- Evaluation Plan:
- 2016-2021, Zimbabwe
- Evaluation Type:
- Mid Term Project
- Planned End Date:
- 08/2017
- Completion Date:
- 10/2017
- Status:
- Completed
- Management Response:
- Yes
- Evaluation Budget(US $):
- 25,000
Scaling up Adaptation Mid-Term Review
| Document | Type | Language | Size | Status | Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 UNDP MTR Scaling-up Adaptation Final Report 2017.doc |
report | English | 1728.50 KB | Posted | 1416 |
| PIMS 4713 Revised MTR TOR- Scaling Up Adaptation OXFAM dated 18 Jan 2017 Final.doc |
tor | English | 662.00 KB | Posted | 1039 |
| Title | Scaling up Adaptation Mid-Term Review | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas Project Number: | 00081032 | ||||||||||||||
| Evaluation Plan: | 2016-2021, Zimbabwe | ||||||||||||||
| Evaluation Type: | Mid Term Project | ||||||||||||||
| Status: | Completed | ||||||||||||||
| Completion Date: | 10/2017 | ||||||||||||||
| Planned End Date: | 08/2017 | ||||||||||||||
| Management Response: | Yes | ||||||||||||||
| Focus Area: |
|
||||||||||||||
| Corporate Outcome and Output (UNDP Strategic Plan 2018-2021) |
|
||||||||||||||
| SDG Goal |
|
||||||||||||||
| SDG Target |
|
||||||||||||||
| Evaluation Budget(US $): | 25,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Source of Funding: | UNDP, GEF | ||||||||||||||
| Evaluation Expenditure(US $): | 25,000 | ||||||||||||||
| Joint Programme: | No | ||||||||||||||
| Joint Evaluation: | Yes
|
||||||||||||||
| Evaluation Team members: |
|
||||||||||||||
| GEF Evaluation: | Yes
|
||||||||||||||
| Key Stakeholders: | UNDP, GEF, Government of Zimbabwe | ||||||||||||||
| Countries: | ZIMBABWE | ||||||||||||||
| Comments: | The Mid-Term evaluation was undertaken and completed and the findings are being used to inform the future of the CO programme. |
| Lessons | |
|---|---|
| 1. | The scaling-up approach needs planning in 2017 with: institutional partners (Agritex, RDCs); materials and delivery methods (knowledge products, subject matter leaflets for wards, media such as radio and TV); and incentives for farmers to create a much wider adoption of the agriculture / CSV interventions. [UNDP with Oxfam] The completion, consolidation or closure of certain interventions and moving towards delivering a dissemination strategy needs to be planned. The scaling-up approach needs to be on two levels: firstly, to gain much wider adoption of the three outputs (dryland conservation agriculture, VSL groups and value-chain groups) for the 10,000 direct beneficiaries; and secondly to deliver a scaling-up approach to reach 50,000 indirect beneficiaries (as per the project design) [Oxfam with Safire, Plan Int’l and the RDCs] The CSVs need a replication and outreach strategy embedded within RDC and Agritex district planning. This means producing: a packaged knowledge product (so other villages can replicate) about the CSV concept (i.e. one that encompasses conservation agriculture, VSL and value-chain groups); and a strategy for outreach, so that villagers from outside can come to learn and take on-board parts of the CSV concept themselves. [Oxfam with Safire and Plan Int’l]. The rangeland CSV needs much more project support in terms of cattle rangeland management. The grass seeding and protection trails in isolation will not solve the pasture management issues. [Plan Int’l with Oxfam to identify technical support] Soil conservation measures – The ripper tine is very effective, but is not yet being widely adopted by the farmers. Remaining funds should be used to buy ~1,000 ripper tines (~US$5,000) [Oxfam] The high focus on individually-supported VSL groups is no longer needed, as the project priorities change towards consolidating lessons-learned and disseminated knowledge. The project should be moving towards a self-replication method, with defined reduced project inputs [Oxfam M&E with Safire, Plan Int’l] A review of market linkages and value-added instances is needed. They need to be listed by district with opportunity to increase or consolidate. The target should be on strength and quality of linkage and potential to add value, which could be by increasing the size of the farming group and thus the production volume. This applies to all the different farming groups, including those with new crop varieties, and not just those with livestock-for-market type groups. The project should look at this intervention more holistically and consider all the 61 groups (see section 3.2.2 Progress towards Outputs) as the MTR has done. [Safire, Plan Int’l with Oxfam M&E support] Outcome 2 UoZ-DGES training support needs to be planned-in by the project in a much more comprehensive way for: the provision of training at national, provincial and district level in support of MSD and Agritex; and for trouble shooting and regularly meeting with MSD and Agritex at their offices concerning the project. [Oxfam leading] It is not necessary for Agritex to wait for the MSD weather forecast. In the meantime, Agritex have two tasks which should be completed in any event. Firstly, Agritex should produce a stand-alone farmer-friendly CCA toolkit. This should be a matrix of standard weather conditions against standard agricultural advisories. This should then be provided to the district and ward extension staff. Agritex’s second task is to produce a set of standard agricultural advisories coded for mobile SMS text message ((non-Smartphone) with a key to what they mean. [Agritex with Oxfam