- Published by
- ALCP
- Project implementer
- Mercy Corps
- Donor
- SDC/DFAT
- Programme
- Alliances Lesser Caucasus Programme (ALCP)
- Results level
- Poverty reduction
- Method
- Quasi-experimental
- Data source
- Mixed
- Intervention types
- Improved access to information
- Improved input supply
- Improved product / service quality
- Improved value chain coordination
The Alliances Lesser Caucasus Programme (ALCP) in Georgia focuses on improving livestock productivity and income for dairy farmers.
This impact assessment specifically examines the productivity of dairy suppliers, evaluating changes in milk yield, herd size, and husbandry practices.
The programme's interventions include veterinary services, nutritional support, breeding improvements and access to market information. The aim is to enhance the livelihoods of small and medium-sized dairy farmers by providing better access to quality inputs and stable market outlets for their milk.
Intervention description
The programme conducted several interventions aimed at improving dairy productivity among small-scale farmers in Georgia. These interventions included promoting improved husbandry practices, veterinary services, and better nutrition for cattle.
The project worked with dairy suppliers, factories, and local service providers to implement these changes. Specifically, four dairy enterprises - Tsezari, Tsinskaro Plus, Milkeni, and Natural Produktsia - were involved, benefiting 25,000 milk supplier households.
The interventions led to a 13 per cent increase in milk yield for treatment farmers compared to control farmers, with treatment farmers increasing their yield by 20 per cent and control farmers by 7 per cent. Additionally, 69 per cent of treatment farmers increased their number of milking cows compared to 47 per cent of control farmers.
Evidence methodology
The study employed a difference-in-difference approach to compare treatment farmers (those supplying to ALCP dairy factories) with control farmers (those not supplying to these factories).
Data collection involved 130 semi-structured interviews with treatment and control farmers, focusing on quantitative and qualitative aspects of their farming practices, productivity and economic outcomes. The baseline for comparison was set retrospectively by asking farmers to recall their practices and productivity before the interventions began.
This programme’s results measurement system has passed an audit against the DCED Standard.