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).

For positively assessed projects, we will publish a project summary as an investment opportunity on the official website and our electronic platform, together with a letter of recommendation to obtain the attention and support of suitable donors. We will also promote the projects on the annual 4 per 1000 days.

What is formative assessment, and what are its benefits?

The formative assessment aims to improve the relevance of your planned or ongoing project and ensure that it aligns with the Vision, Guiding Principles, and Objectives of the global 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 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.

At what project stages can I benefit from the formative assessment?

Depending on the stage of development of your project, you can apply for a formative assessment for the following purposes: 

a. Conception stage: The aim is to develop a convincing project concept note you can present when funding opportunities arise or someone shows interest. It is useful to clarify open questions regarding content and partners. This gives you a decisive advantage if an opportunity arises.

b. Proposal stage: The aim is to make your existing project proposal more convincing to increase your chances of obtaining funding.

c. Ongoing: The aim is to improve your current project, increase its impact, and reduce/avoid negative effects. At this stage, FASP aims to strengthen the support of the project by the stakeholders and contribute to learning.

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 request 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 create a dedicated project folder on the collaborative platform with three pages for providing information required for the the assessment.

Participant must provide the following information. 

• Project documents: This is a page for uploading relevant project documents via drag & drop. This can be a variety of documents that the project owner considers helpful for understanding the project, e.g. a general document introducing the project, its goal, objectives, etc.
• Project concept note: Completing this template is mandatory for projects in the conception phase. However, it can also be useful for summarizing and sharing information about planned and ongoing projects.
• FASP questionnaire: This is the central document of the formative assessment. It holds a range of question to verify the compliance of your project with the reference criteria and indicators. The questionnaire is divided in four sub-pages, one for each Step of the assessment (see below). You have to complete all.

The assessment team may request additional information as needed and will hold conference calls with project owners as appropriate.

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

Phase 3: Formality check

After submission, the Executive Secretariat will verify the completeness of the submitted information. We'll let the submitting organization know if the request was complete or not. If the information is complete they 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 an assessment report with an assessment summary. Depending on the level of technical information and expertise available within the STC, technical advice will be provided to improve the project. The assessment team will also list potential opportunities for funding and collaboration. 

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