support]. They can then wait for the MSD forecast data. Secondly, on behalf of Agritex, the project needs to employ a post-graduate meteorologist / agricultural climatologist for the last 18 months to work for them in order to prepare the matrix and the advisory list. [Oxfam / Agritex / DGES][2] The circular design of the climate system needs to be ignored until the top-down key SMS messages from MSD and Agritex have been regularised. This is because one break in the feedback circle causes the whole system to stop by excuse and default. [Oxfam to enforce] Management Outcome 2 needs is a ‘hands-on’ adaptive monitoring system (e.g. meetings with attendance of all key parties (Oxfam, DGES, MSD and Agritex); # seasonal and 10-day forecasts for each district; timely hire (within 3 months) of 3-4 skilled post-graduate meteorologists; training plan of DGES updated and started; MSD characterization of SMS messages for weather forecasting within 3 months; Agritex characterization of SMS messages for agricultural advisories within 4 months; and Agritex production of a climate adaption matrix based on rainfall / weather patterns within 6 months, and field-tested within 9 months) The PSC needs to create a governance structure / process for the provision of climate and agriculture advisory information, ready for handover as the project ends The PSC meetings need to focus on more strategic issues to deliver results. E.g. to get Outcome 2 running with the hire of the agri-meteorologists; and the eventual institutional housing and sustainability of the Agromet system [UNDP] |
| Findings | |
| 1. | Outcome 1 The scaling-up approach is not clear, especially with the high focus on the target number of households and not on the interventions themselves. Many of the interventions still need wider adoption to reach the 10,000 direct beneficiaries. Also, there is no scaling-up approach to reach the 50,000 indirect beneficiaries. The soil conservation measures are valuable and effective, but need greater adoption outside FFSs. There is a high focus on individual support for VSL groups, which has been beneficial. Market linkages and value-added instances for agricultural commodities have been developed where there has been the most interest or knowledge, however the size of the groups and the volume of commodities produced so far is limited The rangeland CSV needs much more project support in terms of cattle rangeland management. The grass seeding and protection trails in isolation, will not solve the pasture management issues. The CSVs are successful as a centre-point for interventions, as are the VSL groups as an entry-point for CCA. Outcome 2 MSD analysis of weather data is not being achieved in order to provide a 10-day weather forecast Agritex are waiting for the MSD analysis in order to provide their agricultural advisory. This is not necessary, as initially they can provide key of actions against set rainfall patterns. UoZ-DGES are not being engaged sufficiently and in an ad hoc manner The climate platform feedback linkages need to be kept at test-level only. i.e. not for rolling-out or up-scaling across the project until the basic MSD forecast and Agritex advisory are working and regularised. This is essential in order to break the inherent high risk of failure with the present circular design of the climate system. The PSC is beginning to go ‘off-track’ in requesting small items at the sub-activity level instead of paying attention to the issues of scaling-up approaches and issues in Outcome 2. Monthly reporting is excessive and taking too much time of the M&E coordinator and local staff in chasing statistics. M&E officer time is now needed to monitor Outcome 2, and support the sea-change towards knowledge management as part of a comprehensive scaling-up methodology. The GEF climate tracking tool (AMAT) is not being used effectively The M&E systems at present don’t effectively work to support Outcome 2. Also, the beneficiary profiling doesn’t appear to be working in terms of tracking beneficiary to intervention and avoid double counting |
| Recommendations | |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1.The scaling-up approach is not clear, especially with the high focus on the target number of households and not on the interventions themselves. Many of the interventions still need wider adoption to reach the 10,000 direct beneficiaries. Also, there is no scaling-up approach to reach the 50,000 indirect beneficiaries. |
| 2 | The soil conservation measures are valuable and effective, but need greater adoption outside FFSs |
| 3 | There is a high focus on individual support for VSL groups, which has been beneficial. |
| 4 | Market linkages and value-added instances for agricultural commodities have been developed where there has been the most interest or knowledge, however the size of the groups and the volume of commodities produced so far is limited |
| 5 | The rangeland CSV needs much more project support in terms of cattle rangeland management. The grass seeding and protection trials in isolation, will not solve the pasture management issues. |
| 6 | The CSVs are successful as a centre-point for interventions, as are the VSL groups as an entry-point for CCA. |
| 7 | The high focus on individually-supported VSL groups is no longer needed, as the project priorities change towards consolidating lessons-learned and disseminated knowledge. The project should be moving towards a self-replication method, with defined reduced project inputs [OXFAM M&E with SAFIRE, Plan Int’l] |
