A baseline study is a starting point for monitoring which provides a comprehensive characterization of a phenomenon or situation within a specified period so that later changes in its attributes as a result of an intervention can be measured. This provides a benchmark with which status in future years can be compared.
It is an essential component of monitoring and evaluation in any project. It helps in assessing the current situation, identifying gaps, and developing appropriate or problem specific interventions.
AGRA Niger Consortium just concluded a validation workshop of the draft baseline study reports which were submitted to the Consortium. The workshop comprised members of the academia, producers, processors, non-grantees, Extension Agents and Community Based Advisors.
The consultants were commended for their effort but areas for improvement were highlighted and deliberated on to harmonize views and perceptions. After much considerations it became very obvious that some more work need to be done to embellish the entire document including sourcing for primary data were necessary.
NANTS as the secretariat was commended by participants and consortium members for a job weldone in ensuring a successful conduct and facilitation of the workshop. To God be the glory always.