When there are key changes to implementation and related objectives, logic frameworks, and evaluation models, should be reviewed and updated in line with these changes. There are often updates to project implementation that are not expected during project design. In this case, not only did the number of pilot areas decrease to one district but implementation changed from a rural area overlapping with the larger agricultural project to a peri-urban area without supporting agricultural activities. The evaluation objectives were never updated from attracting investors and growing high value crops to reflect outcomes more in line with formalizing tenure and setting up a land institution around a peri-urban area close to Accra near a road network. Although some farming was occurring, these parcels were more a mix of small garden and farm plots without a large potential for commercial farming.
The evaluation “surprisingly” found moves to off-farm labor rather than increased investment into farm land, but when consider the program was implemented in a peri-urban area, the improved tenure security leading to off-farm labor and profits is not surprising. In fact, the findings are in line with those in Peru around informal settlements that show improved tenure led to increased labor and income. In the future, key changes in implementation should be reviewed by MCC and the independent evaluator to see if a change in logic and evaluation design is required.