| 8 | A review of market linkages and value-added instances is needed. They need to be listed by district with opportunity to increase or consolidate. The target should be on strength and quality of linkage and potential to add value, which could be by increasing the size of the farming group and thus the production volume. This applies to all the different farming groups, including those with new crop varieties, and not just those with livestock-for-market type groups. The project should look at this intervention more holistically and consider all the 61 groups (see section 3.2.2 Progress towards Outputs) as the MTR has done. |
| 9 | UoZ-DGES training support needs to be planned-in by the project in a much more comprehensive way for: the provision of training at national, provincial and district level in support of MSD and AGRITEX; and for trouble shooting and regularly meeting with MSD and AGRITEX at their offices concerning the project. |
| 10 | MSD need technical support (i.e. added capacity) to analyse weather data and provide a 10-day forecast. The project needs to employ 1-2 post-graduate meteorologist(s) for the last 18 months to work for MSD in order to achieve this. This should not be difficult as the link with the system design is with DGES, who have a ready supply of such skilled capacity |
| 11 | It is not necessary for AGRITEX to wait for the MSD weather forecast. In the meantime, AGRITEX have two tasks which should be completed in any event. Firstly, AGRITEX should produce a stand-alone farmer-friendly CCA toolkit. This should be a matrix of standard weather conditions against standard agricultural advisories. This should then be provided to the district and ward extension staff. AGRITEX’s second task is to produce a set of standard agricultural advisories coded for mobile SMS text message ((non-Smartphone) with a key to what they mean. [AGRITEX with OXFAM support]. They can then wait for the MSD forecast data. |
| 12 | Secondly, on behalf of AGRITEX, the project needs to employ a post-graduate meteorologist / agricultural climatologist for the last 18 months to work for them in order to prepare the matrix and the advisory list. |
| 13 | The circular design of the climate system needs to be ignored until the top-down key SMS messages from MSD and AGRITEX have been regularised. This is because one break in the feedback circle causes the whole system to stop by excuse and default. |
| 14 | The geography and weather patterns for upper and lower Chimanimani are very different, and thus require different forecasts and advisories |
| 15 | The equipment for Outcome 2 such as Chakohwa AWS is only providing data direct to Harare, which is not being collated and distributed. With a laptop, data could be accessed by AGRITEX and MSD locally, directly from this AWS. Rain gauges for every project ward, should be bought, so that the ward farmers can tailor their own climate adaptation planting decisions. |
| 16 | The Year 3 budget should be adjusted to include increased expenditure for agriculture / CSVs, and for the hire of 3-4 post-graduate climatologists to provide much needed technical support to MSD and AGRITEX. |
| 17 | Outcome 2 needs is a ‘hands-on’ adaptive monitoring system (e.g. meetings with attendance of all key parties (OXFAM, DGES, MSD and AGRITEX); # seasonal and 10-day forecasts for each district; timely hire (within 3 months) of 3-4 skilled post-graduate meteorologists; training plan of DGES updated and started; MSD characterization of SMS messages for weather forecasting within 3 months; AGRITEX characterization of SMS messages for agricultural advisories within 4 months; and AGRITEX production of a climate adaption matrix based on rainfall / weather patterns within 6 months, and field-tested within 9 months) |
| 18 | The PSC meetings need to focus on more strategic issues to deliver results. E.g. to get Outcome 2 running with the hire of the agri-meteorologists; and the eventual institutional housing and sustainability of the Agromet system |
| 19 | It is recommended that monthly reporting end |
| 20 | It is suggested that the Results Framework indicators are re-visited and updated as necessary as recommended by the MTR in section 3.2.1 |
1. Recommendation:
1.The scaling-up approach is not clear, especially with the high focus on the target number of households and not on the interventions themselves. Many of the interventions still need wider adoption to reach the 10,000 direct beneficiaries. Also, there is no scaling-up approach to reach the 50,000 indirect beneficiaries.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
The project team acknowledges the observation. However, the project team has been using the extension and farmer learning events (demo plots, field days and farmer field schools) for scaling up. (This is in our opinion a very clear and effective scaling up pathway. You cannot do without extension). The project has already exceeded the target of 10,000 direct beneficiaries, but the number reported are those that have been profiled at mid-term. As recommended there will be increased use of the media, targeted promotional material and knowledge products to promote scaling up of the interventions where sufficient evidence of their effectiveness has been gathered. Scaling up is a process that starts with gathering enough evidence of what works and under what context before promotion for wider adoption.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Produce a range of knowledge products, subject matter leaflets for wards in each district (CSVs build livelihoods adapted to climate change; dryland farming with soil & water conservation; VSL group establishment & management; arable, livestock & market-gardening value-chains; and livestock fodder production techniques)
