmer incomes, and make rural
agriculture competitive. Transferring and adopting new technologies in Sri Lanka is challenging.
There is hesitance among farmers to quickly embrace new technology. Successful technology
adoption depends on an array of factors including a skillful advisory service and demonstration
farms that allows youth and farmers to visualize them.
15. Under the Theme 2: Demonstration-based technology dissemination, SriLanKoRAA had
implemented five main projects: (i) Model Farm for Dissemination of Technology
(Mahailluppalama), (ii) Technology Demonstration Farm (Polonnaruwa), (iii) Technology
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Demonstration Farm (Seethaeliya), (iv) Integrated Model Organic Farm Village with Women
(Anuradapura), and (v) Information Technology Bank on Rice (Bathalagoda).
16. Of the five projects, Primary Report has analysis of one project; Model Farm for
Dissemination of Technology (Mahailluppalama).
17. Supplementary Report has analysis of the remaining four projects from theme 2; (i)
Technology Demonstration Farm (Polonnaruwa), (ii) Technology Demonstration Farm
(Seethaeliya), (iii) Integrated Model Organic Farm Village with Women (Anuradapura), and
(iv) Information Technology Bank on Rice (Bathalagoda).
E. End of project evaluation of project in Theme 3: Corporate Social
Responsibility based scholarship support:
18. For agriculture sector development, qualified professionals are continuously necessary and
agriculture faculties of Sri Lankan Universities provide the required knowledge and training to
undergraduates. Though the cost of education is totally subsidized by the government, students
still have to manage living expenses on their own. The state administered assistance
programmes are often inadequate for some students of underprivileged families. Yet, such
students also would be future stage-setters of the agriculture sector. With a financial support at
student phase they would be stress-free educated to render a better service for agriculture
development.
19. Under the scholarship support theme, the following sub- programmes had been
implemented: (i) Scholarships to Selected Agriculture Students at University of Peradeniya,
University of Ruhuna, University of Jaffna and University of Rajarata, (ii) Scholarships to
Selected University Undergraduate Children of SriLanKoRAA Members, and (iii) Assistance to
Faculties to Upgrade Student Welfare Utilities.
20. Primary Report has no analysis of the scholarship programme. Supplementary Report has
the analysis of full student support scholarship programme.
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2. End of Project Evaluation of SriLanKoRAA Projects for the
Supplementary Report:
21. Following projects are evaluated in this Supplementary Report:
Project 1: “Community Based Quality Seed Paddy Production (Polonnaruwa)”
Project 2: “Weedy-rice Free Seed Paddy Self-Production (Kurunegala)”
Project 3: “Technology Demonstration Farm (Polonnaruwa)”
Project 4: “Technology Demonstration Farm (Seethaeliya)”
Project 5: “Integrated Model Organic Farm Village with Women (Anuradhapura)”
Project 6: “Information Technology Bank on Rice (Bathalagoda)”
Project 7: “Student Support Scholarship Programme “
2.1. Project 1: Community Based Quality Seed Paddy Production (Polonnaruwa)
A. Background
22. Rice is the most important crop in Sri Lanka; staple food of the nation, main income source
of majority of farmers, primary determinant of food security, key role player in political
situation. Thus every attempt is made to increase the productivity of rice. Rice yields depend on
many factors among them the genetic purity, composition purity, and germination capability
are the critical quality determinants. Based on source of seed, there are two categories of seed
paddy; seed self-produced by farmers from their previous crops or borrowed from neighboring
farmers, called the informal seed supply and quality assured seed produced by a formal system
comprising the government institutes and the qualified private sector. About 80 percent of
farmers use seed from the informal system.
B. Problem Analysis
23. It is impossible for the formal system to produce all the required seed and there is no
necessity if the informal system too can produce quality seed for their own use and for a small
regional market. However producing seed paddy having prescribed genetic purity, composition
purity, and germination capability needs strict discipline and technical knowledge. Quality seed
should have germination (85%), moisture (13%), purity (98%) and acceptable minimum levels
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on contamination with seeds of other varieties, weed seeds, damaged seeds and seeds of other
crops. Yet with proper training farmers can be mobilized to produce quality seed and thereby
contribute to the national use of quality seed. They also can earn a higher income as seed
paddy fetches a higher price than consumption paddy.
C. Synopsis of Project and Achievements
24. The Executive Committee of the SriLanKoRAA had decided to promote the quality seed
paddy production by convincing the DOA to form a community based group to produce quality
seed paddy in a selected village in Polonnaruwa, with financial assistance from SriLanKoRAA.
Initially 25 farmers had been made into a group and trained by DOA on quality seed production.
SriLanKoRAA had financed supply of ‘registered seed paddy’ needed as the base to multiply into
seed paddy, farmer training, field inspections as per quality assurance procedure, supply of
microelement fertilizer, packing material etc. The group of farmers over a short period of time
had evolved into a ‘seed paddy producing society’ with a registered brand name “ISURU” and a
distinctly identifiable orange / green shaded packaging and a logo. During a four year period of
review, society had significantly contributed to national seed paddy requirement by producing
310 MT of seed and members earning about Rs. 17 MN. The ISURU seed paddy had been
marketed with ease due to its quality. The previous informal seed paddy using farmers had
successfully evolved into a quality seed paddy producing entity in the formal system.
Table 1: Brief summary of progress of Project “Community Based Quality Seed Paddy Production (Polonnaruwa)”:
Project Title Objectives Achievement/ Findings “Community Based Quality Seed Paddy Production (Polonnaruwa)”
Goal:
To empower farmers to be partners of quality seed paddy producing formal national system, increased productivity, value addition and incomes” Objectives:
Objective1: Increase the
quality seed paddy
production in
Output 1: SLanKoRAA successfully
involved in the national priority in
production of quality seed paddy.
