Summary of publication
This report presents the main findings of the mid-term review (MTR) of the “Building capabilities for green, climate resilience and inclusive development in lower Koshi river basin” (also referred to as the HI-GRID initiative), financed by the Australian Government and implemented by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). The MTR assessed the initiative’s achievements in terms of its relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, coherence, sustainability and impact, GEDSI integration, safeguarding and risk management and theory of change. The MTR found that HI-GRID is broadly on track to achieve its end-of-investment outcomes, with strong alignment to community and government priorities. It provides recommendations for ICIMOD and DFAT for further implementation of this initiative and the design of similar programs in the future. The MTR adopted a participatory and utilisation-focused approach, with meaningful consultation and engagement with a wide range of stakeholders, including ICIMOD senior management, DFAT Kathmandu officials, relevant staff at ICIMOD, HI-GRID beneficiaries in project sites in Nepal and other key stakeholders.
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DFAT Management Response
DFAT thanks ICIMOD and the independent evaluation committee for their efforts and constructive engagement throughout the evaluation process. DFAT is satisfied with the evaluation process and findings of the MTR and considers them to be balanced and robust.
DFAT notes that ICIMOD has agreed to six recommendations and partially agreed to four arising from the Mid Term Review (MTR). DFAT acknowledges also that, over the course of implementation, ICIMOD has already undertaken substantive actions aligned with several MTR recommendations, demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement. DFAT welcomes ICIMOD’s agreement to further strengthen and refine program elements in response to the MTR findings.
The MTR underscores the need to sharpen implementation for the remainder of the project period by prioritising market oriented value chain interventions and durable disaster risk reduction solutions. These interventions will be embedded within municipal systems to support the institutional and financial sustainability of economic development, climate resilience, GEDSI, and safeguarding outcomes beyond project closure.
DFAT also agrees on the importance of refining the Theory of Change to reflect differentiated municipal capacity, uptake, and co financing conditions, rather than assumptions of uniform implementation and organic scaling. DFAT will work with ICIMOD to strengthen the results framework and revise the ToC. This will prioritise consolidation, institutional embedding, and sustainability of results within the remaining project timeframe, enabling more robust tracking of outcomes through quantitative and qualitative evidence. This will, in turn, strengthen the rationale for increased adoption of HI GRID initiatives by local governments and demonstrate the social and economic benefits delivered.
DFAT notes that while the MTR findings are broadly aligned with Australia’s International Development Policy and DFAT priorities on climate resilience, inclusive growth, and GEDSI, implementation of these recommendations will be considered alongside performance, value for money, and funding availability. As the principal funding partner, DFAT will take the MTR findings into account, together with broader strategic, budgetary, and portfolio considerations, when assessing any potential extension or follow on phase of support.
DFAT will continue to engage closely with ICIMOD to take forward the MTR recommendations as part of the adaptive partnership.