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/11/13] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2018/12 | Completed | As of June 2018 factsheets on honey and Michigan pea value chains have been produced as well as a most significant change stories. It is expected that more knowledge products will be produced based on the final evaluation and surveys being conducted in the third quarter of 2018. History | |
| Engage Media such as radio, print and TV to document and disseminate project success stories
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/11/13] |
Oxfam | 2018/12 | Completed | Articles published in national newspaper based on most significant change stories during Q2. More articles are expected to be published in Q3 based on final evaluation. History | |
| Put in place incentives for farmers to create a much wider adoption of the agriculture / CSV interventions.
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/08/10] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2018/07 | Completed | The project has already in place farmer awards for various interventions History | |
| Update M&E database of beneficiaries
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/11/15] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2017/12 | Completed | This database was finalised after the completion of the MTR. History |
2. Recommendation:
The soil conservation measures are valuable and effective, but need greater adoption outside FFSs
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
Soil conservation techniques are already being widely adopted outside Farmer Field Schools (FFSs). The design of the M&E system will be improved on to capture evidence of adoption outside FFSs. All the same, the project will implement the recommended additional scaling up approaches to support wider adoption of soil and water conservation measures.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge products and leaflets, posters on dryland conservation agriculture
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/11/13] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2018/12 | Completed | History | |
| Host learning events including extension workers and non-project farmers
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/07/04] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2018/06 | Completed | Learning events for farmers and extension workers have been held already and are ongoing. These have helped farmers to learn from each other. History |
3. Recommendation:
There is a high focus on individual support for VSL groups, which has been beneficial.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
The project has been scaling back on further VSL group formation and support. Instead focus has been on monitoring replication supported by existing groups. Because of the success and demand for VSL training by project beneficiaries, the project made a decision to ensure that where possible all project beneficiaries should belong to a VSL. Since one cannot join an existing VSL, at times support for VSL group formation becomes necessary especially in those cases where there is no existing group to support the formation of the “baby” group.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge products on VSL group formation
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/11/13] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2018/10 | Completed | The knowledge products are already available, but may require repackaging for farmer to farmer facilitation of “baby” VSL group formation. This is an activity for Q3. History | |
| Consolidating lessons-learned and disseminate knowledge products
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/11/13] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int | 2018/10 | Completed | Q3 activity History |
4. Recommendation:
Market linkages and value-added instances for agricultural commodities have been developed where there has been the most interest or knowledge, however the size of the groups and the volume of commodities produced so far is limited
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
The volume of commodities produced during the 2015-16 farming season was constrained by the El Nino induced drought that affected the whole country. The drought affected the project sites at a time project interventions were in their infancy. The project will work on increasing both the size of groups and volumes produced in line with market demand.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increase size/number of producer groups (current number is 61) for strategic commodities
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/11/15] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2017/12 | Completed | The size of producer groups will always be constrained by the type of value chain. This number has since been increased and at the end of the project period will provide the final size of the producer groups. History | |
| Support producer groups to increase volume of commodities where a ready market has been established.
