Adaptation Fund Technical Evaluation Reference Group
Posted on 07/05/2025
Such an important topic to reflect on! As you mentioned, SSTC began gaining recognition in the 1970s and has since been promoted as part of global development efforts. However, without critical evidence SSTC risks being seen more as a symbolic gesture than a genuinely development tool.
In the context of climate change adaptation, SSTC is particularly valuable. It enables countries in the Global South (many facing similar climate risks like droughts, floods, and sea-level rise) to exchange practical, context-specific solutions rooted in shared challenges.
The Adaptation Fund actively supports SSTC through several key avenues, including:
Technical Assistance Grants for South-South Cooperation, which help countries without direct access to the Fund learn from others that do, paving the way for their own accreditation.
Workshops and peer learning events, where countries share adaptation experiences and lessons learned.
Publication of case studies from successful projects to promote replication and scaling of effective practices.
Support for partnerships among Southern institutions to strengthen collaborative climate action.
While the Fund does not have a separate evaluation framework specifically for SSTC, it embeds SSTC considerations into its broader evaluation processes. One key approach is the monitoring of South-South Cooperation Grants, which are tracked through project documents, inception reports, and regular monitoring updates.
RE: Maximizing the impact of South-South and Triangular Cooperation in a changing aid architecture through evaluation.
Germany
Mariana Vidal Merino
Evaluation Analyst
Adaptation Fund Technical Evaluation Reference Group
Posted on 07/05/2025
Such an important topic to reflect on! As you mentioned, SSTC began gaining recognition in the 1970s and has since been promoted as part of global development efforts. However, without critical evidence SSTC risks being seen more as a symbolic gesture than a genuinely development tool.
In the context of climate change adaptation, SSTC is particularly valuable. It enables countries in the Global South (many facing similar climate risks like droughts, floods, and sea-level rise) to exchange practical, context-specific solutions rooted in shared challenges.
The Adaptation Fund actively supports SSTC through several key avenues, including:
While the Fund does not have a separate evaluation framework specifically for SSTC, it embeds SSTC considerations into its broader evaluation processes. One key approach is the monitoring of South-South Cooperation Grants, which are tracked through project documents, inception reports, and regular monitoring updates.
The Fund’s Technical Evaluation Reference Group (AF-TERG) also plays a role. Its 2024 Rapid Evaluation of the Adaptation Fund reviewed how well the Fund meets country needs and assessed the effectiveness of its support mechanisms—including SSTC initiatives. The ongoing evaluation of the Fund’s Readiness Program will go deeper into this analysis.
Looking forward to learning from others’ experiences with evaluating SSTC!