Ex post evaluation of Bella Bajo Monzón alternative production project

Abstract

In the Monzón valley, the alternative projects to the illicit cultivation of coca leaves did not bring about socio-economic improvements, such results generated controversy between the population and the implementing institution. Therefore, the objective was to carry out the Ex Post Evaluation of the Public Investment Project (PIP), improvement of strategic production chains (coffee and cocoa) in the Bella Bajo Monzón area, implemented between 2012-2015. The Ex Post evaluation methodology of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) was used on a sample of 222 beneficiaries. The results show that 100 percent of the beneficiaries rate the executed project as being in total disagreement with the ex-post evaluation criteria (relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact and sustainability); compliance with the project's components is rated between poor and average, generating a reduction in their income and food consumption, except that improvements in health and education are maintained and they continue to use public services. It is concluded that there were no adequate technical agronomic criteria, technical assistance and inadequate organizational strengthening in association, fundamental aspects that reflect social discontent; the method Ex Post JICA generated valuable information for feedback in the implementation processes and improve public policies in quality of investment.