Output 2: Farmers empowered for a
common goal of producing quality seed
paddy.
Output 3: Had produced over 300 MT
of seed paddy and earned over Rs 17
MN. during a four year period.
Output 4: Farmers obtained a sense of
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Polonnaruwa district
Objective 2: To increase
the incomes from
cultivation of paddy by
changing over from
consumption paddy to
seed paddy.
Objective 3: To impart a
sense of community
participation for a
commercial level
enterprise, maintenance
of quality standards and
adhering to marketing
requirements in a formal
system of production and
marketing.
community participation, business skills
and ethics by forming themselves into a
commercial entity, ISURU.
.
Table 2: OECD/DAC Evaluation Standards for Project “Community Based Quality Seed Paddy Production (Polonnaruwa)”:
CRITERIA FACTORS STANDARDS SCORE Relevance How important is the project on local and national requirements and priorities
Relevance for national agricultural policy
Very relevant
5
Appropriateness of the project size
Appropriate, but could be larger
4
Communication with RDA Good communication 5
Efficiency Are the objectives of the interventions achieved
Budget enough for objectives Budget is enough
5
Willingness of Sri Lanka to implement
Very willing
5
Level of expertise in Sri Lanka High level of expertise
5
Completeness of the project Completed 5
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outputs
Effectiveness Are the objectives being achieved economically
Achievement based on objectives
Highly achieved
5
Long-term economic impact High economic impact
5
Compliance in establishing infrastructure
Complied
5
Impact Does the project impact the overall situation of the target group)
Change in perception/attitude of stakeholders
Change in perception/attitude
5
Contribution to policy and institutional
Contributed
5
Awareness of change in terms of importance of the project
aware
5
Sustainability Are the positive effects or impacts sustainable
Independence in conducting projects
Has independence to conduct
5
Sustainability to maintain new technology and information sharing capability
Has capability to maintain 5
Capacity of project management to sustain the project
Has the capacity to sustain 5
“Community Based Quality Seed Paddy Production (Polonnaruwa)”: Photo Gallery
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2.2. Project 2: Weedy-rice Free Seed Paddy Self-Production (Kurunegala)
A. Background
25. Rice is the staple food and main food crop in Sri Lanka. For the last several decades Sri
Lanka was struggling to become self-sufficient in rice. With the increasing population the
demand for rice was continuously increasing. Annually a total of around 1.8 million ha of rice is
grown in two monsoon seasons. Sri Lanka is in a volatile rice self-sufficiency status with
occurrence of minor shortfalls in good seasons to major shortfalls subsequent to droughts or
floods. Increasing productivity in rice is the acceptable means to achieve long lasting self-
sufficiency. Many factors contribute to increasing and maintaining a high productivity, among
which use of contaminated free seed paddy is the most important.
B. Problem analysis
26. Of the annual requirement of seed paddy, only 15% is provided by DOA and the private
sector, balance being of unknown quality, mostly self-propagated. This has led to extensive
sowing of weed contaminated seeds, which hinders achieving higher productivity. Repetitive
use of contaminated own seed has proliferated the contamination and decline of productivity.
Weedy rice (Oryza sativa L. f. spontanea), is a noxious weed in paddy fields of Sri Lanka.
Contaminated seed paddy had proliferated the weedy rice problem to new regions. Depending
on contamination density and degree of shattering in field it can cause yield losses of 40-90%.
27. The effective control of weedy rice cannot be achieved with a single practice, but
should be based on a complex program of preventative, cultural, mechanical, chemical and
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genetic means. However, development of a national programme to produce good quality
seed paddy free of weedy rice seed and repetitive use of seed paddy devoid of weedy rice
seed in same paddy tract is the strategic approach to efficiently wean out weedy rice
infestation and increase national rice productivity. Farmers need to be trained to produce
quality own seed. Implementation of community based self-seed paddy seed program with
proper training and guidance is the best option.
C. Synopsis of Project and Achievements
28. A farmer participatory quality seed paddy producing programme had been initiated with 50
farmers in the first season in a single paddy tract in Kurunegala district. They were trained on
high quality seed production including parachute method of nursery preparation necessary to
avoid weed contamination. Farmers were given certified seed paddy and parachute trays
sufficient for a 1/10th of an acre paddy cultivation. Main advisory institutions were RRDI and
NWPPDOA. Farmers were expected to replant the generated own seed paddy in the second
season onwards to cover the whole tract and beyond.
29. First season was not very successful due to rains affecting the crop. In the second season
only 35 farmers participated and all had not exclusively used the parachute method of plant
establishment deviating from the original intention of the project. A field day had been
conducted to demonstrate and disseminate the technology. The technology has not spread
rapidly as planned.
Table 1: Brief summary of progress of Project “Weedy-rice Free Seed Paddy Self-Production (Kurunegala)”:
Project Title Objectives Achievement/ Findings “Weedy-rice Free Seed Paddy Self-Production (Kurunegala)”
Goal:
To gradually eradicate the weedy-rice contamination of self-produced seed paddy and thereby increase the productivity of rice.
Objective1: Project
farmers will acquire
knowledge and skills to
produce seed paddy
devoid of weedy rice
Output 1: SLanKoRAA successfully
initiated the farmer participatory paddy
nursery development programme with
RRDI and NWP PDOA in Kurunegala
with 50 farmers.
Output 2: First season was marginally
successful due to weather and second
season instead of proliferating a lesser
number participated in the programme.
Output 3: A field day conducted to
demonstrate the technology and to
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contamination.
Objective 2: At end of
first season farmer group
will produce 500 bu (10
MT) of weedy rice free
seed paddy
Objective 3: At end of
2nd season entire paddy
tract will be free from
weedy rice and produce
around 2500 bu (50 MT)
of weedy rice free quality
seed paddy
assess the yields, proliferation of
interest on new technology was below
the expectation of the project proposal.
