Guidelines for Project Completion

While a well-established event (the start-up workshop) marks the opening of almost all IFAD projects, there is no formality to mark their end. The completion process receives less attention, even though this is of key importance for identifying the ways and means to enhance the sustainability of project supported initiatives. The closure of IFAD assistance does not in fact imply the end of useful life of the investments financed by the project but should be used to ensure that these investments generate benefits throughout additional years. On the basis of these considerations, IFAD has elaborated a more structured completion process to assist borrowers and implementing agencies in identifying responsibilities and actions for ensuring post-project sustainability. Furthermore, the completion process is expected to facilitate a thorough assessment of project achievements and the sharing of lessons learned and development experiences.