Objective

The main purpose of formative assessment is to encourage the development of projects aligned with the objectives of the "4 per 1000" initiative and the SDGs, to improve their visibility and thus increase the likelihood of funding. It is useful for those who want to promote their project idea and apply for funding and valuable to those who finance projects to improve their funding decision.

Formative assessment is a complimentary service supporting project development. It is provided by the Scientific and Technical Committee (STC) of the "4 per 1000" Initiative. The objective is to encourage developing and improving the quality of project proposals that seek to improve soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil health (SH).

We will publish a project summary on the Initiative's official website and our electronic platform with a letter of recommendation for the support of suitable donors and the search for project partners.

What is formative assessment, and what are its benefits?

The formative assessment aims to improve the relevance of your planned project and ensure that it aligns with the Vision 2050, Guiding Principles and Strategy of the "4 per 1000" Initiative.

It provides feedback to project managers to help them recognize their strengths and weaknesses and identify areas that need work.

Formative assessment is essential as it provides valuable information for the design and refinement of the development or implementation process. Identifying areas for improvement early on can save time, resources, and money in the long run. It can also ensure that the final product or program meets the target audience's needs, leading to greater satisfaction and success.

In addition, formative assessment can promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning. Organizations can improve their processes and outcomes by regularly soliciting feedback and adjusting. This can lead to greater efficiency, effectiveness, and innovation.

For this purpose, the STC has developed a set of reference criteria and indicators, methods, and measurement units for the formative assessment of project proposals (concept notes) approved by the consortium of the "4 per 1000" Initiative. The STC will assess the project information you submit. If necessary, it will seek the support of experts.

Once the assessment is complete, you will receive a feedback report with the results and recommendations.

Who is eligible?

This call is addressed to all partners and friends of the "4 per 1000" Initiative who are planning projects to increase the carbon content in the soil and improve soil health. Projects must address at least one of the objectives of the "4 per 1000" strategy.

How to request a formative assessment of your project

Self-assessment

Before submitting your request for a formative assessment of your project by the STC, it is recommended to use carbon assessment tools such as the Carbon Benefits Project or the FAO ex-ante carbon assessment tool FAO EX-Act. These are available free of charge after registration.

Submit a request

Please use the form below to submit your request.

How does FASP work

Phase 1: Eligibility check

We will check the eligibility of your request and inform you about the result.

Phase 2: Compile information and submission

If your request was admitted, we will ask you to:

1. complete The formative assessment questionnaire
2. provide Complementary Project Information: 
3. The project concept note (optional)

Under no circumstances we will disclose your information to third parties without your permission.

The submission of these three documents is mandatory. Submission of the project in any other format will invalidate the request.

Any other document the project owner considers helpful in understanding the project (a general document presenting the project, its aim, objectives, etc.) should also be attached. The assessment team may ask for additional information if necessary and will hold conference calls with project promoters as appropriate.

Phase 3: Formality check

After submission, the Executive Secretariat will verify the completeness of the submitted documents. We'll let the submitting organization know if the request was complete or not. Approved requests are forwarded to the STC for the formative assessment.

Phase 4: Formative Assessment by the STC 

The approach comprises four sequential steps, each defined by a distinct category of reference criteria, including socio-economic and soil science dimensions. If Step 1 is successful, Step 2 will be completed, and if successful, the assessment will continue with Step 3 and final Step 4. If not, the proposer will know why the project is not assessed fully.

Step 1: Safeguard

Safeguard Criteria will ensure that actions to increase SOC do not restrict human rights or negatively affect land rights and poverty alleviation. Suppose a SOC or SOC project activity does not satisfy all safeguard criteria: In that case, the STC will stop assessing the project or the corresponding project activity, and the Project Owners will be informed.

Step 2: Direct Reference

Direct Reference Criteria will be used to assess the direct effects of projects on i) SOC stocks and land degradation neutrality (SDG 15), ii) climate change adaptation, iii) climate change mitigation (SDG13), and iv) food security (SDG 2).

A project must aim at a positive impact on soil organic carbon (i.e. increase SOC or, at a minimum reduce SOC loss, compared to business as usual). It should actively aim for positive impacts on the other direct reference criteria. Otherwise, the project may not be considered further by the STC. We will inform you about improving the proposal to achieve positive impacts for all direct reference criteria.

Step 3: Indirect Reference

Indirect Reference Criteria will be used to assess the indirect effects of projects on a range of other economic, social, and environmental dimensions, including welfare and well-being (SDG 12), biodiversity and ecosystem services (SDG 15), water and nutrient cycles (SDG 6), etc. If, compared to a business-as-usual baseline, the project is likely to have substantial negative impacts on social, economic, or environmental dimensions, it will be negatively evaluated on the corresponding criteria.

Step 4: Cross-cutting

Cross-cutting Dimensions of projects will be reviewed using cross-cutting criteria, including training and capacity building and participatory and socially inclusive approaches.

Phase 5 Assessment Report

Projects that have passed all four assessment steps receive recommendations for further improvements. Depending on the level of technical information and expertise available within the STC, technical advice will be provided to the proposer to improve the project owner.

Schedule and relevant dates

The 4 per 1000 Executive Secretariat is the point of contact between the Project Owners and the Initiative 4 per 1000 for all general matters related to the call. Questions concerning the submission of projects and other general questions should be sent to: secretariat@4p1000.org

FASP Request form