Table 2: OECD/DAC Evaluation Standards for Project “Weedy-rice Free Seed Paddy Self-Production (Kurunegala)”:
CRITERIA FACTORS STANDARDS SCORE Relevance How important is the project on local and national requirements and priorities
Relevance for national agricultural policy
Very relevant
5
Appropriateness of the project size
Not Appropriate
2
Communication with RDA Good communication 5
Efficiency Are the objectives of the interventions achieved
Budget enough for objectives Budget is enough
5
Willingness of Sri Lanka to implement
Willing, but not active
3
Level of expertise in Sri Lanka High level of expertise
5
Completeness of the project outputs
Completed, but not all outputs were achieved
3
Effectiveness Are the
Achievement based on objectives
Partially achieved
3
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objectives being achieved economically
Long-term economic impact High economic impact (if outcome was complete)
3
Compliance in establishing infrastructure
Complied
4
Impact Does the project impact the overall situation of the target group)
Change in perception/attitude of stakeholders
Moderate change in perception/attitude
3
Contribution to policy and institutional
Contributed, but not enough
3
Awareness of change in terms of importance of the project
Aware, but not enough
3
Sustainability Are the positive effects or impacts sustainable
Independence in conducting projects
Has independence to conduct
5
Sustainability to maintain new technology and information sharing capability
Recognized the need 3
Capacity of project management to sustain the project
There is interests, but
difficulty in sustaining 3
D. “Weedy-rice Free Seed Paddy Self-Production (Kurunegala)”: Photo Gallery
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2.3. Project 3: Technology Demonstration Farm (TDF) (Polonnaruwa)
A. Background
30. Polonnaruwa is an agricultural district in the NCP of Sri Lanka. The great majority of
households depend on agriculture for a living. It is one of the main rice cultivating districts.
Apart from rice it is also a main OFC producing and cattle rearing for milk and meat district. The
district has great potential to introduce modern technology for enhancing the agricultural
productivity.
31. The most important approach in agricultural extension methodology is training farmers,
youth and officers on modern technologies making use of various training tools. Among them,
demonstration of technology and its end results is the most effective. For this purpose, the DOA
has established DTCs in all districts, including Polonnaruwa.
B. Problem Analysis
32. The DTC at Polonnaruwa was barely operational prior to 2007 due to series of constraints
including funds, staffing and lack of proper planning, motivation, management and foresight.
There was need of an external catalyst to transfer the succumbing DTC to a dynamic service
oriented modern training centre.
33. Resuscitating and structurally reorganizing the DTC to a TDF had innumerable advantages.
The main strengths were the; i. location in a central place among the farming community of the
district, ii. easy access, iii. being adjoining a main road connecting different districts, the
activities would be visible to a larger populace, iv. large extent of DOA farm land available for
demonstration cultivations, v. few neglected buildings available for upgrading, vi. agricultural
labour available in the adjoining farms. There were no significant weaknesses or threats. It was
most opportune to develop the DTC as a technology demonstration farm.
C. Synopsis of Project and Achievements
34. The SriLanKoRAA assisted the DOA to transform the ailing DTC to a model TDF. The DOA
would execute all technical activities through DDA (Extension) of Polonnaruwa. The
SriLanKoRAA would renovate, upgrade the existing and construct new infrastructural facilities
and lend partial financial assistance toward successful uplift of the centre.
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35. The TDF attended to relevant and necessary technical activates such as; demonstration of
various crops and crop production techniques including integrated farming, training farmers
youth and officers with lectures, field discussions at demonstration plots and conducting field
days, exhibitions etc. Over 10,000 farmers had been trained in the past on various technologies
and enterprising youth seeking employment in the private sector had been trained for NVQ
examinations. The SriLanKoRAA developed the logistics including; fencing of 1 ha of farm land
and the training centre, construction of a small irrigation water storage tank and a pump house,
a small anicut, a cattle shed with few cows, a mushroom production unit, a Sales Centre to sell
farm products, financial assistance for wages, farm equipment and maintenance.
Table 1: Brief summary of progress of Project “Technology Demonstration Farm (Polonnaruwa)”:
Project Title Objectives Achievement/ Findings “Technology Demonstration Farm (Polonnaruwa)”
Goal:
To integrate small holder farmers into modern agriculture and empower poor agricultural entrepreneurs through comprehensive training and demonstration.
Objectives:
Objective1: Disseminate
modern and appropriate
farming techniques
through training and
demonstration.
Objective 2: Training of
youth and women for job
opportunities.
Output 1: SLanKoRAA successfully in-
house evaluated the field situation of
the DTC and motivated DOA to agree to
convert the DTC to a TDF.
Output 2: Comprehensive training
programs, demonstrations and an
exhibition augmented by establishment
of a mushroom production and
demonstration unit, farm produce sales
centre, production and demonstration
dairy unit. Over 10, 000 farmers trained
during a 9-year period.
Output 3: undertaken training and
demonstration on irrigation and water
management with an irrigation system
and a rehabilitated anicut within farm.
Output 4: TDF had successfully formed
farmer groups for specialized activities;
mushroom production and bee keeping
including making and selling of bee
boxes and selling bee colonies.
Output 5: Training youth and women
for external job opportunities. Total of
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300 farming youth had been trained for
NVQ; two batches for Plant Nursery
Development Assistant, NVQ – level
3/4 and three batches for Agrochemical
Sales Technical Assistant, NVQ – level 3.
About 40 women are engaged in Hela
Bojunhala producing and selling
traditional food. Some farmers produce
and sell organic fertilizer.
