In the last ten years, ISEDI has been heavily involved in the implementation of the Department of Agrarian Reform’s Sugar Cane Block Farming (SBF) and Agrarian Reform Community Connectivity and Economic Support Services (ARCCESS), serving as the local service provider on three (3) separate work tasks on: (1) Progress and Process Monitoring , (2) Business Development Services and (3) Agri-Extension. These works on SBF and ARCCESS were completed, composed of different teams, across all regions in Mindanao as well as in Regions 6 and 7. However, ISEDI was able to complete non-DAR projects within this 10-year period, and those that are related to surveys are the following:
GIZ
Baseline and Endline Evaluation Using Landscale Framework for the
Strategic Alliance for Sustainable Coconut Production STA Coco. GIZ Philippines wants to pilot the LandScale assessment framework in selected municipalities in the Provinces of South Cotabato and Sarangani. This
will be
done
through the conduct of baseline
and
end-line assessments in 2022 and 2024, respectively in the selected target
coconut farmers in South Cotabato and Sarangani. In addition, it wants to measure the project outcomes and impacti in these
two
provinces, thus the need to establish a baseline and end-line
assessments.
ISEDI has been tapped by GIZ to conduct the two assessments.
PhilCAFE Midterm
Evaluation (ACDI-VOCA & USDA) ISEDI has been contracted by
ACDI-VOCA in Dec. 2021 to conduct an
evaluation study. Essentially, the PhilCAFE Midterm Evaluation (MTE) is a
review and stock-taking endeavor. As such, it is designed to be retrospective, outcomes-oriented,
mixed methods in design, participatory,
and focused on learning and adaptive management.
The MTE findings will inform PhilCAFE of the following: * if they are on track
in achieving the objectives, outcomes, and impact;* if their assumptions and
logical pathways are still relevant at this point – considering the major
shifts in the environment;* in-depth understanding of the results achieved,
insights on what works or are not working, and inform adjustments and
recommendations;* whether PhilCAFE has mitigated Covid-19 impacts for project
participants versus non-project participants; and * whether all project
activities integrate ACDI/VOCA’s principles and policies on gender equity,
social inclusion, and environmental stewardship. To date, data gathering in
CAR, Regions 10, 11, 12, 13,BARMM and NCR is 97% accomplished – 15 FGDs, 50KII,
207 Market System Actors/Firms, 327 MSA rep and 720 Farmers survey.
CONVERGE Midline
Assessment. The Asia Foundation (TAF) tapped ISEDI to conduct a
Midline Assessment of the Project – Countering Violent Extremism through
Responsive Government-Civil Society
Engagement in the Philippines (CONVERGE) in nine project areas in the
provinces of Basilan, Maguindanao, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga City. The
CONVERGE project aims to: 1) build the capacity of local non-government
organizations (NGOs), local government units (LGUs), and key stakeholders to
identify and effectively address violent conflict and build community
resilience; 2) address specific peace and community resilience needs in
vulnerable local population segments through small grants to LGUs and local
NGOs, and 3) increase coordination among LGUs, local NGOs, researchers, and key
stakeholders to improve their ability to address violent conflict and
strengthen community resilience sustainably through collaborative,
self-financed initiatives, and programming.
ISEDI conducted survey among 419
respondents and focus group discussions (FGD) among 59 key project partners
that CONVERGE engaged with from 2020-2021.
The findings of the study were then
presented to select stakeholders for validation. Draft Final Report incorporating the comments
from Converge Team and stakeholders was submitted end of April.
JICA-HARVEST IA
(JICA/NTCI) ISEDI
was tapped by JICA-NTCI to conduct an Impact Study of the HARVEST (Harnessing Agribusiness Opportunities through Robust and Vibrant
Entrepreneurship Supportive of Peaceful Transformation) Project. The study aims to
determine the impacts of the HARVEST Project on the quality of life of its
beneficiaries, and document the gains, gaps, and challenges concerning project
implementation, and lessons learned by both the beneficiaries and project
implementers. The study is done in three (3) stages, namely: the first stage is
the conduct of a case study, the second stage is a baseline and, the third is
an endline survey.
The
Case Study has already been completed and Interim Report submitted to
JICA-NTCI. The Reconnaisance Survey
which is preparatory activity for Baseline (this May 2022) was conducted in
March, followed by virtual meetings with the HARVEST Team and development of
Baseline research tools.
