EU Member States : Ex-Post Evaluation of the Objective 5b programmes for the period 1994-1999

Client: EU Commision, DG Agriculture

Partner(s): Cumbria Beacon Ltd, Agriconsulting S.p.A., Universität Hohenheim, Forschungsstelle Eurupäischer Forschungsschwerpunkt Ländlicher Raum (EFLR), EDATER, IM Gruppen, University of Oulu – Research and Development Centre of Kajaani, Regional Consulting ZT GmbH, Fundacio Empresa i Ciencia.

Start/End Date: 13/11/2002 - 13/11/2003

Description:

The project concerned the ex-post evaluation at EU level of the Objective 5b programmes 1994-1999. The measures, aiming at "promoting rural development by facilitating the development and structural adjustment of rural areas" were implemented through 83 regional programmes for a total community expenditure (initial allocations) of 6.8 billion EUR.

The overall purpose of the evaluation was to assess the impacts of the rural development measures in programmes in Objective 5b regions, in terms of their relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, as well as the utility and sustainability of the result and impacts. This involved answerring to a series of 24 evaluation questions. The evaluation was undertaken with a view to ensuring accountability and transparency in terms of achievement of the objectives, but also in order to contribute to the improvement of similar measures in the framework of the rural development programmes 2000-2006.

The following services were provided:

- Leader of the evaluation team ;
- Responsible for carrying out and coordinating the evaluation, for the production of reports and all contacts with the client and in general for fulfilling all requirements laid down in the contract with the European Commission.