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/03/22] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2018/03 | Completed | Markets for all targeted value chains, honey, Michigan pea bean, cattle, goats, sorghum, sugar beans have been secured. History |
5. Recommendation:
The rangeland CSV needs much more project support in terms of cattle rangeland management. The grass seeding and protection trials in isolation, will not solve the pasture management issues.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
The pasture management issues in the project sites are huge and require more time than this project has. The MTR observation is valid. The project team will convene stakeholders to review progress to date and come up with the best way forward. A longterm development program is required to fix the rangeland challenges in the southeast lowveld.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identify and support additional technical support for rangeland management in Chiredzi, Buhera and Chimanimani districts
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/11/16] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2017/12 | Completed | Find attached the concept note on the workshop to be held on this technical support in the coming week. History |
6. Recommendation:
The CSVs are successful as a centre-point for interventions, as are the VSL groups as an entry-point for CCA.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
We are in agreement that CSVs are a good entry point for CCA. An outreach strategy that seeks to have the concept embedded within Rural District Councils, Agritex or some other appropriate planning department will be prepared and disseminated.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Produce CSV knowledge product targeting RDCs and Agritex (package for CSV to include CSA, VSL, value chain groups)
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/11/13] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. | 2018/10 | Completed | A draft CSV concept knowledge product is in place. Q3 activity History |
7. Recommendation:
The high focus on individually-supported VSL groups is no longer needed, as the project priorities change towards consolidating lessons-learned and disseminated knowledge. The project should be moving towards a self-replication method, with defined reduced project inputs [OXFAM M&E with SAFIRE, Plan Int’l]
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
As in recommendation 3, the project team agrees that VSL groups no longer need high focus. Already self replication has started happening. The recommendation for consolidating lessons learned and disseminating knowledge products will be implemented.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Knowledge products on VSL group formation
Consolidating lessons-learned and disseminate knowledge products
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/03/22] |
OXFAM with SAFIRE and PLAN Int. Oxfam | 2018/03 | Completed | History |
8. Recommendation:
A review of market linkages and value-added instances is needed. They need to be listed by district with opportunity to increase or consolidate. The target should be on strength and quality of linkage and potential to add value, which could be by increasing the size of the farming group and thus the production volume. This applies to all the different farming groups, including those with new crop varieties, and not just those with livestock-for-market type groups. The project should look at this intervention more holistically and consider all the 61 groups (see section 3.2.2 Progress towards Outputs) as the MTR has done.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
As observed by the MTR, the project has more value-added instances than is currently reported. These value-added instances and market linkages will be reviewed for each district, properly documented and opportunities for increasing or consolidating will be identified and further developed.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Increase size/number of producer groups (current number is 61) for strategic commodities
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/12/31] |
SAFIRE, Plan Int’l with OXFAM M&E support | 2018/12 | Completed | History | |
| Value chain analysis
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/18] |
SAFIRE, Plan Int’l with OXFAM M&E support | 2017/12 | Completed | Various value chains have been supported and have increased farmers income. Overall household income increased from an average of $444/year at baseline to $638.86/year at MTR for Buhera. Chimanimani from $864/year at baseline to $936/year at MTR and Chiredzi from $456/year at baseline to $706.67. Income increased by an average of 33%. A total of 1816 hhs (905M, 889 F have been reached through market linkages of the above mentioned commodities. Market have been secured for Michigan pea bean (Cairns), honey (Organoseven, Heavenly Delights, Keans honey), goats (Koala, Montana Carswell), cattle (Montana Carswell), sorghum (Delta, Tongaat Hullet, Grain Marketing Board). The project expects to support the consolidation of farmers business training, market linkages interventions, value chain development and farmers business organizations in 2018. History |
