DFID annual review highlights LIFT’s progress and future direction

LIFT received a score of A++, the highest score that a DFID programme can receive, in its recent 2018/19 annual review and this provides strong evidence of the impact that supporting the development of the Ethiopian land sector has had on smallholder farmers.

The review concluded that “LIFT continues to be a high performing programme“, thereby offering greater recognition for the excellent work and benefits of LIFT for a range of programme participants. The review further states that “LIFT has navigated a series of challenges … to continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in terms of economical and effective certification and administration of land, and reform of some of the supporting functions which govern how people are able to use their land, and is on track to surpass a number of the end of the programme targets well ahead of schedule.”

Recognising all those involved, LIFT’s Programme Manager congratulated staff and stated that “LIFT is now recognised as a world leader in terms of the speed, efficiency and number of parcels that have been certified (over 14 million demarcated), as well as being unique in combining the certification approach with market related interventions to improve access to finance and agricultural inputs as well as improving the land rental market. This all contributes to increased farmer incomes, better yields and increased agricultural production, ultimately contributing to the improvement of the Ethiopian economy.”

In the meantime, maintaining the high performance of LIFT during its final year is a high priority. To lead and guide the programme’s implementation towards a successful end, the review has put forward several important recommendations for the final programme year, to ensure successful completion by August 2020.