Vanuatu Value Chain (VaVaC) development - final evaluation

This final evaluation examines the VaVaC Programme, launched in 2018 to support Vanuatu’s rural economy through budget support and technical assistance. The Programme aims to strengthen climate-resilient value chains in coconut, beef, and fruits and vegetables, aligned with national policies such as the NSDP, OPSP and TPF. It provided EUR 25 million in budget support and EUR 4.5 million in technical assistance. 

The evaluation notes that repeated natural disasters, political changes and a cyberattack disrupted government operations and affected implementation. The Programme remained relevant, with the selected value chains still central to rural livelihoods. Budget support enabled flexible resource allocation, particularly during Cyclones Judy and Kevin, and contributed to increased recurrent budgets for MALFB and MTC. Technical assistance supported training, policy updates and improvements in public financial management, including revisions of key legislation and strengthened reporting. Direct outputs such as coconut replanting reached targets, while progress in fruits and vegetables and livestock faced climatic and structural constraints. Induced outcomes included better budget structures, improved transparency through audited financial statements and enhanced market data systems such as KIMS. However, limited monitoring and evaluation capacity, scarce data and difficulties in quantifying beneficiaries restricted assessment of outcomes. 

The evaluation highlights that private sector investment remains limited, and value chain development is still at an early stage. Stakeholder coordination platforms like the Public-Private Working Groups have supported dialogue, though outreach to civil society was constrained. Overall, the Programme showed important advances in policy alignment and groundwork for value chain strengthening, but sustained progress will require continued support and improved M&E systems.