FY2022 MOFA ODA Evaluation Results
Evaluation of “Japan’s Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development Programme to Cuba in JFY 2016”
| Chief Evaluator | KATSUMA Yasushi Professor, Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University |
| Consultant | Global Group 21 Japan, Inc. |
| Period of the Evaluation Study | June 2022 to January 2023 |
| Field Survey Country | Cuba |
Background, Objectives, and Scope of the Evaluation
The main purpose of this study was to conduct a project-level evaluation of “Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development Programme for Cuba in JFY 2016” (grant amount: 1.05 billion yen) implemented by MOFA, and to derive recommendations and lessons learned for the planning and implementation of future ODA from the evaluation results, as well as to ensure accountability to the public. The Project under evaluation was implemented to maintain and improve the waste collection capacity in Havana City by providing Japanese waste collection equipment (100 garbage compactors, spare parts and maintenance equipment), thereby contributing to economic and social development through improving the sanitation environment in the country, and supporting the overseas expansion of Japanese companies.
Summary of Evaluation Results
(1) Relevance of the Plan
This project was highly consistent with the waste management needs of Havana City, and is in line with Japan’s economic cooperation policy toward Cuba, which emphasizes the environmental protection sectors. The Project was highly significant in helping Cuba return to the international community by providing assistance to improve the country’s balance of international payments situations, and was timely in that it coincided with the 120th anniversary of Japanese immigration to Cuba and the 90th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Cuba. The implementation structure of this project was consistent with the standard implementation structure and workflow of MOFA’s Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development Programme. JICA’s experience in technical cooperation was utilized in determining equipment specifications and planning spare parts. Training, the provision of Spanish manuals, the deployment of maintenance equipment, and the supply of a larger-than-usual number of spare parts ensured that the capacity and systems were in place to properly operate, maintain, and manage the garbage compactors. It took eight months before the agent agreement was signed, but other than that, the project was properly executed according to the standard flow.
(Evaluation Result: Satisfactory)
(2) Effectiveness of Results
Due to price reductions achieved through competitive bidding, a greater number of garbage compactors than planned were provided, and these vehicles are being used for waste collection and transportation in Havana City. Although some vehicles were temporarily out of service due to a shortage of tires etc., and some vehicles remain out of service due to a lack of spare parts, the amount of waste collected by the garbage compactors has increased dramatically, and the project is showing positive effects on waste collection and sanitation in Havana City. The diplomatic effects of the project are very pronounced, as it was implemented in conjunction with the 500th anniversary of the Havana City Government, and is widely recognized by citizens as garbage compactors with the Japanese flag painted on them drive around the city on a daily basis. Due to the difficult business environment in Cuba, the contribution to support for overseas expansion of Japanese companies is not evident. Although the response to the U.S. policy toward Cuba affected the procurement schedule, it was properly implemented in accordance with the standard implementation structure and workflow. Follow-up is being conducted appropriately.
(Evaluation Result: Satisfactory)
*Ratings: Highly Satisfactory; Satisfactory; Partially Satisfactory; Unsatisfactory
Recommendations and Lessons Learned, Based on the Evaluation Results
Recommendations
(1) Continuous Operation of Equipment through Procurement of Spare Parts
The lack of spare parts is hindering the continued effectiveness of this project. Since there are significant constraints on the procurement of spare parts by the Cuban government, when the Japanese government implements a new Grant Aid for Economic and Social Development Programme for Cuba, it should consider including spare parts required for the equipment procured under this project in its contents to promote the continued effectiveness of the project.
(2) Study of Waste Reduction and Securing a New Final Disposal Site Based on the Experience of Neighboring Countries
Securing a new disposal site is an urgent issue for Havana City. As Cuba considers practical solutions, it is highly significant to learn from the various efforts of neighboring countries and form networks with similar organizations and experts. JICA, which has expertise in technical cooperation in neighboring countries and is emphasizing cooperation in urban waste management in Cuba, could take the lead in holding regional workshops on urban waste management, etc., and Cuba could learn from the experiences of neighboring countries through triangular cooperation and other means.
(3) Consideration of Assistance to Help Improve the Situation Surrounding Cuba’s Balance of International Payments
From the perspective of Japan’s national interest, it is important for Cuba to repay its debts in order to encourage Cuba’s return to the international community. To this end, it is necessary to improve the situation surrounding the balance of international payments in Cuba. In the short term, food aid such as rice should be provided, while in the medium term, as in this case, assistance could include the provision of equipment that is essential for improving the lives of Cuban citizens but cannot be purchased from overseas due to economic sanctions and a lack of foreign currency. It will be important to provide balanced assistance from both short- and medium-term perspectives.
Lessons Learned
(1) Grant Aid Aimed at Synergistic Effects with Continuous Technical Cooperation
The project benefited from advanced, continuous technical cooperation by JICA provided to the same implementing agency, which led to the accumulation of useful information and experience, a relationship of trust with the implementing agency, and an understanding of Japan’s assistance on the part of the implementing agency. By utilizing such information and a good relationship at the planning and implementation stages, the project was implemented smoothly and its effect was enhanced. In considering grant aid projects, there should preferably be collaboration with advanced technical cooperation with the same implementing agency, in order to achieve synergistic effects.
(2) Identifying the Need for Spare Parts
If it is difficult to procure spare parts in a timely manner due to the circumstances of the partner government, it is possible to procure spare parts generously at the same time as the provision of the equipment, as was done in this case. Also, there are cases where it is difficult to procure spare parts in a timely manner because the wear and tear of spare parts may be more severe than usual depending on the degree of operation of the equipment and the operating environment. In such cases, it is necessary to procure as many spare parts as possible at the same time as provision of the equipment, after fully understanding the situation and making a realistic estimation of the wear rate of spare parts.
(3) Diplomatic Spillover Effects from Essential Assistance in Daily Life
The garbage compactor of this project, with the Japanese flag painted on its prominent orange body, drives around Havana City on a daily basis. The assistance, which coincided with the 500th anniversary of the Havana City Government, was covered by television, radio, and newspapers. The fact that Japan provided assistance in the form of important equipment essential to the daily lives of citizens is widely known and highly appreciated by Havana citizens. Therefore, in order to achieve a large diplomatic ripple effect in grant aid, it is important to provide assistance for equipment that is indispensable for daily life and often seen by residents.
Garbage compactor