Trade and Global Value Chains Initiative

This document describes an evaluation of the Trade and Global Value Chains Initiative (TGVCI) and related programs aimed at achieving social and economic upgrading in the Ready Made Garments industry in Bangladesh and horticulture in South Africa and Kenya. The evaluation, conducted by the Evaluation Management Unit and other evaluators, utilized a theory-based methodology, mixed methods, and the OECD DAC Evaluation Criteria. Results showed that while projects are relevant to social upgrading challenges, there is a need for a clearer connection between social and economic upgrading, and for addressing complex social issues such as worker housing and labor brokerage. The evaluations found evidence of social upgrading leading to economic benefits, but more research is needed to confirm these findings and to address environmental and living wage concerns. Recommendations include improving project design and implementation, stronger monitoring, longer project durations, better local engagement, and systemic engagement with NGOs and industry initiatives for broader change and sustainable sourcing. Challenges such as gender discrimination, low wages, and inadequate living conditions persist, and while there have been improvements in labor management and industry standards, significant challenges remain. The evaluations also highlight the need for more robust impact evaluations, the importance of quality and communication in the garment sector, and the potential for systemic change through demonstration effects. The effectiveness of coalitions and the need for external investment for sustainable social upgrading are discussed, with a conclusion that further analysis is needed to validate the long-term impact and cost-effectiveness of these interventions. **This summary was written by an AI model and therefore should not be considered a definitive summary of the report. If you are aware of inaccuracies, please email evaluation.registry@cabinetoffice.gov.uk.**

Description

• Lead department: Closed organisation: Department for International Development
• Evaluation stage: A complete evaluation report
• Other departments: No other departments listed
• Evaluation types: Impact evaluation; Process evaluation
• Impact methods: Theory-based methods
• Theory-based methods: Other
• Process methods: Focus groups or group interviews; Individual interviews
• Grant information: This intervention is not distributing funding via a grant
• Government Major Project information: This intervention is not a major project
• Policies: No policies provided

Event Dates

• Event Name: Publication of final results
• Event date: August 2016

Evaluation Costs

• Cost: Not provided

Evaluation sharing

• Link(s) to published report(s): Yes
• Links to evaluation plans: No link provided
• Links to published evaluations (DEBUGGING): No final report link found.
• Findings: Not provided
• Permission to share confirmed: Yes