Ongoing evaluation of the programme 'National Network of Germany, 2015-2024'

The evaluation report (2023) is an ongoing evaluation of the programme 'National Network for Rural Areas in Germany' and assesses results, their relevance and the implementation of programme objectives for 2022.

The evaluation focuses on the activities of the National Network in engaging stakeholders, facilitating knowledge transfer and supporting regional actors in responding to local challenges. It assesses whether the network pursues and implements an appropriate strategy in line with programme objectives, while supporting optimisation of implementation during the current funding period and informing potential programme adjustments and the future ex post evaluation

The evaluation combines both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Objectives, measures, and impacts were documented according to an intervention logic. Data and documents provided by the National Network were analysed, complemented by discussions with responsible staff and a guided interview with the Head of Unit.

The evaluation of Germany’s National Rural Network activities, like the ongoing evaluations from the previous funding period, is grounded in the recommended program-specific output and result indicators from the ex-ante evaluation, along with program-specific evaluation questions, which the evaluator further refined in consultation with the client. These elements enable comprehensive assessments of the activities carried out under all European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) priorities and cross-cutting issues, as well as the results and impacts achieved.

The quantified assessment is based on the assumption that the networking body does not sponsor its own EAFRD projects and operates instead as an interface linking European- and national-level actors with local, economic, social and environmental partners and potential beneficiaries; the evaluation also notes reliance on provisional National Network data, with clarification foreseen in the subsequent ex post evaluation.

Overall, programme implementation for the evaluation period is assessed as time- and target-compliant, with programme-specific output and result indicators confirming a good level of implementation. In 2022, networking activities combined federal-level approaches with decentralised, regionalised offers, reaching 2 557 participants through 23 events (including workshops, conferences and transfer visits), while maintaining a broad communication mix (website, social media, publications and newsletter). The overall distribution of funds remains consistent with the previous funding period, reflecting the continued implementation of activities and planned resource allocation.

The evaluation concludes that no programme adjustment or change in the orientation of implementation activities is required and that programme-specific objectives, as well as those of the partnership agreement and community strategy, were achieved during the period under consideration. It recommends continuing the combined central and regionalised networking approach, maintaining strong involvement of regional and local actors, further developing new project fields and regularly reviewing communication formats to ensure their effectiveness and relevance for target groups.