Evaluation synthesis report on IFAD’s direct supervision and implementation support
Evaluation syntheses are products to further strengthen the use of evaluation findings, learning and the feedback loop. The purpose is to identify lessons on a key topic to IFAD by drawing on IOE evaluative evidence and supplementing it with current development literature on the topic.
Executive summary | Full document
This is the first evaluation synthesis report issued by the Independent Office of Evaluation (IOE). Evaluation syntheses are a new series of evaluation products to further strengthen the use of evaluation findings, learning and the feedback loop. The purpose is to identify lessons on a key topic to IFAD by drawing on IOE evaluative evidence and supplementing it with current development literature on the topic.
This synthesis report makes an initial assessment of the progress made so far in implementing IFAD’s Policy on Supervision and Implementation Support, identifying promising practices and emerging issues. IFAD’s decision to move to direct supervision and implementation support was one of the most far-reaching changes since the Fund was established. It has enabled IFAD to get “closer to the ground” in borrowing countries and to understand the country context more fully. It has facilitated more direct follow-up with implementing agencies to resolve bottlenecks that have emerged during implementation and has allowed IFAD not only to achieve closer cooperation with other partners but also to establish and nurture partnerships with multiple stakeholders. Overall, IFAD should be commended for implementing such decision.
However, the direct supervision and implementation support of IFAD operations has posed several challenges. The specific preparations needed for implementing this ambitious supervision policy were inadequate and implementation has progressed at different rates and with different modalities among the five regional divisions. In the longer term, IFAD should now consider drawing on the best practices from the different approaches to increase harmonization, efficiency and shared responsibilities across IFAD departments, and to reduce risk. There is also a need to optimize the division of labour in undertaking direct supervision and implementation support, within IFAD and between IFAD headquarters and its country offices.
Executive summary | Full document
7 August 2012
