Summary Results of the Terminal Evaluation
I. Outline of the ProjectCountry: The Republic of the Unionof Myanmar
Issues/Sector: Agriculture
Division in Charge:
Rural Development Department

Project Title: Project for Development of Water Saving
Agriculture Technology in the Central Dry Zone
Cooperation Scheme: Technical Cooperation Project
Estimated Total Cost:Ⅰ460 million JPY

Period of Cooperation:(Implementation Organizations in the Partner Country):

Five (5) years from November 2013

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Irrigation (MoALI)
Department of Agricultural Research (DAR)
Department of Agriculture (DOR)(Related Organization in the Partner Country):
Irrigation and Water Utilization Management Department(IWUMD)
Implementation Organizations in Japan:
Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
University of Tsukuba

1-1.

Background of the Project

The mainstay of the primary industries of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (hereafter referred toas “Myanmar”) represented by agriculture sector where 61% of the total labor population is engaged
and 27.9% of GDP as well as 16% of the export earnings are produced (2014-15). The Government of
Myanmar has given higher priority to the issues such as food self-sufficiency, export promotion, andrural development through agriculture development in order to achieve food security and poverty
alleviation.
In Central Dry Zone (CDZ) which is located in the geographical center of Myanmar, the annual rainfall
is only 700 ~ 1,000 mm (3,000 mm in Delta area) with erratic duration of rainy season and with wide
annual deviation (Figure 2.1). It causes crop failure which makes farmers’ livelihood unstable andinsecure. In CDZ, the ratio of lowland farm and upland farm is 28 to 72, implying that as much as about
30% of the whole farmlands could be cultivated with rice if sufficient rain or irrigation water isavailable.
While vast paddy areas in Shwebo (Sagaing Region) and Meikthila (Mandalay Region) are wellequipped with irrigation facilities, leguminous crops and oil crops are grown in upland with rain-fed
condition which has been exposed to unpredictable severe drought and degradation of soil. It is due to
weakness of agriculture technologies which are adaptable to agro-environmental conditions of CDZ. To
increase and stabilize agricultural production in CDZ, MoALI is engaged in development of watersaving technologies from the aspects of: 1) introducing adaptable crops and its varieties, 2) conserving
soil by prevention of soil erosion and improvement of cultivation practices, and 3) developing watersaving irrigation on farm level in CDZ.
Therefore, this project, the Project for Development of Water Saving Agriculture Technology in thexiiiCentral Dry Zone (hereafter referred to as “the Project”), was proposed by MoALI to improve local
livelihood through increasing and stabilizing agricultural production by combination and improvementof water saving technologies. The Project has been implemented since November 2013 and willcomplete in October 2018.
From February to March 2018, Joint Terminal Evaluation was conducted by Japan and Myanmar inorder to provide recommendations on the actions to be taken during the remaining cooperation period tosecure the sustainability of the Project, as well as to draw lessons useful for technical cooperation
schemes in general.
1-2.

Project Overview

The Project is aimed to disseminate the water-saving agriculture technologies for stabilization ofagricultural income in CDZ through identification of suitable crops and varieties, improvement ofcultivation technologies, improvement of farm maintenance technologies and development of
Water-saving irrigation technologies.
(1)

Overall Goal

In CDZ (especially the non-irrigated areas where upland farming is a main form of agriculture), an
agricultural income is stabilized as a result of the spread of water-saving agricultural technologies
which are suitable to CDZ.
(2)

Project Purpose

Water-saving agriculture technologies that are adapted to CDZ are established.
(3)

Outputs

1. New and/or conventional crops and promising varieties that are adaptable to CDZ are identified
and prepared.
2. Cultivation technologies are improved so that these can match the environments of CDZ.
3. Technologies for farm maintenance including control of soil environment (nutrients, water
retention, etc.) are improved so that these can match the environments of CDZ.
4. Water-saving irrigation technologies that are adaptable to project sites in CDZ are developed.
(4)

