THE EVALUATION OF RURAL EMPOWERMENT AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT SCALLING UP INITIATIVE (READ-SI) PROGRAM IN NORTH LUWU DISTRICT, SOUTH SULAWESI PROVINCE

Abstract

This study evaluates the Rural Empowerment and Agricultural Development Scaling- Up Initiative (READSI) Program in the District of North Luwu. The evaluation uses the descriptive qualitative approach and data from interview as well as documentation study while also consider various criteria of evaluation including effectiveness, efficiency, adequacy, alignment, responsiveness, and accuracy. The READSI program showed effectiveness in achieving most of the main goals, particularly in increasing the income of farmers and agricultural development. The positive impacts were presented through increasing of income and production and access to the financial institution. However, the program experienced inefficiency in its implementation, with an average of financing realization only reached 82%. This program has yet to be fully met the expectation to improve the income of farmers and had to address the issues of inequality regarding the distribution of assistance to farmer’s households. The READSI program also showed positive responses in regard to the training program received by the family farmer though it has yet to meet the accuracy of expectation level on the assistance to the farmers. Overall, the READSI program showed a significant potential in increasing the well-being of farmers in the North Luwu district North, especially in development agriculture and income improvement. However, some improvements are needed in term of efficiency, adequacy, alignment, and accuracy. We recommend further improvement and evaluation to be conducted to ensure that objectives of the program can be efficient and equitably achieved for greater impact to the farmer’s group.