Norwegian People’s Aid Zimbabwe Programme Mid Term Evaluation Report

Background: 
The mid-term evaluation was carried out to establish progress made so far in the implementation of the 2008-2011 strategy.

Purpose/objective:
The objective was to evaluate progress in the implementation of the strategy, assessing the direction and possibility of achieving required impact and recommend ideas for making the programme more efficient and effective.

Methodology:
Unstructured and semi-structured interviews were designed to allow respondents to provide as much information as possible without feeling restricted. The interview guides fulfil the OECD/DAC criteria of relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability.

Literature review of documents such as the Country programme (2008-2011), partner project proposals/reports, NPA International Strategy (2008-2011), the Global Partnership Policy, various documents on the civil society, programme reports, mid-term evaluation (2004-2007) and agreements between NPA and their partners.

Focus Group Discussion guide was developed in close consultation with NPA and a total of 17 focus group discussions were held with the programme beneficiaries and the stakeholders.

Site visits and observations found place in all the areas where the programme was being implemented: Chinamhora, Chitungwisa, Harare, Lupane, Nyanga, Mutoko, Shamva and Zvishavane.

Please see the report for a complete explanation of the methodology.

Key findings:
Programme effectiveness: The Zimbabwe programme has been successful and the programme is on track to achieve the goal of strengthening and promoting people’s democratic rights, supporting organisations defending these rights, promoting their participation and assisting them in the struggle for an equitable distribution of resources. The programme strengthened citizen participation in local governance and increased awareness on human rights issues, including good governance, rule of law and democracy. Women’s participation has increased as a result of the program, especially in marginalised rural patriarchal communities and there has been an improved knowledge and understanding of the Domestic Violence Act. Civil society has increased their participation in policy, democratisation and development processes.

Programme efficiency: The combination of both national level and grassroots level organization has enhanced the programme’s ability to achieve sustained results from limited budgets. Half yearly and annual reports have increased the efficiency. The mandatory annual financial audits have minimised resources slippages and ensured that financial resources are used for intended purposes at both national and community level. However, efficiency was limited by the low levels of funding stretching across the country and among several partners. 

Partnership: NPA Zimbabwe has done exceptionally well in managing a diverse partnership and their partnership is two way and open. When NPA observes that a partner has a capacity gap we will assist in capacitating the organisation within areas such as financial management training and result based management training.

Recommendations:
• Increase collaboration with likeminded donors funding the same partners.
• Increase support to initiatives that advocate for gender sensitive and equitable distribution of natural resources.
• Continue mobilising additional funding to boost current funding from Norad.
• Develop and share with partners a comprehensive M&E framework.
• Focus support to a few partners with increased funding per partner.
• Develop a country gender policy given the specific gender needs in Zimbabwe.
• Provide more capacity strengthening for partners in financial management.
• Increase formalised M&E of financial and administration processes for the partners.
• Strengthen the publicity of the NPA programme achievements through websites and annual reports to promote dialogue on Zimbabwe.

Please see the report for further recommendations.

Comments from the organisation, if any: