The overall objective of this consultancy is to prepare products that document the extent to which the subject project’s outcomes and impact have been achieved: What is the impact of the project on rural development and improvement of the irrigation system for vegetable production in the target community?
The scope of the evaluation covers at least six Fairtrade cocoa cooperatives in Cote d’Ivoire which
participate in a GIZ funded Living Income Learning project, but ideally also includes an analysis of
two additional cooperatives (one in Ghana and one in Cote d’Ivoire) for which farm record data have
been collected in different living income projects for cross-learning.
Overall tasks completed by ALG:
Titre du projet: Evaluation du fonctionnement du système judiciaire et de la Commission Electorale Nationale Indépendante (CENI) en matière de gestion des contentieux, dans le cadre de son projet de soutien aux droits humains et à la promotion de la justice électorale en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC).
La mission d’évaluation consiste en une étude diagnostique des mécanismes de résolution des conflits électoraux en République Démocratique du Congo (RDC). Les objectifs spécifiques à atteindre par la mission sont listés dans les TDR. Ainsi, la mission d’évaluation a permis de déterminer:
This report presents the findings of the external evaluation of the projects executed under the LESAIV Sahel Program (Lutte contre l’Exode et pour le Soutien aux Activités de Valorisation — Fight against Exodus and for the Support of Valorisation Activities). The primary objective of this assessment was to meticulously analyze the activities and results achieved by the constituent projects and to definitively determine the extent to which these efforts have contributed to the attainment of the overarching program goals focused on rural development in the arid Sahelian zone. The evaluation was not only retrospective, focusing on past performance, but also forward-looking. A significant aim was to formulate actionable recommendations to enhance goal achievement during the remaining implementation period of the current program phase and, critically, to provide strategic insights and concrete proposals for the design and formulation of a potential subsequent phase, ensuring sustainability and scale-up.
 Evaluation Mission Details
| Element | Specification |
| Mission Title | External Evaluation of the LESAIV Program (Rural Development in the Sahel) |
| Client Name | EIRENE-Sahel |
| Country of Focus | Niger |
| Year of Execution | 2014 |
Scope of Services Provided by ALG
ALG (name of consulting firm, implied) was contracted to provide a comprehensive suite of services to ensure a rigorous and multi-faceted evaluation. The scope of work encompassed:
ALG Expert Team for this Mission
The evaluation was conducted by a specialized team from ALG, combining deep regional knowledge with technical expertise in rural development and program evaluation:
Program Effectiveness and Future Trajectory
The ultimate goal of this external evaluation is to furnish EIRENE-Sahel and its partners with a comprehensive and objective understanding of the LESAIV program’s effectiveness in achieving its anti-exodus and valorization objectives. By rigorously identifying both the successful strategies and the operational bottlenecks, the evaluation seeks to pinpoint clear and sustainable pathways for immediate program enhancement. The successful implementation of the recommendations is intended not only to ensure that the program meets its immediate, phase-specific objectives, but, more crucially, to lay a robust and well-documented foundation for informed decision-making regarding future initiatives, ensuring that subsequent interventions build upon proven successes and address identified shortcomings for a more profound and lasting impact in the Sahel.
In 2008, the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) embarked on a transformative journey in Togo through the “Common Action Program for Information, Citizen Participation, and Strengthening Togolese Civil Society” (DUMEVI). This initiative, spearheaded by the National Council of Civil Society (CNSC), aimed to create a robust framework for active and effective citizen engagement in the democratic process and local governance.
As the project nears its culmination, a final evaluation is being conducted to assess its effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance. This evaluation serves multiple purposes:
1. Understanding Impact: It provides an opportunity for beneficiaries, UNDEF, and UNDP to comprehend the extent to which the project has achieved its intended effects and impacts. By analyzing the outcomes, stakeholders can gauge the level of satisfaction among participants and beneficiaries, thereby measuring the project’s overall success.
2. Learning from Experience: The evaluation aims to offer crucial insights for project managers and partners. By reflecting on the design, implementation, and management of the DUMEVI program, valuable lessons can be extracted to enhance future initiatives aimed at strengthening civil society and promoting democratic participation.