Table 2: OECD/DAC Evaluation Standards for Project “Technology Demonstration Farm (Polonnaruwa)”:
CRITERIA FACTORS STANDARDS SCORE Relevance How important is the project on local and national requirements and priorities
Relevance for national agricultural policy
Very relevant
5
Appropriateness of the project size
Appropriate
5
Communication with RDA Good communication 5
Efficiency Are the objectives of the interventions achieved
Budget enough for objectives Budget is enough
5
Willingness of Sri Lanka to implement
Very willing
5
Level of expertise in Sri Lanka High level of expertise
5
Completeness of the project outputs
Completed but need feedback monitoring
4
Effectiveness Are the objectives being achieved economically
Achievement based on objectives
Highly achieved
5
Long-term economic impact High economic impact
5
Compliance in establishing infrastructure
Complied
5
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Impact Does the project impact the overall situation of the target group)
Change in perception/attitude of stakeholders
Change in perception/attitude but need to properly quantify the change being implemented
4
Contribution to policy and institutional
Contributed
4
Awareness of change in terms of importance of the project
Need to quantify the level of awareness
4
Sustainability Are the positive effects or impacts sustainable
Independence in conducting projects
Has independence to conduct
5
Sustainability to maintain new technology and information sharing capability
Has capability to maintain 5
Capacity of project management to sustain the project
Has the capacity to sustain 5
“Technology Demonstration Farm (Polonnaruwa)”: Photo Gallery
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2.4. Project 4: Technology Demonstration Farm (TDF) (Seethaeliya)
A. Background
36. Seethaeliya is an intensive vegetable cultivation area in the Nuwaraeliya district of Sri Lanka.
All the smallholder farmers depend on vegetable cultivation. Nuwaraeliya is famous for
potatoes and ‘exotic’ vegetables such as lettuce, radish, carrot, leek, cabbage, beans, and
cauliflower as well as for commercial floriculture. On the livestock side, best cattle; Ayrshire,
Friesian, Jersey for milk are reared in Nuwaraeliya. Very often crops are cultivated with
excessive use of organic matter and inorganic fertilizer aiming for higher productivity. Farmers
also use liberal quantities of agrochemicals as the crops are vulnerable for pests and diseases
due to extensive areas being intensively cultivated with same vegetables throughout the year.
Furthermore the very cold climate aggravates the problem. Vegetables from Nuwaraeliya are
distributed to many parts of the country.
B. Problem Analysis
37. Though vegetable farming in Nuwaraeliya was lucrative, many farmers were in debt due to
overuse of inputs often pressed by input dealers. Several studies have shown the ill effects of
excessive use of organic matter, phosphate fertilizers on health and natural water resources.
Liberal use of pesticides have led to pest resistance and need of more toxic chemicals with
longer residue periods harmful to health. There was a need to educate farmers on rational
organic farming, crop hygiene, high value crop cultivation, soil conservation, crop protection,
integrated farming, crop management with judicious use of inputs and integrated pest
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
21
management. There was also a need for promoting environmental conservation and
environment friendly agricultural techniques.
38. The ARDC Seethaeliya was at an advantageous position to disseminate modern agricultural
technology to the large number of vegetable farmers in Nuwaraeliya district and the adjoining
Badulla district. It is the foremost vegetable research center in the region, well known to all
vegetable farmers with large extents of land available for cultivation and demonstration. It is
easily accessible. Nuwaraeliya is famous for a midyear holiday season where multitudes of
people visit the area, if needed the ARDC as well. Thus reorienting part of the ARDC to a model
technology demonstration farm was rational.
C. Synopsis of Project and Achievements
39. SriLanKoRAA had assisted the DOA in 2009 to transform part of the ARDC at Seethaeliya to a
model TDF to demonstrate and train all interested parties on up country vegetable cultivation.
It was operated jointly by the Research Division, Seed & Planting Material Division and the
Extension Division of the Department of Agriculture. It has a sales outlet for farm produce from
TDF and other DOA farms, cereal and vegetable seed produced by the DOA seed farms and
registered seed growers. Up to 2015 it had conducted 254 training sessions for 6754 vegetable
farmers on vegetable cultivation, nursery management, potato micro tuber production and organic
manure production. Additionally government and non-governmental extension workers,
students and entrepreneurs from all over the island had received training. TDF also paved the
way for interaction among research and extension through training programs, research-
extension dialogues and crop clinics. The TDF is consist of crop production unit, training centre,
seed production unit, protected and high tech agriculture unit.
Table 1: Brief summary of progress of Project “Technology Demonstration Farm
(TDF) (Seethaeliya)”:
Project Title Objectives Achievement/ Findings “Technology Demonstration Farm (TDF) (Seethaeliya)”
Goal:
Vegetable farming in
Nuwaraeliya is reoriented
to rational organic
farming with judicious use
of inputs, integrated pest
management, soil, water
and environmental
Output 1: SLanKoRAA successfully
motivated DOA to form the TDF with
Research Division, Seed & Planting
Material Division and the Extension
Division jointly operating the entity.
Output 2: The model farm consist crop
production unit, training centre, seed
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
22
conservation.
Objectives:
Objective 1: To
effectively demonstrate
and disseminate farmer
and environment friendly
agricultural techniques.
Objective 2: To establish
strong linkage between
research and extension
and thereby provide
better services to
farmers.
production unit, protected and high
tech agriculture Unit.
Output 3: Comprehensive training
programs, demonstrations and an
exhibition accomplished. 2007 to 2015
conducted 254 training sessions for
6754 vegetable farmers.
Output 4: One hectare farm has
demonstration plots of upcountry
vegetables, planting material
production of upcountry vegetables
and flowers, selling farm products at
the sales centre, using farm income for
further development of TDF.
