Midterm Review of RECOFTC Strategic Plan
Conducted a review according to the OECD DAC evaluation criteria using remote interviews, focus groups and secondary data analysis.
Background
Recognising the intractable challenges posed to people and forests, RECOFTC formulated its Strategic Plan 2018–2023, building it on its extensive experience in empowering local people to find solutions for threatened forest landscapes and vulnerable communities. The plan put people at the centre of change, by empowering communities, governments and the private sector with rights, opportunities for dialogue, networking, technical expertise, tools and knowledge. RECOFTC sought to focus on four strategic goals: (1) landscape collaboration in a changing climate; (2) governance, institutions and conflict transformation; (3) private sector engagement and enterprising communities and (4) social inclusion, gender equity and public action. The objective of the MTR was to assess the performance of RECOFTC to date in achieving the desired results and outcomes of the Strategic Plan 2018–2023, using specific evaluation criteria with a forward-looking approach and to assess its relevance in the regional context and the target countries’ forest and development priorities.
The review team included:
- Dati Fatimah (Indonesia Lead)
- Sona Long (Cambodia Lead)
- Rodd Myers (Team Leader)
- Dyah Puspitaloka (Analyst)
- Aung Kyaw Thien (Myanmar Lead)
Approach
Dala conducted 34 interviews in seven countries, and engaged with 42 women and 51 men in village-level focus groups in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Data were collected on OECD DAC evaluation criteria and were gathered remotely for the most part (due to the COVID-19 context). Questions were reflective, but also forward-looking in order to provide insight to the client for the remainder of the implementation period.
Results
A 26-page report was presented to the client and revised using participatory feedback mechanisms with Sida, and RECOFTC staff and board of trustees.