This evaluation examines the evidence on the effectiveness and scalability of the Health of the People and Environment in the Lake Victoria Basin (HoPE-LVB) model of integrated population, health, and environment (PHE) community development in Kenya and Uganda. The project aimed to increase access to sexual and reproductive health services and improve maternal and child health care practices while reducing threats to biodiversity conservation in project communities. It also aimed to scale up the PHE model at the local, national, and regional levels through institutionalizing PHE in government development planning.

Data for the evaluation came from key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and an analysis of existing data and documents. Findings suggest notable successes and some areas for improvement. Stakeholders consistently perceived that HoPE-LVB’s PHE model added value to family planning/ reproductive health, maternal and child health, livelihoods, governance, natural resources management, and conservation. Key informants and secondary analysis revealed positive outcomes from institutionalization, sustainability, and expansion of the model. Secondary data analysis revealed that the project made remarkable progress in achieving its objectives in health, family planning, sanitation, livelihoods, and conservation.

This report suggests several ways in which enhanced coordination and resources shared among stakeholders at different scales could improve project outcomes in situ. A focus on advocacy and project development at regional and national levels is recommended for successful PHE scale-up.