Overview

This was the third country strategy and programme evaluation (CSPE) to be conducted in the Republic of Indonesia. The report covered the period 2013-2021. The evaluation found that IFAD and the Government of Indonesia have forged a closer, respected and trusted relationship. IFAD has embraced relevant challenges, including support for the Government’s decentralization agenda and politically sensitive issues including peatland protection and haze reduction. IFAD has also built valuable partnerships with actors such as the United Nations Rome-based agencies and the private sector. The farmers themselves report benefiting from farmer field schools and working with village facilitators leading to increased knowledge and capacity, the adoption of innovative techniques and ultimately higher yields. However, the report found that the country programme’s targeting has become more scattered over time, resulting in a shift away from the poorest areas. The programme dedicated limited time and resources to developing useful monitoring and evaluation systems, and knowledge management strategies. Complex project designs, pressure to disburse too quickly and project management issues have hampered the implementation of projects. Among the evaluation’s recommendations are to ensure that the new country strategy have a sharper geographic and thematic focus, projects be interlinked, and the country programme add value to and complement the work of other actors. A practical monitoring and evaluation system should be developed, and knowledge management prioritized. In addition, project designs should be less complex and project managements units strengthened.

Report Details