Evaluative Lessons in Agriculture and Agribusiness Outline for an ECG paper Vinod Thomas and Xubei Luo Independent Evaluation Group Paris December 8, 2009

Objectives and Findings Outline selected lessons in agriculture and agribusiness from recent evaluations and research. Provide an evaluative perspective on actions in this area across country and regional settings. Set out questions for discussion at the workshop. Findings Findings drawn primarily from the work of the independent evaluation agencies of multilateral development banks.

Broad themes The need to return to basics to emphasize agriculture in operations and to reverse past neglect. The need to address new challenges posed by food and energy price hikes and global climate change. The urgency of a renewed focus on productivity, differentiated by regional and country context. Five action areas: access to water, access to markets, research and extension, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and governance. Three cross-cutting issues: M&E, agriculture policy, more effective use of financing.

Issues Going Forward: M&E Better monitoring and evaluation is associated with better project outcomes. Questions for discussion: What must be done to strengthen M&E for stronger results in agriculture? What is the effective role of external agencies in supporting M&E ?

Issues Going Forward: Agriculture Policy Agriculture policy will not only affect economic growth, but also income distribution and poverty. Questions for discussion: What more needs to be done in pricing and marketing, especially in addressing global food security? What is the appropriate role of government, and what is the right balance between public and private sector interventions?

Issues Going Forward: Effective Use of Financing Closer coordination of donor efforts in rural development, in particular in the poorest countries, and effective use of financing are key. Questions for discussion: What should donors do differently to be more effective in agriculture and agribusiness? What can they do to help foster new technologies where productivity lags behind? How can countries effectively implement strategies for climate change – mitigation and adaptation?

Improving Development Results Through Excellence in Evaluation Thank you! Improving Development Results Through Excellence in Evaluation http://www.worldbank.org/ieg/ http://www.ifc.org/ieg/ http://www.miga.org/ieg/