Madagascar - Connectivity for Rural Livelihood Improvement Project

Overview & Synopsis

Ratings of the Connectivity for Rural Livelihood Improvement Project for Madagascar were as follows: Outcome was satisfactory, Bank Performance was satisfactory, and M&E Quality was substantial. Lessons and recommendations are as follows: Project scope and costs should be grounded in realistic unit estimates and technical standards at preparation to avoid later scope reductions and delays; when feeder roads are central to outcomes, consider dedicated operations more closely linked to agricultural value chains, local employment, and tourism to maximize impact. Parallel but well-coordinated financing with other development partners can accelerate corridor results and mitigate delay risks compared to co‑financing, provided strong communication mechanisms are in place. Cross‑sector innovations should be integrated only when clearly justified by client demand and aligned with sector capacity; road operations should prioritize core infrastructure and sector reforms, while digital and service-oriented pilots are better pursued through instruments and institutions positioned to deliver them. Stronger enforcement of contracts is vital for safeguards compliance and quality; project coordination units should have the authority and confidence to apply contractual remedies, use performance-based criteria in contractor selection, link payments to environmental and social compliance, and enhance supervision of occupational health and safety (OHS) and road safety, particularly in populated areas; Design‑Build may suit spot improvements, while linear rehabilitation benefits from advance technical designs. Institutional strengthening should accompany physical investments to sustain outcomes, including frameworks for classifying, prioritizing, and maintaining rural roads, clearer mandates, asset management, and road safety systems; government commitment to sustain reforms is essential, and a coherent rural roads strategy should differentiate standards by function and demand, an agenda already supported through ongoing technical assistance.