Output 5: Established strong linkage
between research and extension
Table 2: OECD/DAC Evaluation Standards for Project “Technology Demonstration Farm (TDF) (Seethaeliya)”:
CRITERIA FACTORS STANDARDS SCORE Relevance How important is the project on local and national requirements and priorities
Relevance for national agricultural policy
Very relevant
5
Appropriateness of the project size
Appropriate
5
Communication with RDA Good communication 5
Efficiency Are the objectives of the interventions achieved
Budget enough for objectives Budget is enough
5
Willingness of Sri Lanka to implement
Very willing
5
Level of expertise in Sri Lanka High level of expertise
5
Completeness of the project outputs
Completed initial goals, slag in innovativeness in late
4
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stages
Effectiveness Are the objectives being achieved economically
Achievement based on objectives
Achieved
5
Long-term economic impact High economic impact
4
Compliance in establishing infrastructure
Complied
5
Impact Does the project impact the overall situation of the target group)
Change in perception/attitude of stakeholders
Change in perception/attitude but need to properly quantify the change being implemented
4
Contribution to policy and institutional
Contributed
4
Awareness of change in terms of importance of the project
Need to quantify the level of awareness
4
Sustainability Are the positive effects or impacts sustainable
Independence in conducting projects
Has independence to conduct
5
Sustainability to maintain new technology and information sharing capability
Has capability to maintain 4
Capacity of project management to sustain the project
Has the capacity to sustain 4
“Technology Demonstration Farm (TDF) (Seethaeliya)”: Photo Gallery
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24
2.5 Project 5: Integrated Model Organic Farm Village with Women
(Anuradapura)
A. Background
40. Anuradhapura is the largest district in Sri Lanka located in the NCP. It is primarily an
agricultural district. Farmers cultivate rice, OFCs, and rear cattle for milk and meat. Across the
district there is a wide variation in the type of agricultural practices, intensity of cultivation,
subsistence to commercial level of output and livelihood dependence on agriculture.
Commercial agriculture with cash crops such as irrigated rice, chilli, onions, maize, grains and
pulses in large extents is common. At the same time there are many interior rural villages solely
depending on agriculture for food and for an inadequate income. Agriculture is practiced with
application of modern inputs by those who can afford the cost; new varieties, chemical
fertilizers, agrochemicals, sprinkler irrigation etc. The deprived farmers use no or little of inputs
and reap a meager harvest for a subsistence living.
41. National agricultural policies in Sri Lanka discourage excessive use of chemical fertilizers and
agro chemicals. Wherever possible undertaking organic farming, integrated farming and
empowering of women for higher agricultural productivity, farm incomes and livelihood are
recognized as the best environmentally friendly approaches in agricultural and rural
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
25
development. Such an approach is most applicable to interior rural villages with small
populations engaged in marginal productivity agriculture.
B. Problem Analysis
42. Anuradhapura is primarily dry zone with low unevenly distributed annual rainfall. Last three
months of the year experiences heavy rains for the major cultivation season, Maha. Man-made
reservoirs, or tanks, store the rain water enabling the farmers to cultivate during mid-year in
the minor cultivation season, the Yala, having the low rainfall. Drought is experienced during
May to September. These natural limitations and dependencies affect the marginal farmers
most as their land size is small, located far interior, and possibly depending on silted reservoirs
and at tail end of unrepaired irrigation channels.
43. Such farmers and families need to be trained on various agricultural methods supported by
infrastructure to overcome their constrained situation. At present such approaches are lacking.
Though there are many large scale farms around, marginal farmers have no access to them for
learning. On the other hand, farms demonstrating organic farming and integrated farming are
not available in close vicinity. In this situation, a properly designed and guided to implement
organic integrated farm could be most appropriate.
C. Synopsis of Project and Achievements
44. SriLanKoRAA successfully negotiated the project as a joint venture with the NCP provincial
council, FCRDI and NCPPDOA. Project was established in a remote rural village in the Mihintale
divisional area of the Anuradapura district. Required infrastructure facilities were the
responsibility of provincial council. SLanKoRAA provided financial assistance. FCRDI was
responsible for training on integrated organic farming.
45. Initially a participatory rapid rural appraisal had been conducted to identify and map village
resources. Women were mobilized into a society; “Surukkulama Women Society” with the
participation of all female members of the village to implement the project. Under
infrastructure the village tank had been rehabilitated, irrigation mechanisms repaired, agro
wells constructed with accessories such as water pumps and tubes. Training on various
agricultural technologies had been conducted by resource persons. Cultivation under agro well
irrigation introduced. Very large number of planting materials; mango, pomegranate, guava,
orange, lemon, and pineapple had been distributed. Good quality seed on local maize, hybrid
maize, mungbean, black gram, sesame and finger millet had been distributed. Inland fish
introduced into the tank. Conservation methods of water and soil introduced. Selected farmers
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
26
were given financial assistance to start new enterprises or to improve existing enterprises in
animal husbandry or in inland fisheries.
Table 1: Brief summary of progress of Project “Integrated Model Organic Farm-Village with Women (Anuradapura)”:
Project Title Objectives Achievement/ Findings “Integrated Model Organic Farm-Village with Women (Anuradapura)”
Goal:
Improved agricultural productivity, livelihood of marginalized farmers through women participated integrated organic farming. Objectives:
Objective1: Empower women in a rural agricultural village to be partners of development Objective 2: Develop the natural and man-made resources in the village and supplement with additional infrastructure Objective 3: Disseminate
technology through
women participation.
Output 1: SLanKoRAA successfully
negotiated the project proposal with
the multi partners to establish the
model organic farm in Surukkulama
village in Anuradhapura
Output 2: All the women in the village
were empowered in to a women
society to implement the programme
Output 3: The village tank, irrigation
channels, farm roads repaired, agro
wells and accessories supplied
Output 4: Large number of fruit plants
and a large extent of food crops
planted.
