An evaluation of a global network has found it contributes to increased sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) capacity in developing countries. The Standards and Trade Development Facility (STDF) was created by the World Trade Organization (WTO), the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Bank Group. The evaluation, carried out by Project Economics Consulting, covers the performance of the STDF in strengthening sanitary and phytosanitary systems in developing countries from 2020 to 2024.
Data used to support the report’s findings includes interviews with more than 130 stakeholders, such as partners and donors, and surveys with 81 respondents. Fieldwork was conducted in Switzerland, Thailand, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mozambique, and South Africa as part of project impact evaluations. According to the report, the demand and need for support for SPS capacity development continue to grow.
Applications for technical assistance demonstrate that developing countries still require support to attain international standards and benefit from a funder of projects. Main findings and recommendations Projects are selected based on applications. Examples funded under the current strategy include several pilots, such as the ePhytosanitary Certificate system.
It was noted that the COVID-19 pandemic impacted project delivery and engagement with developing country experts. Stakeholders reported t.
