NAEB undertakes evaluations of the ongoing projects and schemes operated by it in order to assess achievement against the set objectives, as well as evaluating strengths and weaknesses of various technologies used so that appropriate amendment in the current schemes of NAEB could be made for greater efficiency.

Evaluations undertaken include:

(a) First concurrent evaluation of FDA projects under NAP Scheme, and projects under Grants-in-Aid to Voluntary Agencies Scheme;

(b) Study of tree planting under 20-Point Programme in selected districts of India;

(c) Monitoring of area coverage and survival percentage in selected FDAs by Forest Survey of India;

(d) Interactive meetings on Monitoring and Evaluation of FDA projects under NAP at regional level

(e) Mid-term evaluation of the schemes operated by NAEB to assess their feasibility for continuation in the XI Plan.

During 2009-10, it is proposed to undertake independent evaluations of 50 sample FDA projects and tree planting in 50 sample districts. Besides, desertification monitoring is also proposed to be initiated in collaboration with Space Application Centre and Forest Survey of India. For 2009-10, an outlay of Rs. 1.05 crores has been approved.
Monitoring and Evaluation mechanism under the National Afforestation Programme

• The financial procedures of the State Forest Departments as well the respective norms for field inspection, checking of work etc. are also applicable to FDA projects.

• The release of funds to the FDAs by the MoEF in 3rd year is subject to the 1st independent concurrent evaluation of each FDA. Each FDA is provided with up to 2% of the cost of plantation for monitoring by self, and also for commissioning 1st concurrent evaluation during 24-36 months of the project by an independent agency.

In addition to the above regular mechanisms of monitoring, the NAP Scheme has special mechanisms which together constitute the multi-level monitoring system. These are:

• National-level Steering Committee (NLSC) of NAP: chaired by Secretary, MoEF, the NLSC has member representatives from JFMCs and the State Governments. The committee mainly reviews the State-wise progress of the Scheme and deliberates on the issues which require Central Government’s attention.

• State-level coordination Committee (SLCC) of NAP: chaired by Chief Secretary, the SLCC has member representatives from various line departments to review the progress of the scheme within the State and improve its effectiveness by involving other departments as well. An officer of MoEF has also now been made a member of the SLCC so that the priorities and concerns identified by the Central Government are also addressed by the State Government.

• Sample 1st Independent Concurrent Evaluation of FDA projects : In addition to concurrent evaluation commissioned by The FDAs themselves, the MoEF also commissions concurrent evaluations on a sample basis. So far, 353FDA projects have been subjected to such sample evaluation. The evaluators are of repute, including the Indian Institute of Managements. The follow-up on the recommendation of these reports is ensured in the following manner :-

i. A summary of the findings of each report is sent to the State Forest Department at various levels and an action taken report is sought as required.

ii. Reports are discussed in a One-day Regional Interactive Monitoring & Evaluation Workshop organized by the Regional Centres (RCs) of National Afforestation and Eco-development Board (NAEB) each year. Besides the evaluators of the FDA projects, the workshop is attended by the CEOs and chairpersons of the concerned FDAs and the Nodal Officer (FDA) of each State so that on-the-spot appreciation of the main issues for immediate and long-term follow-up occur. The methodologies of the evaluations are also discussed for continuous updation and improvement. So far in the whole exercise of M&E, these workshops have been most popular and efficient in terms of sensitization of field officers for required improvement in the scheme.

• Thematic Monitoring and Concurrent Evaluation

• Sample Check of Area Coverage and Survival Percentage of Plantations in FDA projects: The MoEF has commissioned the Forest Survey of India to undertake a scientific and well-structured assessment of the actual area and survival percentage f one-year old seedlings in FDA plantations. 210 FDAs are being sampled in a project which has started in 2003-04, and which envisaged undertaking sample checks in 60 FDAs each year through 2005-06 and 30 FDAs in 2006-07. The methodology and the results are also discussed in the Regional Interactive Workshops mentioned above.

• Special Studies on Joint Forest Management and FDAs: Thematic studies are also launched from time to time to assess the programme related aspects of certain issues. Each study is awarded through a highly competitive two-stage national-level bidding process, following an elaborate procedure for drawing the Terms of Reference for each study. The following major thematic areas have been covered:-

a. Degree of institutionalization: study completed.
b. Degree of participation: study completed..
c. Social risk assessment: study completed.
d. Gender aspects of JFM/FDA: study completed.
e. Social diversity aspects of JFM/FDA: study completed.
f. Markets for small-scale producers in JFM/FDA: study completed.

• Studies by Regional Centres of NAEB: As part of their routine activity, the Regional Centres of NAEB also organize training, workshops and studies for small-scale themes identified by the States during the half-yearly Advisory Management Committee meeting of each Regional Centre.

• Mid-term Evaluation of NAP Scheme: A national –level concurrent evaluation of the NAP scheme has been commissioned mainly with an objective to improving the scheme in the 11th Plan. The agency has submitted the final report of NAP Scheme.

Format for First Concurrent Evaluation of FDA Projects under NAP Scheme

Terms and Conditions for Evaluators

Targets and Achievements of National Afforestation Programme Scheme(NAP)