Rural Energy Development Programme (REDP) Evaluation

The REDP provides a holistic approach by means of community mobilisation and capacity building at the local, district and central levels of government.

The REDP trains local NGOs to form Functional Groups and define specific energy projects. Projects are financed by the local communities (labour and loans from the Agricultural Development Bank of Nepal), District funds, Village Development funds and through government subsidies. REDP gives grants of up to 40%.

Several schemes have already paid back their loans. In addition to provided energy, there are a number of valuable spin-offs such as opportunities for local entrepreneurs, environmental management of catchment areas, local institutional strengthening and the promotion of a sense of self-sufficiency.
 

Services provided

• Review social, environmental, institutional and economic results of the project
• Analyse project objectives, strategies and approaches
• Review how the project has evolved and changed – lessons learnt
• Explore linkages with other development projects, including other UNDP projects
• Assess institutional capacity building on local, district and central levels
• Analyse cost-effectiveness, technological inputs and NGO and private sector involvement
• Recommend model(s) for institutional development and upscaling of programme
• Investigate issues of subsidies, future donor resources and reduced UNDP funding