Inputs (as of Mid-Term Review)

Japanese Side:-Long-term Experts: 10 persons in total


2 Chief Advisor/ Dry Land Crop Cultivation



1 Chief Advisor

2 Water Saving Irrigation

2 Integrated Pest Management

3 Project Coordinator-Short-term Expert: Seed-multiplication of field cropxiv

-Equipment Provision: (i) JICA Owned Equipment (USD 102,946(ii) Handover Equipment (USD 80,000

and

and

Kyat 28,853,000)

Kyat 127,694,050)- Renovation/ Rehabilitation of Infrastructure: USD 80,000 and Kyat 54,952,500-Training in Abroad: None
-Budget Execution*: 2013 (Kyat 243,562,996 = JPY 25,623,112= USD 252,586 in total)
2014 (Kyat 385,893,388 = JPY 42,950,158= USD 392,988 in total)
2015 (Kyat 236,630,000 = JPY 24,658,215= USD 186,486 in total)
2016 (Kyat 317,936,538 = JPY 27,892,016= USD 248,790 in total)
2017 (Kyat 333,556,100 = JPY 2,996,210= USD 247,629 in total)*The figures include JICA owned equipment, handover equipment and renovation / rehabilitation of infrastructure. The
value (Kyat, JPY and USD) is converted by JICA exchange rate (2013: USD 1.00= JPY 101.4、2014: USD 1.00= JPY
109.3、2015: USD 1.00= JPY 132.2、2016：USD 1.00＝ JPY 112.1、2017: USD 1.00= JPY 121.0)

Myanmar Side:- Project Director : 3 persons in total- Project Manager: DAR (2 persons in total), DOA (5 persons in total)- Counterparts: 13 persons (DAR 10 persons, DOA 3 persons) (as of February 2018)- JCC: Chairperson (3 persons in total),

Members (6 in total)- Land, Building, Office and Facilities: Office Building, Office space, Warehouse, Experimental andseed production field, Drying yard, Meeting venue, Seed production field (sesame)- Budget Execution: 2013 (Kyat 166,467,000)
2014 (Kyat 196,739,000)
2015 (Kyat 260,365,600)
2016 (Kyat 236,660,000)
2017 (Kyat 250,479,000)
In-kind Contribution : water and electricity bills, baseline and end line surveys and other utility costs
II. Evaluation
Evaluator
Name
Myanmar
Team

Japanese
Team

Position

Affiliation

Dr. Pau Sian Kam

LeaderResearch officer, Department of Agricultural
Research (DAR), MoALI

Daw Aye Aye Khaing

MemberStaff officer, Department of Agriculture (DOA),MoALIDr. Akira
KAMIDOHZONO

LeaderSenior Advisor (Agricultural and Rural
Development), JICA

Mr. Kota
SAKAGUCHI

Cooperation
Planning

Deputy Director, Team1, Agricultural and Rural
Development Group1, Rural Development
Department, JICA

Mr. Shunji SEGAWA

Evaluation
Analysis

Staff, Team1, Agricultural and Rural
Development Group1, Rural Development
Department, JICA

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Period of Evaluation: 21 Feb – 9 Mar 2018

Type of Evaluation: Terminal Evaluation

III. Results of Evaluation
3-1. Achievements(1) Outputs:
Output 1: New and/or conventional crops and promising varieties that are adaptable to CDZ are identified
and prepared.
Indicators
1-1 Within a half year from beginning of the
project, the baseline study is conducted andconsumer needs for the local agriculture
products are identified.

StatusAchievement

Achieved

The baseline survey and market pricesurvey were completed in January and
September 2014, respectively. These
were compiled in Baseline Survey
Report and Market Price Survey Data,
respectively.

