Follow-up ODA Evaluation Results
The Implementation Status of Response Actions Taken for the Recommendations of Evaluations in FY2020
The following are the implementation status of response actions taken for the recommendations obtained from third-party evaluations in FY2020 (as of September 2022). (Link to the FY2020 evaluation reports) 
Evaluation of Japan’s ODA to Brazil
Recommendation 1: Enhancing the Strategic Nature of Development Cooperation
Implementation Status of Response Actions
In light of the recent situation with the conservation of Brazil’s rainforests attracting global attention, Japan is implementing strategic development cooperation, such as the “Project for improving control of illegal deforestation through advanced SAR and AI technologies in the Brazilian Amazon” that commenced in FY2021. Japan is also implementing development cooperation through a combination of various methods of cooperation. These include providing emergency relief supplies in the event of severe floods and landslide disasters which have been intensifying in Brazil, and having Japanese experts in disaster preparedness participate in surveys of landslide disaster sites and reviews of recovery methods conducted by the relevant parties in Brazil, by utilizing past and ongoing cooperation in the field of disaster preparedness. Japan is also actively disseminating information about these initiatives through social media and other means, and its efforts have also been covered by Brazilian and Japanese media.
Recommendation 2: Strengthening Partnerships through Support for Brazil’s Transition from a Recipient to a Donor Based on Triangular Cooperation
Implementation Status of Response Actions
At the annual meeting of the Japan-Brazil Partnership Program (JBPP), the good practices and lessons drawn from triangular cooperation, which were compiled through the present evaluation, were shared. Reviews will continue to be held on the development of triangular cooperation, including measures toward the efficient and prompt implementation of triangular cooperation such as the introduction of electronic signatures on various documents.
Recommendation 3: Enhanced Dialogue among Countries Involved in Triangular Cooperation
Implementation Status of Response Actions
Japan continues to conduct regular consultations with the Brazilian Cooperation Agency and continues to engage in talks with the Agency on the monitoring of ongoing projects as well as overall policy including the future direction of cooperation. With regard to trilateral monitoring and evaluation systems for projects that are being implemented, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has made it difficult for trainees to travel while posing challenges to the dispatch of experts and survey teams to Brazil, the ODA recipient, for the formulation of detailed plans. Hence, while adapting flexibly with online meetings, reviews will continue to be carried out with an eye on the status of the pandemic.
Recommendation 4: Promotion of the Resolution of Social Issues through Public-Private Partnerships
Implementation Status of Response Actions
The Open Innovation Challenge, TSUBASA, has been established by co-organizers JICA and IDB Lab (an innovation laboratory of the Inter-American Development Bank). This initiative promotes environment development toward the resolution of social issues not only in business-to-government (BtoG) frameworks, but also in business-to-business (BtoB) frameworks. For example, start-up companies participated in a challenge related to carbon credits targeted at Brazil. JICA and the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) also hold frequent consultations at the field level, and have a mutual cooperation system in place for supporting start-ups. In addition, JICA’s domestic offices and JETRO collaborate to provide support for the implementation of Brazil business seminars.
Evaluation of Japan’s ODA to Mongolia
Recommendation 1: Formulation of Clearer Regional Development Strategies and Rolling plans for Sustainable Economic Growth and Stable Social Development in Mongolia
Implementation Status of Response Actions
In the next revision to Japan’s country assistance policy, the key parts of the JICA Country Analysis Paper (JCAP), which provides information from the development aspect, were formulated and submitted to MOFA. This proposed outline was formulated in consultation with the Mongolian government, the World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), while maintaining consistency with the economic cooperation policies of these organizations. With regard to regional development strategy, it is now the time for the Mongolian side to formulate a development strategy that brings out the characteristics of each region that matches their resources and development conditions. There are plans to formulate region-based support measures based on these Mongolian-side policies.
