Integrated programming is central to whether GEF can move beyond fragmented projects to address systemic drivers of environmental change.

The GEF introduced the integrated approach in 2014 to link sectors, stakeholders, and goals through programmatic interventions. Building on the pilots launched in GEF-6, five impact programs were rolled out in GEF-7, focusing on food systems, sustainable urban development, and forest management in the Amazon, the Congo Basin, and drylands. 

Theories of change have improved in GEF-7 impact programs, showing stronger evidence of systems thinking.

Evaluation overview

• It finds that impact programs are more robustly designed than the IAPs, with stronger theories of change and improved coherence across child projects.
• Weak reporting systems, uneven coordination between child projects and lead Agencies, and underfunded knowledge platforms continue to limit the ability to demonstrate program-wide results.
• The evaluation recommends clarifying aggregate reporting requirements, strengthening coordination by lead Agencies, and expanding participation to include smaller and more vulnerable states.

Methodology

This formative evaluation assessed early results from the IAPs and lessons shaping the impact programs, using portfolio and timeline analyses, interviews, a stakeholder survey, geospatial analysis, and case studies in Brazil, China, and Kenya.