Delegates from IFAD,

Participants,

Ladies and Gentlemen

On behalf of the GoT and particularly the MAFS, let me once again extend our gratitude to IFAD for its continued support in the agricultural sector with a focus of addressing food insecurity and poverty alleviation especially in the rural areas. It is without a say that IFAD technical and financial assistance has contributed immensely in shaping the rural livelihood that would have been otherwise worsened. I would like to thank all participants who have travelled from various corners such as Rome, Kagera, Mara, Mwanza, Dodoma etc to attend this important event regardless of their very tight schedule. Please once again accept our thanks and we promise that all your contributions would be incorporated and used as vital inputs in the near coming future of GoT-IFAD and other related projects.

I would like to thank you very much for your active participation. I feel that we have met satisfactory the objectives set for the Country Programme Evaluation workshop. A sense of ownership in the process and its workshop recommendations have emerged. The diversity of the participants has enabled the workshop to benefit from the views of multiple stakeholders, which in my opinion has been a unique feature of this workshop.

The feedback from the working groups this morning was extremely useful and focussed. There was a broad based consensus on all recommendations in the respective presentation. In addition, I note there was an agreement on the issues and guidance made during the plenary discussions this morning.

I would like to briefly recap some of the major recommendations that would form basis for the Country Programme Evaluation’s Agreement at Completion Point. These include:

Theme 1: Approaches rural poverty alleviation and targeting. There was a consensus on the need to reach the rural poor and how to extend assistance to the poorest. For this purpose, a more explicit definition of who constitutes these groups will be required. The current trend towards thematic and sub-sectoral concentration needs to be strengthened in future programme within the pro-poor policy framework of GOT, for example ASDP. Opportunities for combining thematic approaches with a geographical concentration should be further explored in order to ensure the IFAD assistance is not diluted in terms of area and sectoral coverage. Finally, while recognising IFAD’s global approach to policy dialogue emphasis capacity development of the poorest representatives, this should not refrain the IFAD from simultaneously entering into more comprehensive policy dialogue at national and local level.

Theme 2: Participation & Sustainability. With regard to cost-sharing arrangements the need to strengthen consistency with GOT policy and guidelines was highlighted. Moreover, participation of ultimate beneficiaries should be considered as a strategic partnership among equals. With regard to project management, it was recommended that the IFAD interventions should increasingly utilise and support existing national institutions according to their competencies.

Theme 3: Agriculture Technology Issues. The importance of participatory research and extension system was highlighted, and the need to promote sustainable technologies that can contribute to alleviating rural poverty and increase production.

Theme 4: M&E and gender. The participants decided to place beneficiaries in the driving seat of M&E activities and that M&E provides benefits to all relevant stakeholders. The importance of gender dimensions was also highlighted.

In terms of the next steps, we look forward to receiving the draft Agreement at Completion Point, which the Office of Evaluation and Studies will prepare. The Agreement at Completion Point will form the key inputs for the new Tanzania COSOP which will be developed soonest thereafter.

COSOP is a joint exercise between IFAD and GoT so that the plan is consistent with overall priorities and objectives of the GoT.

The findings and conclusions of the workshop would make useful contributions in the overall process of the IFAD future operations.

Although the detailed action plan is yet to be agreed upon, GoT has already requested IFAD to assist in formulation of Agricultural Technology, Information and extension services programme but the process will be undertaken with strict guidance of the ASDP.

Finally, I would like to thank all the participants, particularly those people from IFAD in Rome. A special reference is made to the two IFAD Directors for their presence, which was very much appreciated. It has been an extremely constructive and inspiring workshop. We hope that future collaboration between the GOT, IFAD and other stakeholders will build on this excellent experience.

I would also like to give my special thanks and appreciation to the moderator for the excellent work done.

I declare the workshop adjourned.