Achieved

The number of seed recipients (CFs,
NFs, and OFs) of the quality seeds ofthe target varieties.
2014: 26
2015: 818
2016: 798
2017: 882
Total: 2,524
CFs and NFs have disseminated the
WSAT technologies to 18.4 farmers on
average.
According to the Evaluation Team’s
survey, 21 out of 72 GFs were using thetechnologies that were taught by CFs or
NFs. Therefore, an estimated number offarmers who use the recommended
varieties is2,524 + (1,638 ×18.4× 21/72) =11,315
11,315 / 78,492 (14.4 %)MostlyAchieved

The data of the average grossagricultural income (Kyat/ acre) fromthe target variety of the CFs show thatthe average income during the project
period is larger by 10% or more for mostof the crops.

1-2 10% or more of the farmers in the target
area adopt the new and/or existing crops andtheir superior varieties that are recommended
by the project based on the consumer needs.

1-3 By selling the new and/or existing crops
and their superior varieties that arerecommended by the project based on the
consumer needs, an average sales amount of thecontact farmers for such crops/varieties
increases by 10% or more.

Output 2: Cultivation technologies are improved so that these can match the environments of CDZ.
Indicators
2-1. Cultivation technologies adapted to local
conditions are established for the selected new
and/or existing crops and their superiorvarieties, and these technologies are
implemented 2 times in total (2 times per year)

StatusAchievement
The trials ware conducted 4 times at the
DAR farms.

Achievedxvi

at DAR Experiment Farm.
2-2. Appropriate technical manual for
cultivation technologies are prepared.

2-3. 30 or more persons of the extension agents
who can apply the above manual and implement
cultivation technologies are built up.
2-4. Verification test by applying the above
manual is conducted 100 times or more (1 timeor more per year) by the project at the contact
farmer’s field.
2-5. The cultivation that is applied with theabove manual is implemented by 10% or moreof the farmers in the target area.

MostlyAchieved

The manuals for each target crop wereprepared. In addition to those manuals, amanual of rhizobium for extension
agents is being prepared.

Achieved

29 extension agents have been trained
and 15 are under training. In addition,
Training on Trainers (TOT) will be
conducted in 2018.

Achieved

Achieved

Verification tests (CFs) have been
conducted 137 times.

An estimated number of farmers who
use the cultivation techniques taught
with the manuals is 13,726.
13,726 / 78,492 (17.5%)

Output 3: Technologies for farm maintenance including control of soil environment (nutrients, water
retention, etc.) are improved so that these can match the environments of CDZ.
Indicators
3-1. Within a half year from beginning of the
project, the baseline study is conducted and soil
conditions in the target area are identified.

3-2. The soil improvement technologies that are
adapted to the local conditions are established3-3. Technical manual for the soil improvement
technologies is prepared.

3-4. 30 or more persons of the extension agents
who can apply the above manual and implement
the soil improvement technologies are built up.
3-5. Verification test by applying the above
manual is conducted 100 times or more (1 timeor more per year) by the project at the contact
farmers’ field.
3-6. The soil improvement that is applied withthe above manual is implemented by 2% ormore of the farmers in the target area.

StatusAchievement

Achieved

Data Collection Survey Reports werecompiled in August 2013. In addition,
the following reports were prepared.
1. Climate in the Target Area
2. A Soil Condition in the Project Site

MostlyAchieved

The approach based on application ofgliricidia sepium has been identified.
Rhizobium inoculation and green
manure techniques are also being
established.

MostlyAchieved

Extension material (FFS) for gliricidia
was prepared and is being used. A
manual for green manure and rhizobium
inoculation is being prepared.

MostlyAchieved

24 extension staff have been trained.
Implementation of TOT regarding thesoil improvement technologies isplanned in 2018.

Achieved

Decisionmaking isrequired forachievementxvii

107 verification tests (CFs) have been
conducted.

Estimated number of farmers who
applied the technology is 1,402.
1,402 / 78,492 (1.8%)

of theindicator
Output 4: Water-saving irrigation technologies that are adaptable to project sites in CDZ are developed.
Indicators

Status4-1. The study report on water resources andwater use by farmers at project sites is drafted.

