Objective:

The mid-term review aimed to assess the progress of FAO’s initiative focused on combating land degradation and biodiversity loss through sustainable rangeland management and conservation practices. The project sought to enhance environmental resilience, promote sustainable livelihoods, and protect biodiversity by implementing community-centered land management strategies. The review provided strategic insights into the effectiveness of the interventions, identifying both achievements and areas for improvement to optimize project outcomes.

Methodology:

A comprehensive mixed-methods approach was utilized to gather both qualitative and quantitative data. This included household surveys to assess community-level impacts, Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with stakeholders to gauge policy-level influence, and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to capture community perceptions and experiences. The combination of these methods facilitated a holistic understanding of the project’s progress and challenges.

Scope of Work:

Adroit Associates was responsible for the end-to-end execution of the mid-term review, including:

  • Data Collection: Conducting fieldwork across diverse ecological zones to ensure representative data, utilizing culturally sensitive tools and techniques.
  • Data Analysis: Employing rigorous analytical frameworks to interpret findings, ensuring accuracy and relevance to project objectives.
  • Reporting: Compiling a comprehensive report detailing key findings, lessons learned, and actionable recommendations for enhancing community engagement and sustainable land management practices.

Key Findings and Impact:

The review highlighted significant progress toward achieving sustainable land management and biodiversity conservation goals. Positive outcomes included increased awareness of sustainable rangeland practices and improved community participation in conservation initiatives. However, the review also emphasized the need for stronger community engagement strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and local ownership of conservation efforts.

This mid-term review provided FAO with critical insights to realign project strategies, enhancing their impact on combating land degradation and biodiversity loss while promoting sustainable community livelihoods.