Engaging Citizens for Democratic Governance
The DUMEVI program was designed to empower Togolese citizens by fostering an environment conducive to informed participation in governance. By prioritizing citizen engagement, the initiative sought to bridge the gap between the government and the populace, ensuring that the voices of ordinary citizens are not only heard but also actively considered in decision-making processes.
Through various activities, the program has encouraged dialogue, raised awareness about civic rights and responsibilities, and facilitated platforms for citizens to express their views. The evaluation will shed light on how effectively these goals have been met and the extent to which citizens feel empowered and included in the governance framework.
Ensuring Sustainability and Future Success
One of the critical areas of focus for the evaluation is sustainability. It is essential to determine whether the impacts of the DUMEVI program can be maintained over time. This involves assessing the ongoing engagement of civil society organizations and local communities in democratic processes, as well as the mechanisms in place to support their continued participation.
Additionally, the findings from this evaluation will be instrumental for future projects. By identifying best practices and areas for improvement, the lessons learned can inform the design and implementation of similar initiatives, not only in Togo but also in other contexts where civil society strengthening is a priority.
The final evaluation of the DUMEVI program represents more than just a retrospective analysis; it is a critical reflection on the progress made in enhancing citizen participation and strengthening civil society in Togo. As we await the results, we are reminded of the importance of ongoing dialogue, engagement, and learning in the quest for a more democratic and participatory governance framework. The insights gained will undoubtedly shape the future of civil society efforts in Togo, ensuring that the voices of its citizens continue to resonate in the halls of power.
The audit of the accounts and financial statements of the Human Resources Enhancement Program (PVRH2), commissioned by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in 2010, was an emblematic mission. Beyond the numbers, this intervention in Côte d’Ivoire provided our firm with invaluable lessons on the art of auditing in complex contexts.
The Mandate: Much More Than a Simple Verification
Our objective was clear: to issue a professional and independent opinion on the financial situation of the Project as of 12/31/2009 and to ensure that the funds provided were used in accordance with the initial objectives. This implied not only rigorous compliance with international standards (ISAs or ISSAIs) but also a deep understanding of the AfDB’s financing and disbursement mechanisms.
The Environmental Challenge: Complexity and Sensitivity
The year 2010 in Côte d’Ivoire was marked by an atmosphere of transition and political sensitivity, which added a layer of complexity to our work. Auditing the accounts of four (4) beneficiary ministries of PVRH2 in this context required a particularly delicate and methodical approach:
Our Key Insights for Auditing in Challenging Environments
Conclusion: A Commitment to Transparency
The PVRH2 audit mission in 2010 is a testament to ALG’s commitment to providing high-quality audit services, even in demanding circumstances. It reaffirmed that auditing, when conducted with rigor, professionalism, and adherence to international standards, is an essential pillar for good governance and the transparency of development funds. The lessons learned on the ground continue to enrich our approach for all our future missions on the African continent.
This article  details the scope and objectives of the financial audit conducted on the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) and its partner accounts and financial statements. The audit specifically covered the Regional Program titled “Reproductive Health and HIV Prevention in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Region.” This program represented a significant collaborative effort, enabling WAHO and the German Financial Cooperation (Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau/KfW) to establish and operationalise a crucial Regional Financing Mechanism dedicated to the procurement and distribution of Reproductive Health products across the ECOWAS region.
| Detail | Description |
| Client | West African Health Organisation (WAHO) |
| Donor/Financial Partner | Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW) |
| Intervention Year | 2015 |
| Program Title | Regional Program “Reproductive Health and HIV Prevention in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Region” |
The overarching objective of this independent consultation mission was to secure an independent and qualified professional opinion on the financial accounts of WAHO and its implementing partners. The audit was structured to cover the specific financial period from April 1, 2014, to February 28, 2015.
Crucially, the mission aimed to provide assurance that all financial resources made available to WAHO and its partner entities under this program were utilised strictly for the purposes for which they were granted. This ensures financial accountability, transparency, and compliance with the financing agreement between WAHO and KfW.Scope of Work and Expected Operations
The auditors were mandated to execute a comprehensive set of operations across multiple levels of the program’s financial structure. This included auditing financial transactions at the regional level (WAHO) and at the national level within the selected pilot countries.
The audit operations were specifically targeted at the five designated WAHO pilot countries, which were:
The expected operations for the auditors included, but were not limited to, the following core tasks:
1. Country-Level Program Account Audit
The auditors were required to conduct a thorough financial audit of the program accounts managed at the level of each of the five pilot countries. This involved reviewing national-level expenditure, supporting documentation, local procurement records, and adherence to established financial procedures.
2. WAHO Regional Program Account Audit
A parallel and equally intensive audit was required for the program accounts maintained and managed at the WAHO headquarters level. This focused on regional transactions, donor disbursements, consolidated financial reports, and the operations of the Regional Financing Mechanism itself.
3. Account Reconciliation
A critical step in the audit process was the reconciliation of financial accounts between the country level and the WAHO regional level. This operation was essential to verify the accuracy of internal reporting, ensure all funds transferred to the pilot countries were properly recorded, and identify any discrepancies or unaccounted differences in financial reporting across the different entities.
4. Provision of Management Opinions
The final and most significant output of the consultation mission was for the auditors to provide independent professional opinions on the management of the program’s accounts for Phase I and Phase II of the intervention. This opinion covers the effectiveness of internal controls, compliance with contractual obligations, and the overall financial stewardship exercised by both WAHO and its partners throughout the duration of the audit period. The opinion informs the donor (KfW) and the client (WAHO) on the financial health and management integrity of the program.
The mining sector, particularly phosphate production, represents a critical pillar of Togo’s economy. To ensure its long-term sustainability and optimize its global competitiveness, a comprehensive audit of the phosphate sector was commissioned by the World Bank and the Togolese State, executed by the ALG and Snowden Group consortium. This technical deep dive focused on resource evaluation, operational efficiency, future development strategy, and market positioning.1. Resource Evaluation and Reserve Updating
The audit commenced with a rigorous evaluation of Togo’s phosphate resources, addressing various geological formations:
The team integrated historical data, previous geological estimates, and geostatistical simulations to provide an updated and internationally contextualized understanding of the country’s ore and reserve base, while simultaneously assessing associated geological and mining risks.2. Technical and Operational Benchmarking
A crucial component was the technical evaluation of the entire production chain, benchmarked against international industry standards and best practices for operational excellence:
This was complemented by an evaluation of the Production Methods, scrutinizing the process and operating cycle for optimization. The audit also assessed work organization and the alignment of employee skillsets with the company’s operational needs.3. Strategy for Future Development: The Carbonate Layer
The audit placed a significant emphasis on the future exploitation of the more complex Carbonate Layer. ALG proposed a technically and economically viable process for resource extraction from this layer. The strategic assessment included:
Beyond the mine gate, the audit explored the commercial viability and necessary steps to ensure market relevance:
The audit provided a holistic view by integrating non-technical yet mission-critical aspects:
The comprehensive framework provided by the ALG/Snowden consortium successfully delivered a robust, data-driven roadmap to the World Bank and the Togolese State, setting the stage for the strategic, technical, and sustainable development of Togo’s vital phosphate sector.
ALG has been contracted to undertake the final, independent evaluation of the PartnersGlobal’s Sahel Road Safety Initiative project, which focused on interventions in both Burkina Faso and Senegal. This comprehensive evaluation is designed to be a rigorous and evidence-based assessment, intended to produce findings that are not only useful for immediate, evidence-based program management decisions but also relevant for informing broader strategic planning for future, similar projects within the region and sector.
Evaluation Methodology and Scope
The overall evaluation methodology has been carefully structured and operationalized through a series of specific, guiding evaluation questions. These questions are designed to systematically capture data and analyze the project’s progress across its entire course of implementation and at various, interconnected levels:
The methodology will employ a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis (such as accident statistics, beneficiary surveys, and implementation metrics) with qualitative data collection (including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and document review) to provide a holistic and triangulated view of the project’s performance against its stated objectives and anticipated results.
Key Expected Evaluation Outcomes
The completion of this final evaluation is expected to yield several critical, forward-looking outcomes that extend beyond a simple performance assessment:
