Impact evaluation
Assessing systems change in Cambodian agriculture
Feed the Future Cambodia Harvest II final evaluation
- Published by
- USAID
- Project implementer
- Abt Associates
- Donor
- USAID
- Programme
- FTF Cambodia Harvest II Activity
- Results level
- Poverty reduction
- Method
- Mixed method
- Data source
- Mixed
- Intervention types
- Improved access to information
- Improved value chain coordination
Findings and recommendations from the final evaluation of the Cambodia Harvest II Activity, which was implemented from 2017-2022. The programme targeted four crop subsectors: mango, longan, cashew and vegetables.
The approach taken by Harvest II represented a shift in emphasis from previous USAID-funded activities that offered support to agricultural production, moving intentionally toward a demand-driven, market systems development approach.
The evaluation team was asked to assess the extent and nature of system change that resulted from the activity, and how farms and firms benefited. They also assessed whether and how the project contributed to resilience, climate change mitigation and environmental stewardship.
Intervention description
The Activity focused on increasing value chain competitiveness and removing obstacles to market access in Cambodia's horticulture sector.
Specific interventions included promoting good agricultural practices, providing training and resources and facilitating market linkages among key actors such as farmers, cooperatives, buyers and input suppliers.
The project promoted business models that emphasised market-driven approaches and supported private sector development. Partners, including cooperatives and private firms, responded positively by adopting improved practices and expanding their operations. For example, Misota Foods received support to obtain international certifications, diversify products and connect with new buyers, leading to increased competitiveness in domestic and international markets.
Evidence methodology
The evaluation employed a mixed-methods approach, including a desk review, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and surveys.
The evaluation team conducted 14 key informant interviews, in-depth interviews with 51 market actors reached by Harvest II and 11 not reached, 17 focus group discussions with 84 mango, longan, and cashew farmers, and a survey with 350 vegetable farmers. Data collection processes were gender-sensitive, seeking perspectives of both male and female farmers.
The analysis involved both qualitative coding and quantitative analysis to address four key evaluation questions related to systemic changes, benefits for market actors, climate change objectives and environmental impacts.