9. Recommendation:
UoZ-DGES training support needs to be planned-in by the project in a much more comprehensive way for: the provision of training at national, provincial and district level in support of MSD and AGRITEX; and for trouble shooting and regularly meeting with MSD and AGRITEX at their offices concerning the project.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
The MTR recommendation is in line with project plans already in place.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support technical training of MSD and Agritex staff at district, provincial and national levels
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/11/16] |
Oxfam | 2017/06 | Completed | Done. Follow up training was conducted in June 2017 for 5 MSD officers, 14 Agritex officers, 3 officers from SAFIRE and Plan International trained in Frontline SMS and ODK climate information dissemination system. History | |
| Provide technical trouble shooting support to MSD and Agritex offices on ICT based climate information dissemination system
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/11/16] |
OXFAM | 2017/06 | Completed | Done for MSD national. Frontline SMS and ODK operational. Done for Agritex national. Frontline SMS and ODK operational. Agritex district first trouble shooting scheduled for first week of August 2017 History | |
| Build in-house Frontline SMS trouble shooting capacity within MSD and Agritex
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/18] |
OXFAM | 2017/12 | Completed | In 2017, district level capacity building and troubleshooting for the dissemination system was conducted across district. ICT replacements were done. History |
10. Recommendation:
MSD need technical support (i.e. added capacity) to analyse weather data and provide a 10-day forecast. The project needs to employ 1-2 post-graduate meteorologist(s) for the last 18 months to work for MSD in order to achieve this. This should not be difficult as the link with the system design is with DGES, who have a ready supply of such skilled capacity
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
This is not necessary. The MSD have demonstrated technical capacity to produce high resolution weather forecasts for the project area.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No action is required
[Added: 2017/10/19] |
No action is required | 2017/09 | Completed |
11. Recommendation:
It is not necessary for AGRITEX to wait for the MSD weather forecast. In the meantime, AGRITEX have two tasks which should be completed in any event. Firstly, AGRITEX should produce a stand-alone farmer-friendly CCA toolkit. This should be a matrix of standard weather conditions against standard agricultural advisories. This should then be provided to the district and ward extension staff. AGRITEX’s second task is to produce a set of standard agricultural advisories coded for mobile SMS text message ((non-Smartphone) with a key to what they mean. [AGRITEX with OXFAM support]. They can then wait for the MSD forecast data.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
Whereas this recommendation would be useful to implement, success depends on MSD making available historical climate data for the targeted districts. The PMU is already working closely with MSD and Agritex along these lines. Getting an external student will not work as MSD will unlikely give data to the student. If MSD is agreeable to the idea, Oxfam can provide the conceptual guidance.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Historical climate – agric statistical analyses.
Typical rainfall – agric decision matrix for each district. (Farmer friendly CCA toolkit)
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/18] |
OXFAM/ MSD/Agritex | 2017/12 | Completed | Some discussions have started with MSD and Agritex. However, successful production of the CCA toolkit will depend on MSD’s willingness to provide historical climate data. History | |
| Agric- weather forecast decision making matrix
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/18] |
OXFAM/ MSD/Agritex | 2017/12 | Completed | The work with MSD and AGRITEX on forecasting and development of advisories is expected to be consolidated and finalized in 2018. Key activities include: Support MSD and Agritex to conduct at least one Climate User Interface Platform (Climate Services Lab) in each of the three districts facilitated by an innovator, Support to at least 2 MSD - Agritex stakeholder consultation workshops on decision support tools for agriculture and water resources management , Develop and disseminate communication materials and climate knowledge products that help stakeholders and local farmers to understand climate risk and appropriate use of weather/cllimate information for risk management. History |