Output 5: Village resources identified
and mapped by participation,
environmentally friendly agricultural
system established
Table 2: OECD/DAC Evaluation Standards for Project “Integrated Model Organic Farm-Village with Women (Anuradapura)”:
CRITERIA FACTORS STANDARDS SCORE Relevance How important is the project on
Relevance for national agricultural policy
Very relevant
5
Appropriateness of the project size
Appropriate
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
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local and national requirements and priorities
5
Communication with RDA Good communication 5
Efficiency Are the objectives of the interventions achieved
Budget enough for objectives Budget is enough
5
Willingness of Sri Lanka to implement
Very willing
5
Level of expertise in Sri Lanka High level of expertise
5
Completeness of the project outputs
Completed 4
Effectiveness Are the objectives being achieved economically
Achievement based on objectives
Highly achieved
5
Long-term economic impact High economic impact
5
Compliance in establishing infrastructure
Complied
5
Impact Does the project impact the overall situation of the target group)
Change in perception/attitude of stakeholders
Change in perception/attitude but need to properly quantify the change
4
Contribution to policy and institutional
Contributed
4
Awareness of change in terms of importance of the project
Need to quantify the level of awareness
4
Sustainability Are the positive effects or impacts sustainable
Independence in conducting projects
Has independence to conduct
5
Sustainability to maintain new technology and information sharing capability
Has capability to maintain 5
Capacity of project management to sustain the project
Has the capacity to sustain 5
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
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“Integrated Model Organic Farm-Village with Women”: Photo Gallery
2.6. Project 6: Information Technology Bank (ITB) on Rice, (Bathalagoda)
A. Background
46. Agricultural extension is the vital linkage between ever changing agricultural technology and
motivating farmers to adopt them for higher production, farmer and national income. During
the past, agricultural extension adopted a traditional way of disseminating the technology by
way of a multitude of field extension officers. With the fast changes in technology, globalization
paving the way for availability of knowledge from other countries and the human limitation of
every extension officer remembering all the changing technological information, many
countries adopted a cyber-extension service for agriculture.
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29
B. Problem Analysis
47. In Sri Lanka, the traditional agricultural extension service gradually deteriorated over time
with changes in grass root level extension officer cadre and their responsibilities. In order to
overcome the challenge of ever changing knowledge base and deteriorating human-dependent
extension system, the DOA initiated an Information and Communication Technology (ICT); a
cyber-agricultural extension mechanism in 2004, by establishing 45 cyber extension units at 45
Agrarian Service Centres and gradually strengthened them with equipment and IT facilities.
48. As a complement to this system, a need was felt for a repository of rice based agricultural
information. An ITB on rice under the administration of RRDI would be a repository of local as
well as international agricultural data, agricultural information and technology. It would provide
easy accessibility of stored information using latest ICT initiatives to farmers, youth and woman,
private and public officers, entrepreneurs, students, etc. according to their information
requirement.
C. Synopsis of Project and Achievements
49. The SriLanKoRAA after careful evaluation of the field situation and the request by the RRDI,
decided to support a project on ITB on Rice under the administration of RRDI. It was established
in 2010 and is managed by the training staff of the RRDI with technical assistance of RRDI
researches. SriLanKoRAA assisted the ITB by providing financial resources as well as other
necessary materials. Currently it is self-managed and maintained by the RRDI.
50. ITB has progressed with a vast collection of agricultural data, technologies and other
information stored as DOA publications (>80), video data base (>500), cyber extension CD
ROMs (> 60). It is equipped with training facilities for 25 persons at a time, 24 hour internet
facilities, a library, and equipment to store and disseminate information. It has trained large
number of farmers of NWP using its modern equipment as well as over 2500 officers of DOA,
DOA and other agencies. They also can utilize the facilities available to acquire necessary
information/technologies. More than 300 CD ROMs have been distributed.
Table 1: Brief summary of progress of Project “Information Technology Bank on Rice (Bathalagoda)”:
Project Title Objectives Achievement/ Findings “Information Technology Bank on Rice (Bathalagoda)”
Goal:
To increase the productivity of rice,
Output 1: SLanKoRAA successfully in-
house evaluated the need for an ITB as
suggested by RRDI and successfully
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
30
incomes of farmer and nation through adaptation of ever changing modern technologies” Objectives:
Objective1: Disseminate
modern and appropriate
rice farming techniques
through cyber based
training of farmers, youth
and officers.
Objective 2: Disseminate
modern and appropriate
rice farming techniques
through publications and
modern IT extension
materials.
Objective 3: Facilitate a
mechanism for
stakeholders to self-
search and source-in
needed agricultural
information.
established and equipped it under the
management of RRDI.
Output 2: Comprehensive IT based
training programs for farmers and
officers augmented by modern
multimedia facilities.
Output 3: Production or storage of
large number of publications, video
databases, cyber agriculture extension
IMM CD ROMs, data, information and
technologies using internet facility ,
agriculture related websites,
agriculture related weather, marketing
and statistical information.
