Why did CaribVET organize an external evaluation?

To have an independent and unbiased vision on the collective work conducted in the region by the network. The evaluation was conducted on the global operations, development and outputs, impact and performance of the network, with particular focus on activities over the last 5 years (March 2012- March 2017). Having an external group of experts enabled to develop further recommendations that will help CaribVET to evolve and gain in cost-efficiency of its work in the region.

Objectives and scope of the evaluation

The key purpose of the evaluation was to assess the network’s ability to deliver on stated objectives going forward. The Terms of Reference were drafted based on the numerous questions that were regularly debated during past CaribVET Steering Committee Meetings.

Who was involved?

It is a participative process that involved all partners of the CaribVET Steering Committee (SC) which is the decision making body of the Network in charge of defining strategic orientations. The Coordination Unit members and partner project coordinators prepared the working documents; 55 members of CaribVET participated in the Self-Evaluation survey (in English, French, Spanish) and about half (28) of the 12^th SC Meeting participants were interviewed.

It was the 1^st external evaluation since CaribVET was created and endorsed by COTED in 2006, and it was organized 10 months after the assessment of the CaribVET HPAI preparedness plan by USDA experts (April 2016, Grenada).

Report and recommendations

Full report (English), summary recommendations (English, Spanish).

The Expert team provided a set of 14 recommendations pertaining to 8 main domains:

• Define prioritized area of improvement of the network in terms of governance, coordination and monitoring, capacity building, partnership, funding sustainability.
• Provide opinion on the Research component and development of capacities in the region through research.
• Give recommendation on possible broadening of the scope of CaribVET towards One health.
• Analyse pros and cons involving the private sector in the funding and operation of the Network.
• Identify key sustainability factors that CaribVET should handle as a priority.
• Assess the relevance, performance and benefits of CaribVET capacity building programmes.

Main steps and timeframe

The delivery of the final report validated by the SC was delayed compared to the original timeframe, because of the severe impacts of the 2017 hurricane season.

The recommendations of the external evaluation were discussed during the 13^th CaribVET Steering Committee. The Coordination Unit is currently (July 2018) finalizing the Meeting report and the implementation plan with a proposed two-year workplan for CaribVET 2018-2020.

The  external  evaluation  is  considered  by  CaribVET  as  a  critical  process, contributing  to accountability  towards the  number  of  institutional  organisations  and  partners  involved.

Recommendations  reviewed by the SC will markedly improve CaribVET strategy, performance, operation and capability  in  delivering  high  quality  outputs  and results. It is particularly important  as  it  is organized at the end of a synergistic cycle of funding, and before the organization of a new one.