Cacao+
Baseline Study, Midterm Review and Final Assessment- (March
2021-June 2023)GIZ –Philippines has
commissioned the Institute for Socio-Economic Development Initiatives (ISEDI) of Ateneo de Davao University to
conduct three activities from March 2021 to June 2023 to conduct: 1) Baseline survey to
determine the prevailing condition of the project and provide input
to GIZ-Philippines on setting the values
of the project indicators. This will
generate both qualitative and quantitative data. 2) Midterm review to assess if the project is on-track to meet its
projected targets. This activity will
generally generate qualitative data. 3) Final
assessment – this will evaluate how the project performed vis-à-vis its
objectives and targets. It will also
harvest lessons learned and good practices.The number of survey respondents is
1018 Households(treatment) and 82 (control) areas for a total of 1,100. The areas covered are the Provinces of
Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Sur, Davao Occidental
and Davao del Sur/Davao City.
JICA-NTCI
Baseline Study of HARVEST2 Project –(April 2021 – August 2021)The project “Harnessing Agribusiness
Opportunities through Robust and Vibrant Entrepreneurship (HARVEST)” is an
official development assistance (ODA) loan project with Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA) with the Land Bank of the Philippines as the
intermediary. It aims to provide
financial services accessible to private enterprises and agricultural
cooperatives, enabling them to undertake new or expand their existing
income-generating activities. With
access to capital, more enterprises and cooperatives will be able to create
employment, maximize local resources, and lure more investment into the newly
created region of BARMM. With more economic activities available to the people,
the project aims to contribute in reducing conflict and in attaining
peace. The project commissioned ISEDI to
conduct a survey for a total of 331 respondents in BARMM and other conflict
affected areas, that will expand and update the Phase 1’s Market Database and generate a Farmer
Database. This databases will generate information that will assist potential
investors (i.e. processors and exporters).
Countering Violent Extremism through
Responsive Government-Civil Society Engagement (CONVERGE) in the Philippines –
Baseline Study
The
Asia Foundation tapped ISEDI to conduct baseline study from December 2020 –
April 2021. The assignment involved gathering of information on the focused
municipalities’ experiences on violent extremism and the existing structures
and protocols on how to counter violent extremism. Information will be fed to develop or
strengthen the government and civil society’s action and projects that deter
the residents (especially the youth) from aligning with non-state actors.The
study covered 451 respondents in the areas of Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Zamboanga City and Maguindanao.
Impact Evaluation of
Awang-Upi-Lebak-Kalamansig-Palimbang-Sarangani Road- (October 2018 – January
2019) –
ISEDI was commissioned by the National Economic Development Authority Region 12
to conduct an evaluation of the economic and social impact of the 106 km road
funded in part by the Japanese Government. A total of 1,147 respondents
participated in the interview from 77 barangays in the 5 municipalities within
the stretch of the road project.
Mindanao
Productivity for Agriculture Commerce and Trade (MinPACT) Midterm
Evaluation(February – May 2017)–MinPACT is a project implemented by ACDI-VOCA with
funding from the US Department of Agriculture. The mid-term evaluation aims to
assess the project’s progress, effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance of the
planned and implemented activities as well as the sustainability measures. It had a total number of 542 farmer
respondents, its key informants reached 106 and for each PO, the evaluation
team had FGD sessions with 6 to 8 members, representing a mix of officers and
members, who have participated in MinPACT activities, and who have started
planting the seedlings provided by the project.
Mindanao
Rural Development Program (MRDP)-DA –Conduct of End of Project Evaluation for
the WB-AusAID Technical Assistance Grant to MRDP2 –(July 2014-September 2014) The
engagement aimed to assess the overall achievement and progress of the
AusAID/Technical Assistance (TA) particularly on the level of capacity of the
RPCO and LGU personnel in providing agri-fishery services to MRDP Phase 2
beneficiaries and other stakeholders. Different methods and tools like Key
Informant Interviews, Focus Group Discussions, Perception Survey, Most
Significant Change Stories, Outcome Harvesting and Network Mapping were
employed to generate and validate the primary data. In addition, desk review of
the available and relevant documents, mainly coming from the Program Support
Office (PSO), was also conducted.