Table 2: OECD/DAC Evaluation Standards for Project “Information
Technology Bank on Rice (Bathalagoda)”:
CRITERIA FACTORS STANDARDS SCORE Relevance How important is the project on local and national requirements and priorities
Relevance for national agricultural policy
Very relevant
5
Appropriateness of the project size
Appropriate
5
Communication with RDA Good communication 5
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Efficiency Are the objectives of the interventions achieved
Budget enough for objectives Budget is enough
5
Willingness of Sri Lanka to implement
Very willing
5
Level of expertise in Sri Lanka High level of expertise
5
Completeness of the project outputs
Completed but need feedback monitoring
4
Effectiveness Are the objectives being achieved economically
Achievement based on objectives
Highly achieved
5
Long-term economic impact High economic impact
5
Compliance in establishing infrastructure
Complied
5
Impact Does the project impact the overall situation of the target group)
Change in perception/attitude of stakeholders
Change in perception/attitude but need to properly quantify the change being implemented
4
Contribution to policy and institutional
Contributed
4
Awareness of change in terms of importance of the project
Need to quantify the level of awareness
4
Sustainability Are the positive effects or impacts sustainable
Independence in conducting projects
Has independence to conduct
5
Sustainability to maintain new technology and information sharing capability
Has capability to maintain 5
Capacity of project management to sustain the project
Has the capacity to sustain 5
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
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“Information Technology Bank on Rice”: Photo Gallery
2.7. Project 7: Supporting Agriculture Undergraduate Students in Sri Lankan
Universities through Scholarship Programs
A. Background
51. University education in Sri Lanka is free of academic costs, yet students need financing for
undergraduate living; the food and lodging, books and stationery, clothing and travelling. There
are many students from low income families and among them few from underprivileged
families as well, who have to struggle for existence and academic excellence at the same time.
B. Problem Analysis
52. The students from low income families are often recipients of the government scholarship
programme ‘Mahapola’, which is meant to supplement what they could get from parents
towards student expenses. For student from deprived families without much family support,
the scholarship is inadequate. There are other sources of funds such as ‘needy student fund’
operational at faculty level, but resources are limited and what can be disbursed is nominal.
53. It should be remembered that these students in spite of their financial handicap had
entered the university after a fiercely competitive entrance examination and supporting them
through university life is righteous.
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33
54. Studies in other countries have conclusively shown that students who have immense
worries on their funding uncertainty underperform in their studies and assisting them with
funds help them to perform at their best.
C. Synopsis of Project and Achievements
55. SriLanKORAA based on the RDA policies of funding education of needy students, welfare of
institutions and children of SriLanKORAA members and the request made by the Faculty of
Agriculture, University of Peradeniya initiated the project. The Faculty of Agriculture would use
the already established procedure in selecting needy students and merit students. The same
procedure will be adopted in selecting students for the RAA scholarships. The Faculty also
would use the needy student scholarship fund account at a state Bank in Peradeniya and all
financial procedures and selecting procedures adopted by the Faculty would be approved by
the university council.
56. Project had provided scholarships at Rs. 2500 per student per month to: 8 students (4
needy basis and 4 merit basis) at Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya since 2010, 4
students (needy basis) at University of Ruhuna since 2015, 4 students (needy basis) at
University of Jaffna since 2015, 4 students (needy basis) at University of Rajarata since 2015.
Additionally it had provided 9 scholarships in 2016 for children of SriLanKORAA members and
had supported materially the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Peradeniya.
Table 1: Brief summary of progress of Project “Supporting Agriculture
Undergraduate Students in Sri Lankan Universities through Scholarship
Programs”:
Project Title Objectives Achievement/ Findings “Supporting Agriculture Undergraduate Students in Sri Lankan Universities through Scholarship Programs”
Goal:
Irrespective of insufficient financial background, the underprivileged undergraduates of agriculture faculties would successfully complete their academic qualifications and become partners of future agriculture development process.
Output 1: SLanKoRAA successfully
initiated the student support
programme in collaboration with four
universities
Output 2: Selected underprivileged
agriculture undergraduates in four
universities were awarded monthly
bursar scholarships.
Output 3: Selected children of
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
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Objectives:
Objective1: To financially
and morally support the
under privileged
agriculture graduate
students enabling them
to successfully complete
their academic
qualifications.
Objective 2: To
financially support
selected children of
SriLanKORAA members.
Objective 3: To provide
limited material support
to universities as a matter
of appreciation.
SriLanKORAA members awarded
monthly bursar scholarships.
Output 4: Faculty of Agriculture
University of Peradeniya supplemented
with few material benefits.
Table 2: OECD/DAC Evaluation Standards for Project “Supporting Agriculture Undergraduate Students in Sri Lankan Universities through Scholarship Programs”:
CRITERIA FACTORS STANDARDS SCORE Relevance How important is the project on local and national requirements and priorities
Relevance for national agricultural policy
Very relevant
5
Appropriateness of the project size
Appropriate, but could be larger
4
Communication with RDA Good communication 5
Efficiency Are the objectives of the interventions achieved
Budget enough for objectives Budget is enough
5
Willingness of Sri Lanka to implement
Very willing
5
Level of expertise in Sri Lanka High level of expertise
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
35
5
Completeness of the project outputs
Completed 5
Effectiveness Are the objectives being achieved economically
Achievement based on objectives
Highly achieved
5
Long-term economic impact High economic impact
5
Compliance in establishing infrastructure
Complied
5
Impact Does the project impact the overall situation of the target group)
Change in perception/attitude of stakeholders
Change in perception/attitude
5
Contribution to policy and institutional
Contributed
5
Awareness of change in terms of importance of the project
aware
5
Sustainability Are the positive effects or impacts sustainable
Independence in conducting projects
Has independence to conduct
5
Sustainability to maintain new technology and information sharing capability
Has capability to maintain 5
Capacity of project management to sustain the project
Has the capacity to sustain 5
“Supporting Agriculture Undergraduate Students in Sri Lankan Universities through Scholarship Programs”: Photo Gallery
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
36
3. Evaluation Comparison
57. The OECD Criteria evaluation rankings for the seven projects evaluated in the Supplementary Report are compared in the following table. Overall, the performance of most of the projects are satisfactory to highly satisfactory.