Recommendation 2: Enhancement of Measures to Reduce Risks Posed by Frequent Personnel Reassignment
Implementation Status of Response Actions
With the amendment to the Civil Service Law of Mongolia in 2019, it has become mandatory for civil servants to return to the same posts after their studies abroad. The widespread implementation of the amended law after its enforcement has gradually secured the continuity of projects. As a result of the improved ability of civil servant candidates, the passing rate improved by 2.8 points year-on-year in 2022. Hence, we can say that there is a trend toward the gradual fulfillment of capable human resources for the civil service. In the aspect of project implementation, by adding not only the competent ministry but also agencies under their umbrellas to the working groups as counterpart organizations for the projects, efforts are ongoing to introduce forms of cooperation that retain knowhow widely in the relevant organizations.
Recommendation 3: Enhancement of Measures for Countries with Frequent Government Reorganization
Implementation Status of Response Actions
In January 2022, the Mongolian National Development Agency was reorganized as the Ministry of Economy Development, and there were changes to the department in charge of economic cooperation as a result. However, efforts were made to minimize the impact of this reorganization on cooperative relations through prompt and timely gathering of information, and explanations of Japan’s cooperation policy to the Ministry at an early stage, among other measures. Although no parliamentary elections have been held since 2020 when this country assistance evaluation was conducted, efforts will be made to gather information about election trends toward the next elections scheduled for 2024.
Recommendation 4: Clarification of the Division of Roles in Projects Involving Multiple Government Ministries/Agencies
Implementation Status of Response Actions
Following up from trials implemented in projects such as the “Project for Strengthening Teachers’ Ability and Reasonable Treatments for Children with Disabilities (START)” (Phase 1: August 2015 – July 2019, Phase 2: September 2020 – 2024 (scheduled)) and the “Project for Promoting Social Participation of Persons with Disabilities in Ulaanbaatar City” (May 2016 – May 2020), it has been decided that working groups comprising members from the Ministry of Education and Science and the Ministry of Health will be established at the launch of the upcoming “Project for the Establishment of Hospital Management and Medical Services at the Mongolia-Japan Teaching Hospital” (scheduled to commence in 2022). These working groups will hold meetings quarterly during the project period, aiming to ensure that cooperation is obtained corresponding to changes in the situation during its implementation.
Evaluation of Japan’s ODA to the Republic of Rwanda
Recommendation 1: Continued Promotion of Development That Will Benefit the Poor
Implementation Status of Response Actions
To consolidate and further realize the effects of ODA loans (yen loans) related to nutrition, Japan dispatches nutrition advisors and provides support for the formulation of government plans to promote nutrition and their monitoring. In the areas of water and hygiene, the technical cooperation project, “The Project for WASAC Utility Turnaround with KAIZEN Approach,” has commenced, through which Japan is providing support for a stable water supply for people including the poor, by enhancing the services of water utility entities in Kigali and strengthening measures on non-revenue water (water that cannot be charged for due to water leakage or theft). In the education sector, the “Project to Strengthen Primary School Mathematics and Science with the Use of ICT” has been launched to provide support for improving the quality of education and access to education by promoting its digitalization. Support is also ongoing through the Grant Aid for Japanese NGO Projects. For example, in order to generate revenue and create employment in the rural areas, job training related to road maintenance is being conducted for local residents in rural areas, including the poor.
Recommendation 2: Supporting Rwanda in Becoming an ICT Knowledge Hub in Africa
Implementation Status of Response Actions
In the technical cooperation project “Digital & Innovation Promotion Project” in the field of ICT, Japan plans to collaborate by utilizing the networks of the Chamber of Commerce and Services in Rwanda to gain cooperation in introducing local partners and selecting demonstration projects. In this technical cooperation project and “Project NINJA,” which supports entrepreneurs with a view to creating business innovation, efforts are also ongoing to carve out networking opportunities with neighboring countries.
Recommendation 3: Facilitation of Collaboration with Diverse Actors Including Japanese Enterprises
Implementation Status of Response Actions
With a view to nurturing Rwandan human resources who are knowledgeable about Japan, and promoting the utilization of networks between Rwandan and Japanese corporations, Japan continues to implement the African Business Education Initiative for Youth (ABE Initiative), creating opportunities to match human resources with corporations in Japan. The technical cooperation project “Digital & Innovation Promotion Project” in the field of ICT has commenced, and efforts will continue to be made to create opportunities for cooperation between corporations in both countries. The JICA Chair Initiative has been launched to conduct lectures continuously on Japan’s development at the University of Rwanda, and there are ongoing efforts to promote cooperation with universities.
