Technical Assistance for the Rural Development Project of the GAP Regional

Project Description

The Rural Development Project of the GAP Regional Development Programme aimed at alleviating poverty through the strengthening and diversification of rural based sustainable income generation in the Southeast Anatolia of Turkey. The Beneficiary of the Project is the Prime Ministry, Southeastern Anatolia Project Regional Development Administration (GAP-RDA).

The Technical Assistance Team (TAT) supported the EC Representation to Turkey and the GAP-RDA in delivery of inputs and timely and effective implementation of the activities to be supported through various grant schemes amounting MEURO 20 through the following activities:

Carrying out baseline surveys and needs analyses;
Propose new selection criterion for disbursement of inputs through call for proposals (supplies, works and grants) to the final beneficiaries;
Assist the EC Representation for preparation and evaluation of supply and works tenders, launching and evaluation of call for proposals;
Provide technical assistance and training to potential grant applicants and to grant recipients for implementation and monitoring of the project activities, etc.

The following main tasks have been undertaken by the Technical Assistance Team:

Assistance to GAP-RDA for distribution of supplies procured through pilot tenders(s)
Provision of technical assistance and training to grant recipients
Assistance to GAP-RDA in drafting and finalising the additional supply tender documents and call for proposals
Design and provision of training on EU grant schemes/PCM to potential applicants
Provision of feedback to unsuccessful grant applicants of the first call
Analysis of the possibility of establishing a new or up-grading an existing re-payment scheme with regard to the grant scheme
Monitor and supervise each project closely with site visits
Carry out a final evaluation on completed projects
Disseminate information to final beneficiaries through meetings, conferences, by audio/visual materials, etc.
Establish a Management Information System
Design an exit strategy for ensuring the sustainability of the project and also organise activities for dissemination of project results.

Services provided:

Provision of international and local long/short term technical assistance in all of the identified areas of expertise throughout the implementation of the project
In-service training for the TAT members on PCM and EC procurement procedures
Strong backstopping including regular meetings with the EC Representation, GAP-RDA and the TAT
Assistance to GAP RDA in the design, implementation and monitoring of the activities of the whole project
Regular monitoring and analysis on the implementation of activities financed through grant schemes
Strengthening of co-operation with other relevant EU programmes and other donors involved in the field of rural development
• Training