Project Description

Between 2022 and 2023, Cloneshouse played a pivotal role in conducting the ex-post evaluation of the “Project for Access Improvement to Drinking Water in Two Communes, Glazoué and Dassa-Zoumé” in the Republic of Benin for Japan International Corporation Agency. This evaluation aimed to assess the project’s relevance, coherence, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability, as well as to provide actionable recommendations for future water supply initiatives.

Specific Work Undertaken:

  1. Evaluation Design and Planning:
    • Collaborated with JICA and the Foundation for Advanced Studies on International Development to design the evaluation framework.
    • Reviewed relevant project documents and national policies to ensure alignment with the Republic of Benin’s development goals and JICA’s objectives.
  2. Data Collection and Analysis:
    • Conducted field studies in Glazoué and Dassa-Zoumé, engaging stakeholders such as SONEB (National Water Company of Benin) and local beneficiaries.
    • Employed qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews, surveys, and data analysis, to evaluate project outcomes.
  3. Performance Assessment:
    • Assessed the project’s alignment with Benin’s national water supply policies, development needs, and Japan’s ODA policy.
    • Evaluated the efficiency of project execution, including cost, timelines, and resource utilization.
    • Measured effectiveness through key indicators, such as improvements in water supply, reduced water-fetching times for women and children, and the capacity of local stakeholders.
  4. Sustainability and Impact Analysis:
    • Analyzed the sustainability of project outcomes, focusing on operational and maintenance challenges, financial resources, and community engagement.
    • Assessed the project’s social and economic impacts, including health, sanitation, and gender empowerment.
  5. Recommendations and Reporting:
    • Developed actionable recommendations to address identified gaps, such as improving technical training, enhancing sustainability mechanisms, and fostering collaboration with other donors.
    • Presented findings in a comprehensive report and facilitated debrief meetings with JICA and key stakeholders.

Cloneshouse’s expertise in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) ensured a robust assessment, enabling JICA to derive critical insights for improving water access projects in Benin and similar contexts.