Mid-Term Performance Evaluation of Bangladesh Water PACT: Partnership for Cleaner Textile

Young Consultants (YC) was subcontracted by Dalberg to conduct the mid-term performance evaluation of Bangladesh Water PACT (Partnership for Cleaner Textile), an initiative supported by the International Finance Corporation (IFC). The programme aimed to enhance the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of Bangladesh’s textile wet-processing sector by supporting factories in designated geographical clusters to reduce their water footprint through the adoption of cleaner production technologies and practices.

The evaluation aimed to systematically assess the programme’s performance to date and determine the likelihood of achieving its overall objectives. It also sought to support IFC’s accountability to its donors and eight private-sector partner brands while identifying lessons learned and developing actionable recommendations for mid-course corrections to strengthen programme implementation.

To undertake the assignment, YC prepared the evaluation activities and identified potential stakeholders for consultation. The study team conducted Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with donor agencies, private-sector programme partners, and relevant industry associations to gather insights into programme implementation, stakeholder engagement, and progress toward the intended outcomes.

YC also conducted field visits to participating textile factories to assess their operational performance, production processes, and compliance with relevant regulatory requirements. These visits provided an opportunity to examine factory-level practices and gather observations concerning cleaner production initiatives and efforts to reduce water consumption in textile wet processing.

Following the field assessments and stakeholder consultations, YC consolidated the key findings and observations and submitted an evaluation report to IFC. The findings were intended to inform the assessment of programme performance, identify implementation challenges, and provide practical recommendations to support improvements during the remaining programme period.

Through this assignment, YC contributed to the evaluation of an initiative focused on promoting resource efficiency, improved environmental practices, and sustainable competitiveness in Bangladesh’s textile industry. The work combined stakeholder consultations, factory-level assessments, performance monitoring, and analytical reporting to support evidence-based programme management and decision-making.

Assignment Details
Client: International Finance Corporation (IFC)
Subcontracting Firm: Dalberg
Location: Dhaka and three other districts, Bangladesh
Contract Value: Approximately US$5,000
Duration: 1 month
Assignment Period: January 2015 – February 2015
Total Staff-Months: 2 staff-months
Key Personnel: M. Zakir Hossain (Local Evaluation Consultant); Md. Fasihur Rahman (Stakeholder Specialist)
Associated Consultants: Dalberg
Key Deliverables: Evaluation preparation; stakeholder identification and consultation; Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with donor agencies, private-sector programme partners, and industry associations; field visits to participating textile factories; assessment of factory performance, production processes, and regulatory compliance; consolidation of key findings and observations; evaluation report submitted to IFC.