Abstract
This evaluation of the Kazakhstan Climate Change Mitigation Program (KCCMP) was conducted by Social Impact at the request of the USAID Mission in Central Asia. The KCCMP program had three key objectives: (1) improve the capacity of the GoKZ to implement and enforce GHG-reducing policies and measures; (2) build the capacity within the business community to comply with GHG-reducing policies and measures; and (3) improve the professional education of energy and climate change specialists in Kazakhstan. The evaluation covered five key research questions regarding the program design, capacity improvements within the GoKZ, capacity improvements within the business community, improvements to professional training, and adaptive and risk management. To assess these research questions, the evaluation reviewed key project documents and conducted a series of 36 key informant interviews. The analysis produced findings and conclusions that led to five key recommendations: (1) stop planning for new Energy Monitoring and Management System (EMMS) pilots and begin handing over existing systems to beneficiaries or relevant service companies; (2) continue support to the four Industrial Assessment Centers; (3) ETS support should continue to focus on the development of technical specifications and components; (4) update KCCMP's adaptive management practices; and (5) conduct baseline studies for any future programming. (Author abstract)