What the client needed
After five years, WWF Zambia needed an independent assessment of the BENGO III project, which promoted sustainable agriculture, food security and natural resource conservation in the Sioma Ngwezi Game Management Area, part of the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA).
WWF wanted to know how well the project had performed, whether its results would last, and what to change in future programmes.
How M31 Research delivered
Between November 2023 and March 2024, M31 Research evaluated the project against the OECD-DAC criteria of relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. We combined household surveys, key informant interviews and focus group discussions across five Village Action Groups, speaking to farmers, Community Resource Board representatives, government officials and project staff.
The evaluation was designed to be inclusive, with targeted representation of women, youth and people with disabilities, and informed consent and confidentiality were upheld throughout.
What we delivered
- Evaluation design based on the OECD-DAC criteria
- Household surveys, key informant interviews and focus group discussions
- Fieldwork across five Village Action Groups
- Inclusive sampling of women, youth and people with disabilities
- Evaluation report with practical recommendations
What changed for the client
The evaluation showed significant progress in sustainable agricultural practices, community resource management and household food security. It also pointed to areas that needed attention, particularly logistical planning, financial sustainability and ongoing community engagement. WWF received practical recommendations to address these challenges and strengthen the design of future interventions.
Key findings and outcomes
- Stronger sustainable farming practices and household food security
- Improved community management of natural resources
- Clear recommendations on logistics, financial sustainability and community engagement
