Endline Survey Promoting Sustainable Consumption and Production Systems for Safe and Organic Foods
Food and Nutrition Division, FAO, United Nations
Project Under Domains: Nature-based Solutions; Sub Domains: Sustainable production systems
Welthungerhilfe (WHH), in collaboration with the EU Switch Asia Network, is implementing a project aimed at promoting sustainable, safe, and organic food consumption and production. This initiative supports Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) by enhancing the value of their products through design, packaging, and eco-labelling, thus fostering sustainable food systems and value chains. The project also facilitates connections between FPOs and retailers/brand owners to expand their reach to consumers. Furthermore, it strengthens Bhoomi Ka’s online platform for farmer-retailer-consumer interaction. The overarching goals of the project include increasing ecological food consumption, improving market access for small-scale organic farmers, promoting eco-friendly food products, and advocating for local organic food protection policies. This project targets 500,000 beneficiaries through awareness initiatives, partnerships with schools and health groups, and citywide events. It collaborates with 20 retailers, benefits 3,000 PGS (Participatory Guarantee System) farmers, and establishes 5 FPOs and 5 CFCs (Community Food Centers).
Objectives
This assignment’s objective is to conduct an end-line survey to compare project indicators with the baseline data for evaluation purposes. The findings will be used to assess the project’s achievements in relation to impact indicators, helping establish its attribution and contribution to overall impact.
Approach and Methodology
The project evaluation employed a non-experimental methodology combining literature review and qualitative data collection. The endline study utilized in-depth interviews (IDIs), key informant interviews (KIIs), and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) to measure impact relative to baseline.
Literature Review: This encompassed various aspects, including the project’s context, MIS and retailer data, baseline report, project design, interventions, theory of change, project log frame, key indicators, and partner reports. In addition, we reviewed government resolutions, policies, and relevant studies to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project’s broader context, which informed our data collection tools.
Primary Data Collection: Qualitative data collection involved KIIs with local government officials and IDIs with the project team. FGDs were conducted with farmer communities and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These discussions provided valuable insights into program challenges, opportunities, impact assessment, sustainability, and the progress of consumer awareness activities.
Case Studies: We also conducted Critical Instance Case Studies that focused on unique situations, highlighting beneficiaries who experienced significant gains. This approach allowed us to deepen our understanding of cause-and-effect dynamics and the factors contributing to their success.
Results
The end-line survey assesses the project’s impact, highlighting its success in increasing the adoption of ecological food through outreach efforts, improving market access for smallholder organic farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), promoting eco-friendly food products, and advocating for the protection of local organic food markets.