Baseline
Survey for the ARMM Humanitarian And Development Action Plan (HADP)-(October – December 2016). Following the
Mamasapano incident in January 2015 and the subsequent clashes between the
government and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, the Regional Government
of Muslim Mindanao crafted the HADP to address the needs of the affected and
displaced families in evacuation centers.
A baseline survey was done to get accurate and reliable household
information, particularly on their needs.
Mindanao
Sustainable Agrarian and Agriculture Development (MinSAAD) Project Baseline
Survey (July-October 2016) –MinSAAD
is a poverty alleviation project of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR),
funded by the Government of the Philippines and the Japan International
Cooperation Agency (JICA). MinSAAD is
being implemented in 12 settlement areas and targets to benefit 281,618
individuals. ISEDI was commissioned to
undertake the Baseline Survey in 65 barangays in 7 provinces and interviewed
2,213 households regarding their social, economic, physical and political
resources. The engagement period was
between July to October 2016.
Computer
Literacy and Internet Connection Impact Study (September 2011 to February
2012):The project assessed the impact of the CLIC project,
selecting 225 out of 921 partner schools throughout Mindanao.
Serving as informants were students, computer teachers, school
principal/administrators, parents, and community members (4,888 all). The impact study explored the impact of
computer and internet services on the following aspects: student and teacher
performance, students’ post-secondary education aspirations, services that can
be availed online and updated
information on other social benefits, improved self-confidence, maintenance of
social ties with faraway relatives, and increased creativity, competitiveness
and sense of belonging (reduced technological divide, particularly for students
in ARMM).
Evaluation
of the Economic Impact of Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) Infrastructure
Projects (April – August 2011): Out of the 1,219
infrastructure projects of GEM (one of the most comprehensive development
projects by USAID in Mindanao), ISEDI interviewed GEM’s beneficiaries and
stakeholders of 233 infrastructure projects.
These projects included port landings, road upgrades,
bridges, runway improvements, trading centers, solar dryers and
warehouses. More than 6,300 respondents
provided information on how these infrastructure projects improved their
household/farm income, improved safety, maximized local resources, attracted
more economic activities, and facilitated faster access of people and goods on
land and water. The project recommended
specific infrastructure that have the highest return on investment as well as
social benefits.
Policy
Review and Recommendations on the Role of HRMD Unit/Office as a Strategic
partner in Institution Reforms in LGUs (June – July 2010): The project looked into the
actual practice and performance of selected LGUs in terms of human resources
management and development (HRMD) compliance, patterns and trends, scoping of
HR good practices, and areas for policy recommendations. The study validated the varying levels of
competency, resources, and performance-oriented institutional reforms. It
recommended coming up with differentiated standards among LGUs, as recognition
of the differing capacities.
Madrasah
Education in the ARMM – Updating the Profile and Assessing the Impact of BEAM
Support to the Pilot Madaris (January – April 2010):The
project assessed the impact of AusAID-funded project Basic Education Assistance
for Mindanao. The project generated the opinions of students, teachers, school
principals, religious leaders (Ulama), parents and community representatives on
the benefits they received/gained from the Madrasah schools (Madaris),
particularly the learning materials and teaching methods.
Mindanao
Productivity for Agriculture Commerce and Trade (MinPACT) Baseline
Study(December 2014-March 2015)–MinPACT is a project implemented by ACDI-VOCA with
funding from the US Department of Agriculture.
It focused on three prime commodities of Mindanao – cacao, coffee and
coconut – with the primary aim of increasing the incomes and strengthening the
capacity of smallholder farmers and value chain actors, as well as improving
farm management practices, increasing productivity and product quality and
access to services and markets. Between
January to March 2014, ISEDI conducted a baseline survey and interviewed 770
household respondents, 166 control respondents, 170 value chain actors and 91
key informants. The results of the
baseline established the pre-MinPACT condition of the farming households and
their enablers in MinPACT project sites.
Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP-2) –
AusAID Baseline Study (July – Oct 2013 and Jan-April 2014, 2
phases): This covered 41 selected
municipalities throughout Mindanao and 6 Regional Offices of the Department of
Agriculture. The total number of respondents was 495, represented by municipal
and provincial staff involved in the implementation of the MRDP-2, cooperative
and association beneficiaries, and agri-business entrepreneurs. The baseline study generated the baseline
data on the AusAID Technical Grant’s performance indicators. The technical grant aimed to improve the
delivery of frontline agricultural and fishery services to the local
agricultural sector.