Introduction
International development initiatives often call for innovative approaches and collaboration to address local challenges in meaningful ways. For the Enhanced Pacific Market Access Partnership (EPMAP), the goal was clear—to strengthen export pathways for fresh horticultural produce in Pacific Island Countries (PICs) while addressing biosecurity concerns.
Midway through implementation, the programme required a comprehensive review to ensure it was meeting its goals effectively and adapting to Pacific contexts. Future Partners, a consultancy firm renowned for its expertise in international development and evaluations, was tasked with conducting an independent mid-term review. This case study highlights the breadth of work carried out by Future Partners, the methodology applied, and the outcomes that benefit both the partners and the client.
What We Did
Future Partners conducted a mid-term review of the EPMAP programme, which operates across five PICs— Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, and Vanuatu. This multi-year programme, delivered through New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), aimed to reduce biosecurity risks while opening sustainable export pathways for Pacific horticultural products to New Zealand. At the same time, the Team also reviewed the Enhanced Pacific Biosecurity Partnerships Programme.
Our review aimed to assess the programme’s progress in achieving its objectives and identify ways to increase its effectiveness and sustainability. The team evaluated the relevance and coherence of the programme objectives, examined its operational framework, reviewed its outcomes, and provided recommendations to guide the remaining phase and enhance long-term impact.
How We Did It
Adopting a holistic and participatory approach, Future Partners combined desk-based review, stakeholder interviews, and in-country field work. The team prepared an interview guide anchored in the OECD Development Assistance Committee’s evaluation framework, which prioritises coherence, relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
We collaborated closely with 74 key stakeholders, including government ministries, biosecurity agencies, growers, exporters, and regional organisations. These interviews helped us gather qualitative insights alongside quantitative data. Furthermore, in-person site visits to facilities such as heat treatment plants and biosecurity laboratories offered a detailed understanding of in-country challenges.
To analyse the data, we used thematic analysis to connect observations with the programme’s objectives. This was supplemented by rigorous triangulation to ensure validity across multiple data points. Throughout, ethical considerations were given priority, with clear communication to stakeholders about confidentiality and voluntary participation.
Findings and Recommendations
Our findings revealed that the EPMAP programme plays a crucial role in improving biosecurity and market access, aligning well with the objectives of partner countries and New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation Programme. It has positively impacted Pacific biosecurity agencies, enabling them to maintain export assurances. High-quality outputs, such as the reopening of export pathways for specific crops, were particularly noteworthy.
However, challenges were identified. The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) framework was not fully operationalised, which limited tracking progress and data collection. Deficiencies in the governance and operational structure impacted programme implementation, and overly ambitious timelines created capacity-building constraints in the participating countries.
Key recommendations included prioritising locally adapted solutions such as "train-the-trainer" modules to build in-house expertise and re-examining roles to enhance clarity across stakeholders. We also emphasised the importance of quarterly updates to country-specific work plans and refreshing the programme’s terms of reference to better manage overlapping initiatives with other regional organisations.
Benefit to Partners and the Client
Future Partners delivered actionable insights and strategic recommendations that directly addressed the needs of both PICs and the New Zealand government. This review highlighted opportunities for value creation, ensuring that the EPMAP programme adapts effectively to the diverse contexts of its stakeholders.
For the Pacific partners, the review has encouraged discussions around integrating domestic and export market opportunities. For the client, it reaffirmed the relevance of investments aligned to New Zealand’s international development priorities. The programme’s continued alignment with broader trade facilitation frameworks, such as PACER Plus and PHAMA Plus, also ensures consistency in regional collaboration.
Ultimately, the mid-term review ensured that the EPMAP programme can be adjusted to maximise its impact and sustainability, reinforcing its commitment to improving livelihoods in the Pacific. Future Partners remains proud to have contributed to this vital work, exemplifying our dedication to driving meaningful change in international development.
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