Achieved

4-2. Technical guideline and/or manual for thewater-harvesting and water-saving irrigation
technologies are prepared.

Achieved

4-3. The recommendation for combined
methods for water-saving cultivation andwater-saving irrigation technologies isprepared.

Achived at
DAR
Research
Stations
Not
Compatible
for Farmers

Achievement
3 study reports were prepared.
Guideline and extension materials weredrafted.
At DAR research stations,water-irrigation technology is used for
production of Foundation seeds andCertified seeds of the recommended
variety of groundnut and pigeon pea.
On the other hand, the water-saving
irrigation technologies that have been
introduced to farmers are used for
cultivation of horticultural crops, andnot for the four target crops ofwater-saving cultivation.

(2) Project Purpose:
Project Purpose: Water-saving agriculture technologies that are adapted to CDZ are established.
Indicators

StatusLevel of Achievement

Achieved

4,936 farmers participated in FFS andfield day during the Project. Out of
those participants, CFs and NFs havedisseminated the WSAT technologies to18.4 farmers on average.
According to the Evaluation Team’s
survey, 21 out of 72 GFs were using thetechnologies that were taught by CFs
NFs. Therefore, an estimated number offarmers who use the cultivation
techniques taught with the manuals is
4,936+ (3,204×18.4×21/72 ) =22,130
22,130 / 78,492 (28.2%)

MostlyAchieved on
average
between
2014-17

The average yield of each target crop in
Project sites from 2014 till 2017 has
mostly increased from the yield before
the project. The overall average of theyield increase is 16%. It has to be notedthat weather conditions and otherexternal factors may affect the yield in
2018, changing the status of thisindicator.

1. The water-saving agricultural technology
developed in this project are introduced by the
15% farmer in Project Site and carried out morethan 1 cropping seasons.

2. 2. In Project Site, crop yields increased 10%
at the farmers who used the water-saving
agricultural technology developed in thisproject.

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3. 3. In Project Site, 60% of farmers, who used
the water-saving agricultural technology
developed in this project, evaluate that thistechnology is effective.

Mostlycompleted

The endline survey conducted in 2017
towards 88 farmers (CF and NF)
showed that 99% of them affirmed that
one or more WSAT technologies wereeffective.

3-2. Review by the Five Evaluation Criteria
Relevance: HighThe Project meets needs of the beneficiaries (farming households) and the target group (staff of three
DOA offices and DAR research farms in the target area). The Project coincides with development policyof Myanmar and aid policy of Japan. The methodology as a means to achieve Overall Goal
(stabilization of agricultural income in CDZ) is considered appropriate. There are no factors to lower
relevance of the Project.
Effectiveness: Relatively High
Logical sequence between Outputs and Project Purpose is secured and logically connected. The Project
Purpose has been mostly achieved. Some external factors such as erratic rainfall and fluctuation ofmarket price of target crops, especially chick pea, have affected the achievement of the Project Purpose.
Efficiency: Relatively HighThe Outputs are mostly achieved at the time of the Terminal Evaluation. Implementation process isgenerally efficient and satisfactory except for delay at the beginning of the Project. Inputs from bothsides are generally appropriate, and equipment and infrastructure are well utilized and managed.
Impact: HighThe tangible impact is observed on CFs, NFs, OFs, and GFs through FFS and demonstration of
WH/WS technologies. Overall Goal may be difficult to achieve unless the extension mechanism isstrengthened in the remaining period of the Project. No negative impacts as well as no unexpected
negative effects have been found.
Sustainability: Relatively High
Policy and administrative sustainability as well as technological sustainability are “relatively high”.
Organizational and institutional sustainability and financial sustainability are “moderate”.
3-3. Major supporting factors to achieve the Project PurposeLeadership and active attitude of senior officials in the implementing agencies



Awareness of importance of upland crops, necessity of seed-multiplication and distribution
system

Enthusiasm and disciplined (time conscious) C/Ps and TGTransfer of technical C/P from Biotechnology, Plant Genetic Resources and Plant Protection,

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headquarters of DAR to Dryland Crop Research Centre in Nyaung Oo for production of Output 4Good collaboration and cooperation between DAR, DOA, and farmers through field day and FFSHighly motivated CFs and NFs

Flexible arrangement of administrative and coordination structure and procedures.

