Projects’ Impact by Type of Investment

In 1991, the Executive Board decided that Country Portfolio Evaluations (CPEs) should be carried out in countries where a substantial number of projects have been financed by IFAD. The first CPE was undertaken in Yemen towards the end of 1991, followed by Sudan (1992), Bangladesh (1993) and Pakistan (1994). Except for the latter, the CPEs have been reviewed by the Evaluation Committee of the Executive Board. These four CPEs which cover a total of 44 projects, most of them initiated by the Fund, are proving to be a useful instrument for enhancing dialogue between IFAD and concerned Governments.

Project achievements owe a lot to investments in irrigation infrastructure and other rural infrastructure such as rural roads. However, the overriding consideration in infrastructure construction and rehabilitation is the adequacy of maintenance.

Large scale gravity irrigation or flood control projects have not been very successful in achieving their promised results and have been especially weak in reaching a particular target group. In contrast IFAD's experience with low cost minor irrigation, with a focus on the utilization of ground water has been more rewarding. Spate irrigation projects have had uneven results while community managed water supply schemes have generally produced good results and provided excellent entry points to publicize the other objectives of project interventions among the intended beneficiaries.

To sum up, experience shows it is worthwhile for IFAD-financed projects to devote a portion of their limited resources to irrigation, roads and rural water supply provided the construction of infrastructure (i) involve labour intensive methods generating significant employment opportunities at low cost; (ii) the population is organized to participate in the implementation and management of the infrastructure.