At the time of the evaluation’s data collection and analysis, most project partners had completed all work packages, and some 83 per cent of the project budget had been spent. Most activities delivered relate to capacity development and creation of data cube and tools. Two key project components, the installation and functioning of the CommonSensing Platform (CS Platform) and technical advisory assistance for accessing climate funds were not completed by the project’s initially scheduled completion date (31 March 2021).
Regarding capacity development in the form of training and technical backstopping activities, the project remains relevant for most project stakeholders throughout implementation. On project impact, some signs of impact could be traced to capacity development from training and backstopping activities, with evidence of skills and knowledge acquired being used in policy making and planning emergency preparedness.
The evaluation found limited evidence that the CS Platform and backstopping activities have been used to apply for climate funds, however. At the time of data collection and analysis, at least two applications for climate-related funding were prepared and were likely finalised and submitted to donors. Reasons that could explain this limited use of CS project outputs for climate financing are attributed to the CS Platform not being completed and handed over to the stakeholders in time to build relevant capacity of government officials working on climate finance. The late joining of climate finance advisors also led to the delay of publication of CF manuals and workshop delivery.
Following the recommendations of the midline evaluation, project management introduced modifications that led to the improvement of communication among project partners and coordination at the output level. Additional support was hired to enhance stakeholders’ engagement at the country level.
Project implementation was initially heavily affected by travel and mobility restrictions following the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to much uncertainty, project management took approximately three months to reorganize delivery timelines and methods, including the reallocation of budget. The finalization of the CS Platform and the provision of climate finance training and on-the-job technical assistance accumulated significant delays. Nevertheless, the project partners found effective solutions to continue the delivery of project activities that involved converting in-person training into blended learning activities or creating systems that could allow the development of the CS Platform for Vanuatu and Solomon Islands remotely.
During the final months of project implementation, partners made much effort to give more visibility to the role of women in the sector, including the publication of case studies and setting participation quotas in training, with some degree of success. As in the midline evaluation, there was evidence observed that women showed less confidence in improving their knowledge.
Concerning the achievement of project target results, the attainment of expected outcomes remained somewhat linked to performance (or underperformance) at the output level. Consequently, outcomes related to climate finance, including the use of the CS Platform for climate finance were not fully achieved. At the impact level, it was difficult to assess performance due to difficulties in collecting data as well as attribution issues. Nonetheless, the contribution of CS to the achievement of impact targets lacks sufficient evidence.
It was difficult at the time of the evaluation to assess project sustainability as the ultimate end date of the project was not clear. As mentioned, the CS Platform was not fully functioning in the three targeted countries, and climate finance advisors had only recently started working. Independent of project extension, the evaluation found consortium partners to be committed to seeking alternative funding to complete climate finance-related activities and to ensure the installation of the CS Platform in Vanuatu and Solomon Islands after the project’s planned end date of March 2021.
Based on the above findings, the evaluation issues the following four recommendations, with the assumption that an additional no-cost extension will be granted through March 2022.