Recommendation 4: Strengthening of Support for Economic Partnerships across the EAC Region
Implementation Status of Response Actions
While paying close attention to the situation in EAC member states, in addition to setting up and conducting capacity-building training for One Stop Border Posts (OSBP: Aimed at facilitating logistics by making it possible to complete the export/import procedures at a single stop, which usually need to be carried out at both the departure and entry countries), which have been implemented, Japan is also providing a wide range of support and implementing surveys, such as the procurement of X-ray scanners and other equipment through grant aid in association with international organizations, and basic surveys on health conditions at borders.
Recommendation 5: More Active Consideration and Disclosure of Regional Circumstances in the EAC and African Great Lakes Region
Implementation Status of Response Actions
In revising the Country Development Cooperation Policy in the future, Japan is considering taking account of regional circumstances and incorporating the results into the policy as far as possible.
Recommendation 6: Promotion of Information Disclosure on Contributions to International Organizations and Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects
Implementation Status of Response Actions
Information on Japan’s ODA to Rwanda, including the handover ceremony for projects funded by contributions to international organizations and the project details of Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, have been published on the website of the Embassy of Japan in Rwanda.
Economic and Social Development Programme for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in FY2015
Recommendation 1: Necessity of More Detailed Project Explanation
Implementation Status of Response Actions
In explanations of the Economic and Social Development Programme thereafter, efforts are being made to provide detailed and easy-to-understand explanations on project background, development issues, decision-making process on matters such as the selection of beneficiaries, and project development process.
Recommendation 2: Performance Management through the Introduction of an Objective Framework
Implementation Status of Response Actions
In the development of projects under the Economic and Social Development Programme, efforts are being made to develop projects with a greater focus on outcomes, as well as to manage outcomes better, through means such as sharing possible outcomes with the partner government from the early stages of project development.
Recommendation 3: Implementation of Effective Public Relations
Implementation Status of Response Actions
In publicizing individual projects, efforts are being made to ensure that the publicity facilitates deeper understanding among the citizens, while making sure that the contents are supportive toward Jordan, which plays an important role toward the stability of the Middle East region, and which has earnestly addressed economic and social issues amidst great difficulties. At the same time, efforts are also made to ensure that the contents proactively appeal for Japan’s support for refugees and humanitarian assistance, in its position as a responsible member of the international community.
Recommendation 4: Monitoring and Measurement of Effectiveness for the Operation and Maintenance of Equipment/Products
Implementation Status of Response Actions
Alongside continuous monitoring, efforts are also being made in later projects under the Economic and Social Development Programme to consult with the partner government on how to enable the capturing of management and operational status, and to explore the improvement of systems to the extent possible. While giving consideration to the COVID-19 pandemic conditions and other factors, monitoring will be carried out on usage status through field inspections where the circumstances permit.
Economic and Social Development Programme to the Republic of Mozambique in FY2017
Recommendation 1: Assignment and Management of Project Outcomes Based on Analysis of Development Needs
Implementation Status of Response Actions
There were some projects implemented to supply fuel or similar materials after the Evaluation. They were aimed at stabilizing fuel supply and prices in the market, as well as reducing the burden on strained government finances. Despite difficulties in setting the indicators for measuring the effects, efforts were made to provide concrete descriptions, as much as possible, on the anticipated effects in the press releases.
Recommendation 2: Improvement of Monitoring after Delivery of the Procured Product
Implementation Status of Response Actions
In similar projects, partner governments have been requested to submit reports on the usage of consumables and the status of producing effects.
Recommendation 3: Promotion of Domestic Publicity Efforts in Japan and Mozambique
Implementation Status of Response Actions
For projects to supply fuel, etc. that were implemented thereafter, efforts were made to write about the significance and importance of the projects in press releases in as much detail as possible. Partner governments have been requested to publicize projects to their citizens through opportunities such as signing ceremonies. There have also been cases where press conferences held jointly by the Foreign Minister of the partner country and the Japanese Ambassador were publicized to the local media.