12. Recommendation:
Secondly, on behalf of AGRITEX, the project needs to employ a post-graduate meteorologist / agricultural climatologist for the last 18 months to work for them in order to prepare the matrix and the advisory list.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
This can only work if MSD agrees to make available historical climate data to the researcher. The project tried this option at the beginning without success. The project had proposed MSD to identify a suitable staff member who could be supported to do a Masters degree whilst providing project relevant research support, but the idea could not sell.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Identify and engage post-graduate agrometeorologist already employed by Agritex to prepare matrix for application of weather forecasts
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/11/16] |
OXFAM / AGRITEX | 2017/07 | Completed | History |
13. Recommendation:
The circular design of the climate system needs to be ignored until the top-down key SMS messages from MSD and AGRITEX have been regularised. This is because one break in the feedback circle causes the whole system to stop by excuse and default.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
The feedback loop is critical for the co-design, co-development and co-testing of products. Any problems encountered during the process are used as lessons to inform the design further. Since the project adopted the World Meteorological Organisation’s Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) the circular design is a key requirement
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No action necessary the project will maintain the circular design to maintain the feed back loop as need by the WMO framework
[Added: 2017/10/19] |
No action necessary the project will maintain the circular design to maintain the feed back loop as need by the WMO framework | 2017/09 | Completed |
14. Recommendation:
The geography and weather patterns for upper and lower Chimanimani are very different, and thus require different forecasts and advisories
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
This observation is correct and that is why the project is focusing on tailored weather products and advisories. A lot more work than what the current project can support will be required to improve on the spatial resolution of weather forecasts and advisories relevant for smallholder farmers.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No action will be taken as management has noted that the project can support within its means spatial resolution of weather forecasts – the project will continue with the tailored weather products and advisories
[Added: 2017/10/19] |
No action will be taken as management has noted that the project can support within its means spatial resolution of weather forecasts – the project will continue with the tailored weather products and advisories | 2017/09 | Completed | No action will be taken as management has noted that the project can support within its means spatial resolution of weather forecasts – the project will continue with the tailored weather products and advisories |
15. Recommendation:
The equipment for Outcome 2 such as Chakohwa AWS is only providing data direct to Harare, which is not being collated and distributed. With a laptop, data could be accessed by AGRITEX and MSD locally, directly from this AWS. Rain gauges for every project ward, should be bought, so that the ward farmers can tailor their own climate adaptation planting decisions.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
Data from the AWS is a bit complicated for the Agritex field officers to collate. The project has already capacitated the MSD at national and provincial levels to receive and collate the AWS data. The AWSs are meant to provide MSD with near realtime data for early warning purposes in the event of extreme weather. Rainguages have already been provided for all WARDs in which the project is being implemented.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacitate the Provincial MSD offices to collate AWS data and share analyses through local meetings and frontline SMS
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/11/13] |
OXFAM | 2018/12 | Completed | Provincial MSD offices have been equipped with Laptops to access data from AWSs locally as and when. In addition, the provincial MSD can also get the data in near real-time from HQ in Harare. History | |
| Install rainguages in every ward
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/11/13] |
Oxfam | 2018/12 | Completed | Done. Rainguages have been installed in every WARD where the project is being implemented. History |
16. Recommendation:
The Year 3 budget should be adjusted to include increased expenditure for agriculture / CSVs, and for the hire of 3-4 post-graduate climatologists to provide much needed technical support to MSD and AGRITEX.
