MENARID Iran-ICARDA, Ex-ante Assessment: Case Study

Kamkouyeh VillagePrepared by Sara Torabi

Environmental Economic expert, MENARID Iran

Background & Scope of the work

• Within the scope of MENARID, ICARDA plans to support a full and details impact study that captures the adoption of all INRM technologies implemented by the Iran MENARID project titled "Institutional strengthening and coherence for Integrated Natural Resources Management"

Benefits of ICARDA-MENARID study• An independent consultant could provide us with a fair methodology

and assessment • ICARDA-MENARID is conducting knowledge transfer and sharing it in the

region• An opportunity for academic validation of best practices documentations• Ex-ante impact study from its implemented sub-projects• Developing a practical and replicable methodology • Future opportunities opening up with ICARDA involvement in MENARID-

Iran project (Using ICARDA experiences on Agriculture, Water,…)• To know more about range of information needed for such a study

Project activities in Kamkouyeh Village• (P1): Implementation of irrigation water supply project - pipeline system for

improving water supply efficiency;• (P2): Rangelands rehabilitation through different SLM practices like seeding and

plantation in hilly landscapes/terrains;

• (P3): Cultivation of medicinal plants; • (P4): Vermicompost production;• (P5): Beekeeping and Honey production

• (P6): Raising public awareness at communities level through workshops and field visits;

• (P7): Institutional strengthening by establishment of the VDG, establishment of micro credit fund for providing financial support for the project interventions at village level.

Participatory Planning

Preparatory Meetings Site Selection Methodology Goal Setting

Data Sharing

• Providing Information Base line studies Detailed Questionnaires

supported by MENARID Table of administrative and

managerial costs Other relevant reports

(e.g. Concept note, Cost-benefit analyses, etc.)

Field Implementation

• Facilitation Field Work and interviews with local

community Interviews with Provincial and National

experts

Monitoring and Evaluation

Constant communication and review meetings

Future Benefits

• Improving impact assessment methodology• New valuable experience to the project• Helps transparency, accountability and

Knowledge transfer• More detailed information on new concept

notes and ToRs of sub-projects• Impact assessment regarding socio-economic

and environment

Recommendations based on lesson-learned

1. Team Selection: For a multi-disciplinary study, a team of different technical expertise is needed (esp. social and economic, technical)

2. Identifying the best practices(Selecting Best Indicators)

3. Methodology: Proposed methodology needs to be followed step-

by-step for the Impact Study to be independent and not biased.

Tool: Choosing the right tools

Recommendations based on lesson-learned

Multi disciplinary structure needed to conduct impact study

• 4. Information Adequate and accurate data and information

available Coordination: Make further data gathering possible Facilitation: Facilitate collaboration of different

organizations and stakeholders• 5. Credibility: Such studies add credibility and allow

sharing of experience at international level