As Least Developed Countries advance adaptation priorities under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the fourth Least Developed Countries Fund and Special Climate Change Fund Annual Evaluation Report examines whether completed projects are delivering durable and relevant results.

Prepared by the Independent Evaluation Office, it reviews five Least Developed Countries Fund projects with terminal evaluations submitted in 2016, representing $17.03 million in funding and $30.38 million in cofinancing, based on validated evaluations and rating analysis.

Most projects achieve satisfactory outcomes aligned with national adaptation priorities, though one underperforms due to weaknesses in effectiveness and efficiency. Sustainability prospects are mixed, with continued financing and government commitment identified as critical conditions for lasting impact. Monitoring and evaluation systems are consistently rated satisfactory, yet gender integration remains limited and no project achieves gender mainstreaming.

The report recommends strengthening sustainability planning, testing assumptions about capacity development, and embedding more systematic gender approaches in project design and implementation.