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
Increasing Year 3 budget may be difficult. However possibilities for adjustments to cater for additional requirements in CSVs, agriculture (ripper tines) and climate services will be explored and the necessary approval sought from the PSC as necessary.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget adjustment to cater for additional requirements in CSVs, conservation agriculture (procurement of ripper tines) and climate services
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/18] |
OXFAM | 2017/12 | Completed | in the 2018 budget, a significant amount has been set aside to facilitate the scaling up of the Climate Smart Model Village Concept – this includes conservation agriculture, holistic grazing management, landuse planning management, strengthening of governance structures and support construction of model biogas system. Also the project will invest in sharing of experiences at national, provincial and district level to share experiences on CSV’s. History |
17. Recommendation:
Outcome 2 needs is a ‘hands-on’ adaptive monitoring system (e.g. meetings with attendance of all key parties (OXFAM, DGES, MSD and AGRITEX); # seasonal and 10-day forecasts for each district; timely hire (within 3 months) of 3-4 skilled post-graduate meteorologists; training plan of DGES updated and started; MSD characterization of SMS messages for weather forecasting within 3 months; AGRITEX characterization of SMS messages for agricultural advisories within 4 months; and AGRITEX production of a climate adaption matrix based on rainfall / weather patterns within 6 months, and field-tested within 9 months)
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
: This recommendation to recommendation 10, 11, and 12. The M&E system will be designed to support adaptive management of the outcome.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seasonal and 10-day outlooks for each district
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2018/12/31] |
OXFAM | 2018/12 | Completed | History | |
| Engage post-graduate agrometeorologists to assist MSD and Agritex develop weather-agric advisory matrices (historical and forecast based)
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/19] |
Oxfam | 2017/12 | Completed | History | |
| Training of MSD and Agritex by DGES on frontline SMS and ODK
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/18] |
Oxfam, DGES, MSD, Agritex | 2017/12 | Completed | By the end of 2017, a Capacity building workshop for climate value chain service providers (Agritex, MSD) was facilitated by UZDGES to increase understanding of the frontline SMS and ODK platforms in weather information dissemination. History | |
| Characterisation of SMSs for weather forecasting
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/18] |
Oxfam, MSD | 2017/12 | Completed | The work with MSD and AGRITEX on forecasting and development of advisories is expected to be consolidated and finalized in 2018. Key activities include: Support MSD and Agritex to conduct at least one Climate User Interface Platform (Climate Services Lab) in each of the three districts facilitated by an innovator, Support to at least 2 MSD - Agritex stakeholder consultation workshops on decision support tools for agriculture and water resources management , Develop and disseminate communication materials and climate knowledge products that help stakeholders and local farmers to understand climate risk and appropriate use of weather/climate information for risk management History | |
| Characterisation of SMSs for agric advisories
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/18] |
Oxfam, Agritex | 2017/12 | Completed | The work with MSD and AGRITEX on forecasting and development of advisories is expected to be consolidated and finalized in 2018. Key activities include: Support MSD and Agritex to conduct at least one Climate User Interface Platform (Climate Services Lab) in each of the three districts facilitated by an innovator, Support to at least 2 MSD - Agritex stakeholder consultation workshops on decision support tools for agriculture and water resources management , Develop and disseminate communication materials and climate knowledge products that help stakeholders and local farmers to understand climate risk and appropriate use of weather/cllimate information for risk management History | |
| CCA matrix based on historical rainfall patterns and climate risks
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/18] |
Oxfam, Agritex | 2017/12 | Completed | The work with MSD and AGRITEX on forecasting and development of advisories is expected to be consolidated and finalized in 2018. History |
18. Recommendation:
The PSC meetings need to focus on more strategic issues to deliver results. E.g. to get Outcome 2 running with the hire of the agri-meteorologists; and the eventual institutional housing and sustainability of the Agromet system
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
Agreed, UNDP currently resorganising its projects monitoring structures to include Outcome Boards which will focus more on strategic issues and results.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reorganise around formulating Outcome Boards – this is a nation wide process. In the meantime UNDP and MEWC to reorganise meeting agenda to focus of strategic issues only
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2020/06/13] |
UNDP | 2019/12 | Completed | The board meetings in the year 2019 were now being held for the three projects namely Scaling Up Adaptation, SECA and NDCIs. Refer to the attached minutes. History | |
| Exit strategy discussion
[Added: 2017/10/19] [Last Updated: 2020/06/13] |
Exit strategy discussion | 2019/12 | Completed | A successor project has since been developed and is now underway. History |
19. Recommendation:
It is recommended that monthly reporting end
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
organisation wide requirement that is under review under Synergies discussion
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discuss with Snr Management and UNDP M&E and make a decision
[Added: 2017/10/12] [Last Updated: 2017/12/19] |
UNDP | 2017/12 | No Longer Applicable |
[Justification: Monthly reporting was a key reporting requirement for 2017, and this is still to be determined whether they will continue in 2018.] History |
20. Recommendation:
It is suggested that the Results Framework indicators are re-visited and updated as necessary as recommended by the MTR in section 3.2.1
Management Response: [Added: 2017/10/12]
The proposed indicator adjustments will be synthesised and presented to the Project Board for approval.
Key Actions:
| Key Action | Responsible | DueDate | Status | Comments | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No action proposed at the moment.
[Added: 2017/10/19] |
No action proposed at the moment. | 2017/09 | Completed |