BGI Consulting has conducted an ex-post evaluation of Rural Development Programme for Lithuania 2007-2013. The objective of the Rural Development Programme for Lithuania 2007-2013 was to ensure growth by improving the competitiveness of agricultural and forestry sectors, as well as creating possibilities for diversification of economic activities and improving the quality of life in rural areas, meanwhile enhancing the human, environmental and other countryside values and reducing disparities between rural and urban areas, as well as separate regions. 28 measures have been implemented under the Programme. The total amount of the financial support disbursed and declared to the EC was equal to 2.28 billion EUR.
The objective of the ex-post evaluation was to assess the achievements, social, economic and environmental impact of the Programme, as well as the impact on the implementation of the Community’s priorities. Wide range of qualitative and quantitative methods were applied in ex-post evaluation such as documents, monitoring and statistical data analysis, macroeconomic modelling using HERMIN model, counterfactual analysis of two measures, survey of beneficiaries, representatives from the main institutions of the management and administration system and representatives from Local Action Groups and interviews as well.
During the evaluation, relevance of the Programme in the context of country’s social-economic changes, internal and external complementarity of the Programme’s measures and measures under other operational programmes supported by the EU funds of 2007-2013, the First Pillar of Common Agricultural Policy and national policy, effectiveness and impact were determined. Macroeconomic modelling using HERMIN model revealed the extent to which the investments of the Programme contributed to economic growth of rural areas, employment growth, and competitiveness of agriculture and forestry sectors. As a result of detailed analysis of management and implementation system of the Programme, problems were identified and recommendations were provided.
The evaluation was commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania. The results of the evaluation were presented to the Monitoring Committee on 22nd November, 2016.