The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Local Communities Project (P145316) Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Local Communities Project (P145316) AFRICA | Ghana | Environment, Natural Resources & the Blue Economy Global Practice | Recipient Executed Activities | Investment Project Financing | FY 2017 | Seq No: 6 | ARCHIVED on 19-Dec-2019 | ISR40050 | Implementing Agencies: National Steering Committee, Solidaridad Key Dates Key Project Dates Bank Approval Date: 26-Apr-2017 Effectiveness Date: 18-Aug-2017 Planned Mid Term Review Date: 15-Apr-2020 Actual Mid-Term Review Date: Original Closing Date: 30-Nov-2021 Revised Closing Date: 30-Nov-2021 pdoTable Project Development Objectives Project Development Objective (from Project Appraisal Document) The PDO is to strengthen knowledge and practices of targeted local communities in the Select Regions of the Member Country in REDD+processes and sustainable forest management. Has the Project Development Objective been changed since Board Approval of the Project Objective? No Components Table Name Component 1: Capacity Building for Local Communities:(Cost $1.00 M) Component 2: Sustainable and Adaptive Community Initiatives:(Cost $3.50 M) Component 3: Project Governance, Monitoring, and Evaluation:(Cost $1.00 M) Overall Ratings Name Previous Rating Current Rating Progress towards achievement of PDO Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall Implementation Progress (IP) Satisfactory Satisfactory Overall Risk Rating Substantial Substantial Implementation Status and Key Decisions Progress towards achieving Project Development Objective (PDO). The progress towards achieving the PDO is on-track and rated Satisfactory. Implementation progress is proceeding well and rated Satisfactory. Activities under component 1 have been mostly completed and activities under component 2 and 3 are underway. Component 1: Capacity building for local communities. This Component focuses on transferring knowledge on climate change and REDD+ to communities living in the project regions. The focus of the component was to: (i) raise general awareness to at least 11,000 people on REDD+ and climate change (module 1), (ii) provide basic training on climate change (module 2) to approximately 1,100 people (10% of the 11,000); and (iii) provide dedicated training (module 3) to those who have completed module 2 and passed an exam. Those who participated in the dedicated training would then be allowed to apply for individual grants. 12/19/2019 Page 1 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Local Communities Project (P145316) The general awareness, basic and dedicated trainings have been completed. 17,449 (out of the targeted 1,100) benefitted from module 2 (see table 3 below) and of these, about 8,000 benefitted from module 3. This overachievement is mainly due to the use of local radios and the stakeholder-based approach of mobilizing community to attend basic training at their most convenient times (early in the morning and evenings) which significantly helped in spreading general knowledge to the communities and beyond. The project also used an innovative approach by inviting a popular rap artist called, Okyeame Kwame, as project ambassador, who proved to be instrumental in motivating communities to participate in the training (including those that were more reluctant), hence bridging the gap between communities and project teams. A survey by the M&E team for the project showed that about 67% of the male respondents in the DGM communities had heard of DGM, while 57% of women had heard of DGM. In non DGM communities, only 20.2% and 7.5% had heard of DGM on the radio because the programs were not aired in non-DGM communities. Respondents heard of the project from a number of radio stations, the top one being Adars FM. Of the DGM radio messages, respondents felt that the most important messages were not to cut trees indiscriminately (27%) and our land use contributes to climate change (24.3%). 84.1% said they liked the content of the radio programs. Component 2: Sustainable and Adaptive Community Initiatives. This component provides goods, as well as related operational costs, for (a) eligible communities (community-level initiatives); (b) individuals living in these communities (individual initiatives); and (c) Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) (who have been working in the targeted regions on climate change/REDD+ thematic areas for more than five years), to undertake small- scale sustainable initiatives that fall under pre-determined themes related to climate change and REDD+. All 52 community initiatives and nine eligible CBO initiatives have started. In terms of progress, the project has worked with both FIP, Ministry of Land and Natural Resources, the Forestry Commission, Cocobod and the district and municipal assemblies to support the communities. In terms of the community grants, 53 were selected, of which 38 were solar boreholes. Of these, 34 were successfully drilled and construction is ongoing. 7 of 9 Cashew plantations are underway and only a few (3) have yet to start. In terms of the individual grants, 120 individuals have been awarded grants and their implementation is also underway, as well as the community and CBO initiatives. An observation is that most community people prioritized interventions that helped their livelihood that also had climate change co-benefits such as planting cashew and timber trees as well as boreholes for year round water access. The one issue the project has had to deal with is the reality that only 120 were awarded individual grants, and individuals are clamoring to be included, even though each community benefited from a community wide project. Finally, in terms of the CBOs, a 20 acre cashew and acacia plantation has been planted in bonte, and a 20 acre cashew plantation has been established at Dromankese. In Duasidan, about 500 indigenous trees were planted and the others are underway. A key goal of the project is to implement early, so the results can be monitored over time to assess the success of the program. Component 3: Project Governance, Monitoring and Evaluation. The aim of this component is to support the project’s effective governance and efficient monitoring and evaluation (M&E). A baseline survey was conducted at the beginning of the project and a second and third survey have been completed. Project management is on-track and NEA and NSC meetings happen regularly and activities on the ground are well implemented and monitored. The NSC is satisfied with the work conducted by the NEA. Communication activities remain one of the greatest strengths of this project. Communication products for communities, among others, include radio broadcasts, a publication on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), five episodes of radio drama, and quiz competitions. For external audiences, social media is used, where the project is on Twitter (@GhanaDGM) with 254 followers, Facebook (@GhaDGM) with 3,545 likes, and Youtube (Ghana DGM) with 178 views. Risks Systematic Operations Risk-rating Tool Risk Category Rating at Approval Previous Rating Current Rating Political and Governance Substantial Substantial Substantial Macroeconomic Moderate Moderate Moderate Sector Strategies and Policies Low Low Low Technical Design of Project or Program Substantial Substantial Substantial Institutional Capacity for Implementation and Sustainability Substantial Substantial Substantial Fiduciary Substantial Substantial Substantial 12/19/2019 Page 2 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Local Communities Project (P145316) Environment and Social Moderate Moderate Moderate Stakeholders Substantial Substantial Substantial Other -- -- Substantial Overall Substantial Substantial Substantial Results PDO Indicators by Objectives / Outcomes change to sustainable practices among community members following basic training sensitization IN00787066 ►Grievances registered related to delivery of project benefits addressed (%) (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 100.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 31-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 The GRM became functional in May 2019 and so far there are no registered grievances as of yet. Comments: IN00787068 Grievances related to delivery of project benefits that are addressed-(number) (Number, Custom Supplement) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 20.00 IN00787070 ►Percentage of women and migrants (of the total) grantees that execute subprojects (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 50.00 50.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 Approximately 50-60% of grant recipients were women. The analysis showing the exact number will be Comments: complete by the next ISR IN00787072 ►Project beneficiaries who, without grants, apply knowledge acquired through sensitization/basic training to implement sub- projects that contribute directly to FIP and REDD+ objectives (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 15.00 Date 02-Apr-2017 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 Comments: This has not yet been evaluated by the M&E team. This will be evaluated at mid-term. strengthen practices of targetted local communities in the selected regions in REDD+ IN00787067 12/19/2019 Page 3 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Local Communities Project (P145316) ►Change to sustainable practices among community members following basic training sensitization and education on REDD+ and climate change (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 27.59 27.59 50.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 The project targeted a total of 1100 basic trainees. However, a higher turnout rate of 17,300 was achieved (used for the computation) in 2018 alone. The proportion was achieved through a survey of Comments: basic trainee participants in 2018. IN00787069 full sun cocoa to shade cocoa (Percentage, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 39.70 39.70 20.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 IN00787071 non-renewable energy to sustainable sources (Percentage, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 13.24 13.24 10.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 IN00787073 increase in tree plantings (Percentage, Custom Breakdown) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 29.84 29.84 20.00 Date 02-Mar-2016 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 IN00787074 ►Proportion of grantees who use G-DGM Community grants to implement/practice sub-projects that contribute directly to FIP and REDD+ objectives (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 22.64 22.64 75.00 Date 02-Mar-2016 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 IN00787075 Proportion of grantees who use CBO grants to implement/practice sub-projects that contribute directly to FIP and REDD+ objectives (Percentage, Custom Supplement) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 77.78 77.78 40.00 IN00787076 Proportion of grantees who use G-DGM Individual grants to implement/practice sub-projects that contribute directly to FIP and REDD+ objectives (Percentage, Custom Supplement) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 65.00 IN00787077 12/19/2019 Page 4 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Local Communities Project (P145316) Proportion of grantees who use G-DGM Community grants to implement/practice sub-projects that contribute directly to FIP and REDD+ objectives (Percentage, Custom Supplement) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 22.64 22.64 65.00 IN00787078 ►65 percent of community initiatives are successfully completed and achieve their stated objectives, which are consistent with REDD+ and FIP objectives (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 65.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 Completion does not mean that the activity has been done but rather that it is successful. Success is assessed 6 months after the intervention has occurred. For example, seeds planted is not Comments: success. Success is seeds having grown into viable seedlings over a period of 6 months. IN00787079 ►Percentage of grantees that express satisfaction with the project (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 84.00 70.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 11-Mar-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 As this ISR is an interim one, the indicator will be updated after the next implementation support mission. Comments: Overall Comments PDO There are a few updates to the results table since May. For example, a satisfaction survey was complete showing that 84% of participants were highly satisfied with the project. The total sample size was 1691. However, for most indicators, the last update was May, 2019 and the M&E team will do additional ground surveys and data analysis in the coming year. The mid term review, slated for April, will focus on reviewing the relevancy of each indicator in measuring the PDO. Adjustments, as necessary, will be made at that point. Intermediate Results Indicators by Components Component 1 Capacity Building for Local Communities IN00787080 ►Proportion of selected community members who successfully complete basic training in REDD+/climate change (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 75.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 06-May-2019 06-May-2019 29-Apr-2022 The total number of community members who were given the awareness training is not yet known (module 1). A survey was carried out in 2018 and the report is not out yet. This report should provide the total number of community members who benefitted from the awareness training (module 1). Based on Comments: this total number, the proportion of community members who completed the basic training (module 2) will then be calculated to report on the indicator in the next ISR. 12/19/2019 Page 5 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Local Communities Project (P145316) IN00787083 Number of Basic Training Participants (Number, Custom Supplement) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 17,300.00 17,300.00 1,100.00 IN00787085 Proportion of basic training participants that submit a proposal for funding(percentage) (Percentage, Custom Supplement) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 70.00 IN00787086 Total number of community members sensitized (Number, Custom Supplement) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 50,000.00 11,000.00 IN00787087 ►% of basic training participants exposed to successful REDD+ practices at national, regional or international levels (Percentage, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 0.00 5.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 11-Mar-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 There have been many opportunities to expose participants to REDD practices, however, M&E is still Comments: compiling the data. This will be available at the next mission (mid term review mission). Component 2: Sustainable and Adaptive Community Initiatives IN00787081 ►Number of Grants Awarded to Basic Training participants (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value 0.00 0.00 120.00 182.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 IN00787082 ►M&E data system effectively tracks number of trainees, proposals, awards and completion of implementation (Yes/No, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target Value No Yes Yes Yes Date 02-Mar-2017 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 M&E plan for the project has been developed and shared. Various templates have developed to enhance quality data capture at real time. Procurement and grants application and award mechanism have also Comments: been established. Appropriate communications and knowledge management strategies have also been put in place to document learnings and to disseminate project results. IN00787084 ►Number of result stories produced by grant recipients presented during local, regional and global knowledge sharing events (Number, Custom) Baseline Actual (Previous) Actual (Current) End Target 12/19/2019 Page 6 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Local Communities Project (P145316) Value 0.00 5.00 5.00 20.00 Date 02-Mar-2017 06-May-2019 17-Dec-2019 29-Apr-2022 Overall Comments IR The project is well underway with community, CBO and individual grantees having received their grants. At this stage, the project is monitoring implementation of the activities as well as providing technical assistance to all the grantees. Many of the solar boreholes are drilled and trees planted. The success lies in the actual operation of these investments. The project team is performing excellently in terms of its operationalization in the field. If there are funds remaining, the project will write a summary of best practice for operationalizing a project- how many staff are needed, budget, how to manage field operationalizing in a cost effective manner, how to engage stakeholders, etc. Data on Financial Performance Disbursements (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Currency Original Revised Cancelled Disbursed Undisbursed % Disbursed P145316 TF-A3349 Effective USD 5.50 5.50 0.00 2.87 2.63 52% Key Dates (by loan) Project Loan/Credit/TF Status Approval Date Signing Date Effectiveness Date Orig. Closing Date Rev. Closing Date P145316 TF-A3349 Effective 26-Apr-2017 19-May-2017 18-Aug-2017 30-Nov-2021 30-Nov-2021 Cumulative Disbursements 12/19/2019 Page 7 of 8 The World Bank Implementation Status & Results Report Dedicated Grant Mechanism for Local Communities Project (P145316) Restructuring History There has been no restructuring to date. Related Project(s) There are no related projects. 12/19/2019 Page 8 of 8