3-4. Major hampering factors to achieve the Project PurposeFrequent transfer of trained C/Ps and TGsInsufficient means of transport and travel allowances for extension agents

Drop of the price of pigeon pea due to restriction of import of pulses from Myanmar by Indian
Government in 2017Fluctuation of the rainfall pattern at the target sites



Increase of the labour fee at the target sites



Drastic decrease in the yield of groundnut and pigeon pea due to rodent and squirrels.



The Project started with a framework of technology development but it was modified at in thefirst few years with more focus on extension of technologies. The framework such as PDM and
implementation structure of the Project should have been revised at the same time, but was notchanged.

3-5. Conclusion
The Evaluation Team confirmed that the Project has mostly achieved the Project Purpose and four
Outputs. Capacity development for C/Ps and TGs of DAR and DOA, CF, NF and OF has beenstrengthened through research and extension activities especially in DAR farms and FFS on the CF’s
fields. The Evaluation team also confirmed that the Project has contributed to increase and stabilizationof yield as well as increase of income by introducing suitable crops and varieties under thecircumstances of unstable weather and fluctuation of market price in CDZ. It was also found that the
Project has positively impacted dissemination of Sinpadaethar-11 for groundnut and rhizobium to GFs
who received no intervention by the Project. The Evaluation Team also highly appreciates that DOA
utilized the knowledge and extension manuals of the Project in FFS under the FAO’s Climate Smart
Agriculture project.
It was highly appreciated that the Draft version of the PPS has been properly prepared under therecommendation by the Joint Mid-term Review in June 2016. Furthermore, in order to achieve theOverall Goal, the Project has established mutual cooperation with Regional Government of Mandalay,
Magway and Sagaing as well as seed supply system based on cooperation between DAR and DOA and
Master Trainers training (TOT) for extension agents and farmers. The Project has put much effort into
establishing a mechanism that enables achievement of the Overall Goal after the end of the Project.
3-6. Recommendations
Based on results of the Terminal Evaluation, the Evaluation Team makes following recommendations.
(1)

Official Approval of the PPS and Budget Allocation

Sustainability of the Project needs to be ensured by finalizing and approving the PPS and the plan ofxx

necessary budget until 2023. It has to be noted that the responsibilities for inputs necessary for activitiesof the Project need to be gradually handed over to the Myanmar side towards the end of the Project. The
budget plan for PPS needs to cover not only the activities within each Township but also the cost of
production of seeds, gliricidia, and rhizobium as well as other extension activities for other TSs.
(2)

Official Recognition of Master Trainers

The TOT to train Master Trainers is a crucial activity in order to ensure sustainability. However, this is a
new activity for the Myanmar side, and therefore the following aspects need to be discussed andconfirmed among stakeholders:

How to certify the Master TrainersHow to allocate the Master Trainers for the future extension activities

How to incentivize the Master Trainers to conduct extension activities in multiple Townships(3)

Strengthening of Seed Production and Supply System

As for the seed production and distribution system, some achievements have been made from theactivities that started in the fourth year of the Project. On the other hand, it is hard to say that the system
is fully functioning, and therefore continuous efforts are required. It is crucial to reorganize the flow of
the system among the concerned departments and stakeholders. The Evaluation Team recommends the
Project to continue its efforts in establishing seed production and system development necessary for
application of WSAT technologies and to work towards development of the system in cooperation withother projects.
(4)

Optimization of Application of Water-Harvesting and Water-Saving Irrigation Technologies

The water-harvesting and water-saving irrigation technologies have contributed to the production ofhorticultural crops such as tomatoes, onions, chilli etc. and to the production of seeds of recommended
crops at DAR research stations. These horticultural crops are suitable for consumption at local
restaurants and hotels, especially in Bagan which has significant tourism resources and is applying forregistration as the World Heritage Site. Considering these circumstances, the Evaluation Team
recommends the Project to optimize the application of water-harvesting and water-saving irrigation
technologies and to conduct activities that will lead to the establishment of FVC in the area.
(5)

Continuous Work on Climate-Related Issues

Throughout the Evaluation Team’s interviews, C/Ps, Target Groups, and farmers have pointed out thedifficulty caused by the climate, especially erratic amount and timing of rainfall. This is an external
factor of the Project, but it will continue to be a critical issue in the future. Continuous collection of dataand its analysis and discussions among the Project members, and cooperation with Myanmar’s
metrological agencies is recommended.
(6)

Continuous Effort on Academic Works

The Project has been utilizing Myanmar’s existing extension systems, but also started innovativexxi

activities and revitalized some of the past activities of the C/Ps. The Evaluation Team recommends
writing academic papers and making presentations regarding the achievements of the research
conducted within the Project.
(7)

Strengthening Dissemination of Achievements by the Project

The Evaluation Team has observed tangible Outputs being achieved by the Project. These activities
should be shared among Myanmar officials of the Central and Regional Government, privatecompanies, other donors, NGOs and international NGOs, as well as farmers outside the CDZ. The
Evaluation Team recommends the Project to consider using the media and conducting the following
events open to the public:Seminar on the achievements of the Project

Expanded FFS at farmers’ fields

Tours of WSAT activities for the media and the press(8)

Utilization of ICT

At one of the interviews conducted by the Evaluation Team, usage of ICT for dissemination oftechnologies was proposed by DAR and DOA. This is a very important aspect, and the Evaluation Team
recommends utilization of smartphone applications to distribute technical manuals and of social media
for advertisement of activities such as FFS. Activities which require smaller budget should be
implemented as a starting point.
(9)

Revision of the PDM

The Evaluation Team recommends modification of PDM version 1 and proposes PDM version 2.
(10) Extension of the Project Period Until March 2019
In order to ensure sustainability of the Project, TOT activities are planned for seed quality control andimplementation of FFS. The Evaluation Team recommends that the Japanese experts monitor andsupport the implementation of TOT. If the Project is terminated as planned, both TOT activities will be
conducted without any support from the Japanese experts, and the quality of TOT will not be ensured.
Therefore, the Evaluation Team recommends extension of the implementation period of the Project until
March, 2019.
3-7. Lessons Learned(1) Effect of JICA’s Intervention on Strengthening of the Collaboration Among DAR, DOA andFarmers
Due to the Project’s activities such as production of seeds of new varieties of crops, rhizobium, andgliricidia by DAR and extension activities by DOA, the collaboration between these two departments
has been established. This collaboration was achieved due to the constant meetings and communication
supported by the Japanese experts, leading to the recognition of the importance of working as a teamamong the stakeholders. Once the flow of activities was established, the number of meetings wasxxiireduced and more time was spent in the field. This flexible change of project management for maximum
productivity and outcome can be applied to other projects.
(2) Considering Stability of Production
The Project has been implemented in CDZ which is a harsh agro-ecological environment easily affectedby climate change. Considering these circumstances, the Project chose the recommended varieties
considering not only high yield but also yield stability. Based on the results from experiments anddiscussions with DAR and DOA, this approach has greatly contributed to the achievement of the second
indicator of the Project Purpose.
(3) Multilayered Extension ApproachThis Project has used a multilayered approach for dissemination of the technology, consisting of thefollowing;
Development and demonstration of new technologies at the DAR research stations
FFS and extension activities toward farmers using the manuals by DOA
Dissemination of technologies to OFs and GDs from CFs and NFs in their own community
This approach has led to dissemination of technologies towards a large number of farmers.
-End-

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