Brief on Project Development Objectives (PDO) The PDO describes the outcomes for which a project can be held accountable, given the project’s duration, available resources, and approach. The PDO evolves throughout project preparation from concept stage – appraisal – negotiation. The PDO can sometimes even be modified during implementation. The PDO and key performance indicators are apex of broader results framework of objectives and indicators that guide monitoring of project performance.

Concept Stage PDO and Key Performance Indicators - Neeranchal The proposed Project Objective of the World Bank Assisted Watershed Management Project is to improve watershed management outcomes through: Greater coordination and integration of on-going central and state programs, in particular the IWMP, Improved targeting of rainfed agriculture, Better adoption of innovative and science based approaches towards rainfed agriculture, Strengthened institutions and capacities for accelerated watershed development.

Neeranchal Envisaged Outcomes and Results 1. Increased agricultural productivity at a minimum of 20 percent over baseline values in participating states. 2. Improved capacities of central, state, district and project and village-level stakeholders. 3. Strengthen the science base of watershed management in IWMP by enhancing the understanding of hydrological dynamics and climate variability, and developing tools for measuring and integrating them with the planning process. 4. Adoption of innovations and decision support information to help address the needs of small and marginal farmers in watershed planning and implementation.

Neeranchal Envisaged Outcomes and Results 5. Strengthen the existing delivery extension systems, agricultural schemes and value chains, to increase opportunities to adopt new technologies. 6. Strengthen financial and technical convergence between IWMP and Mahatma Gandhi NREGS and other related programmes for sustainable development. 7. Bring rural asset-less people into mainstream by promoting livelihoods opportunities. 8. Better management of Common property Resources, soil and water conservation, fuel-wood and fodder production etc.

Final PDO and Key Performance Indicators: KWDP-II The Project Development Objective (PDO) is to demonstrate more effective watershed management through greater integration of programs related to rainfed agriculture, innovative and science based approaches, and strengthened institutions and capacities.

Key PDO Performance Indicators for the KWDP-II 1. New science based approaches and tools adopted into wider watershed operations; 2. Improved M&E capability in Watershed Development Department; 3. Percentage of micro-watersheds with improved convergence and integration; and 4. Incremental change in agricultural and horticultural productivity in project areas for selected crops