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
37
Table 3: Overall evaluation standards of the projects (based on the detailed scoring):
Co
mm
un
ity
Bas
ed Q
ual
ity
Seed
Pad
dy
Pro
du
ctio
n
(Po
lon
nar
uw
a)
Wee
dy
–ric
e fr
ee S
eed
P
add
y Se
lf-P
rod
uct
ion
(K
uru
neg
ala)
Tech
no
logy
D
em
on
stra
tio
n F
arm
(Po
lon
nar
uw
a)
Tech
no
logy
d
emo
nst
rati
on
Far
m
(See
thae
liya)
Inte
grat
ed
Mo
del
Org
anic
Fa
rm V
illag
e w
ith
W
om
en
(A
nu
rad
apu
ra)
Info
rmat
ion
Tec
hn
olo
gy
Ban
k (B
ath
alag
od
a)
Stu
den
t Su
pp
ort
Sch
ola
rsh
ips
CRITERIA OVERALL
CRITERION SCORE
OVERALL CRITERION SCORE
OVERALL CRITERION SCORE
OVERALL CRITERION SCORE
OVERALL CRITERION SCORE
OVERALL CRITERION SCORE
OVERALL CRITERION SCORE
Relevance 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
Efficiency 5 4 5 5 5 5 5
Effectiveness 5 3 5 4 5 5 5
Impact 5 4 4 4 4 4 5
Sustainability 5 3 5 4 4 5 3
Overall Project Score
5 3 5 4 4 5 5
Overall Project Grading
Highly satisfactory
Marginal Highly
satisfactory Satisfactory Satisfactory
Highly satisfactory
Highly satisfactory
4. Problems/Constraints
58. Following observations on problems / constraints are extracted from the Primary Report
as they are relevant for the Supplementary Report as well.
i. Holistically, there were no major issues in conceptualizing, designing and implementing of the
three reviewed projects. The foremost reason for smooth implementation was the SriLanKoRAA
policy of implementing the projects through the relevant state institutions, such as the regional
institutes of DOA, extension service of provincial departments of agriculture.
ii. Project proposals had been prepared by individual scientists specialized or skilled on the
subject matter of the project. Though RDA guidelines had been used to prepare the proposals,
across board proposals lack homogeneity, comparability and comprehensiveness; indicating
weak fore thinking in planning. This was due to not reviewing the proposals by a properly
trained and skilled person. Most of the members of SriLanKoRAA have a state service
background and in state institutions of Sri Lanka prior preparation of sound project proposals
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
38
for small projects is weak or lacking. A sound project proposal is critical for smooth
implementation and subsequent evaluation.
iii. Due to various reasons there had been moderate delays in commencement of programmes;
delays in identification of partner institutions, partner institution taking time to study proposals
and consenting, formalizing project managers, in complex projects with infrastructures, time
and government procedure for procurement are some reasons.
iv. Projects had been designed for a minimum period of involvement, expecting them to self-
run by beneficiaries or by partners. This anticipation will not work universally. While it had
worked well in project 1 being incorporated to the mandate of FCRDI, the project period to
instill the interventions in project 3 was totally inadequate.
v. Obligation or commitment to implement and continue projects lies with collaborating
institutions, specifically its hierarchy. While collaboration has ample advantages, it runs the risk
of suspension of the interventions over time due to change of personnel or priorities of
collaborating institutions. In project 3, low performance and non-continuation can be partly
attributed to this risk.
vi. Lack of proper and systematic monitoring is prominent. This was due to leaving the
responsibility of implementation largely to a partner agency thereby self- diminishing the
decisive role of SriLanKoRAA in day to day project administration. All government institutions
are used to conveying something minimum as progress reporting without results oriented on-
going monitoring. SriLanKoRAA cannot ask for more rigorous reporting from partner
institutions as over 70 -95% of cost is born by the partner institution.
vii. None of the projects have a delineated exit strategy. At the commencement of the project a
sound exit strategy defining who would continue the interventions and how it would be
financed over a reasonable time period had not been identified.
5. Recommendations and lessons learned
59. Following recommendations and lessons learned are extracted from the Primary Report as
they are relevant for the Supplementary Report as well.
5.1 Recommendations
i. It is beneficial to discuss preliminary project concepts with a wider specialized audience as a
concept appraisal approach and to review the draft project proposal by a qualified third party
for comprehensiveness and professional standards.
2016-2017 END-OF-PROJECT EVALUATION – SUPPLEMENTARY REPORT
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ii. If partner institutions are enlisted, implementation and monitoring arrangements have to be
discussed in detail. What will happen if the responsible officers or priorities change over time
etc. need to be ironed-out.
iii. A well-documented exit strategy; i. how the project sponsors will leave the project, ii. how
and when the project implementers leave the project and iii. how and who would continue the
interventions after the project, need to be documented in the exit strategy.
iv. Very short project periods are liable to crash; depending on the extent and nature of
interventions, projects should have reasonably long project period to stabilize, mature and to
set an impact on the beneficiaries. It is more rational to have few long period projects than
many very short period projects. Usually projects change the attitudes and mind-sets of
participants, which require time.
5.2 Lessons learned
i. It was very evident that implementing projects with resourceful collaborating institutions was
efficient, but need to be aware that such institutions have their own mandates and priorities
and collaboration could be short lived and fragile.
ii. A well formulated on-going evaluation of the progress if built-in would have improved the
performance of the projects with mid-course rectifications.
iii. By not having a binding exit strategy, projects could end up in a void at its conclusion
without any hold by the sponsors.
6. Results and implications
60. A sufficient period of time has not elapsed to assess the impact of the projects. Furthermore
comprehensive impact assessment studies had not been undertaken by SLanKoRAA or the
collaborating institutions. However based on sound rationalization it can be said with fair
certainty that projects scored with an overall rating of satisfactory and highly satisfactory would
have a greater impact.
₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪₪