Independent Monitoring & Evaluation of Activities (Verification of Assets Created by ISG) under IWRMP, Component D and Additional Financing to IWRMP

Project Description

The World Bank has provided grant in the amount to Government of Nepal for Irrigation and Water Resource Management Project (IWRMP). The main theme of IWRMP is to improve irrigated agriculture productivity and management of selected irrigation schemes, and enhance capacity for integrated water resource management. Component -D have divided into three sub-components viz.; (a) Integrated crop and water management; (b) Improvement of water distribution structures at field level; and (c) Investment support for community and productive assets.
The main objectives of the consultancy services are:
• On a sample basis verify the physical assets purchased or created by the community i.e. by the Water User’s Association or by Farmers Groups under ICWMP and IWRMP Additional Financing programs
• On a sample basis verify the procurement procedure adopted by the community i.e. by Water User Association and/or by Farmers Groups under these programs
• On a sample basis, carry out impact assessment of ISG program and machinery distribution in terms of production and productivity, labor productivity, livelihood/income generation, availability of seeds, market accessibility etc.

Assignment Description

Assess and verify input delivery program, implementation process and immediate outcome of the projects. • Verify that the assets created/acquired under the programs are as per the specified and identified during their inception phase and they are properly at their specified location. • Verify that the user groups/associations are properly involved and associated with the asset’s use, up keeping, safety and security. • Verify that the asset are being put to their specified uses and properly maintained and thereof adequate records are also maintained. • Verify the participation of all target beneficiaries in decision making process in acquiring and maintenance of these assets. In doing so verify and confirm whether books of accounts as well as expenditure statements have been made available to all members for viewing, information on scheme approval, award of contracts, funds received, payments made and balances, have been shared with the group members and prominently displayed in the village at all time and updated regularly. • Verify the approximate valuation of assets at the field level. Verify whether proper accounting was done of contribution received from the members of WUAs and farmers group. • Check if the funds flows from the implementing departments (DoA and DoI) were adequate and timely and corresponded with the plan prepared by the WUAs/Groups. • Check all necessary supporting documents, records and books and statements of accounts are and/or have been maintained • For every asset verified, a checklist shall have been filled in and signed by the Consultant (Annex-I, Annex-II and Annex-III). • Based on these verification, make as far as possible, recommendations and suggestions to overcome the challenges of ICWMP and IWRMP Additional Financing implementation. • Assessment of impact of ISG program and machinery distribution in terms of production and productivity, labor productivity, livelihood/income generation, availability of seeds, market accessibility etc. • Preparation and submission of Inception, Draft and Final Reports.