CREATE Evaluation
A multi-day field evaluation of CREATE's programs, partnerships, and community impact
Introducing the Evaluator
CREATE's external evaluation was conducted by Dr. Amritbir Singh Riar, a distinguished agroecology researcher and food systems specialist at the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Switzerland. His appointment brought an internationally grounded, field-tested lens to the assessment of CREATE's work in sustainable agriculture, seed systems, and community empowerment.
Dr. Amritbir Singh Riar is Deputy Head of the Department of International Cooperation at FiBL, Switzerland, and leads the Group on Resilient Cropping Systems. A food systems researcher and agroecology strategist, he works at the intersection of science, policy, and practice to design resilient, nutrition-sensitive farming systems, particularly in the Global South.
His research focuses on farmer-managed seed systems, participatory and citizen science approaches, seed-to-plate market pathways, and policy frameworks that link agroecology with food and nutrition security in India, Africa, and beyond. He has led multi-country, multi-million research-for-development programs with governments, civil society organisations, and international bodies.
Dr. Riar holds a PhD in Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences from the University of Adelaide, Australia, where he was a John Allwright Research Scholar. His contributions to transformative agroecological research have been recognised through multiple international awards, including the Shift Prize 2021 and two Swiss Forum for International Agricultural Research (SFIAR) Team Awards.
Evaluation at Pandiyan Farm
The evaluation meeting was conducted at Pandiyan Farm, where ten natural farmers actively participated and shared their experiences in sustainable agriculture.
A diverse collection of traditional seed varieties was displayed at the venue, showcasing the rich agrobiodiversity conserved by local farming communities. Mr. Pandiyan explained the unique characteristics of the seeds -- including their purity, germination capacity, seed vigour, adaptability to local climatic conditions, pest and disease resistance, and storage potential. He also highlighted the importance of conserving traditional seed varieties for food sovereignty, climate resilience, and sustainable farming.
The evaluator interacted with the participating farmers and gained insights into their experiences with natural farming practices, seed conservation, and community-based seed exchange. Discussions focused on the role of traditional seeds in reducing dependency on external inputs, improving farm sustainability, and strengthening local food systems.
The visit demonstrated the practical impact of CREATE's initiatives in promoting agroecology, biodiversity conservation, farmer-led seed systems, and sustainable livelihoods in rural communities.
Review at the CREATE Office
The evaluator visited the CREATE office and conducted a comprehensive review of the organisation's activities, records, and documentation. He examined project files, reports, publications, financial and administrative records, and other relevant documents to assess the progress and effectiveness of CREATE's programs.
The evaluator also met with CREATE's trustees and conducted interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the organisation's vision, mission, governance structure, achievements, challenges, and future plans. These discussions provided valuable insights into CREATE's work in sustainable agriculture, community seed systems, biodiversity conservation, and rural development.
During the visit, the evaluator reviewed the CREATE website and assessed its content, outreach efforts, and effectiveness in communicating the organisation's work to stakeholders and the wider public. He appreciated the documentation of activities and the dissemination of knowledge through digital platforms.
The evaluator provided constructive suggestions for strengthening CREATE's institutional development, program implementation, monitoring and evaluation systems, documentation practices, stakeholder engagement, and fundraising strategies. He also emphasised the importance of expanding outreach, enhancing impact assessment, and increasing the visibility of CREATE's achievements at regional, national, and international levels.
Visit to Thiyagarajar College
As part of the evaluation, the evaluator visited Thiyagarajar College, where Dr. Karthikeyan showcased an exhibition of traditional rice varieties, highlighting the rich diversity of indigenous rice conserved and promoted through collaborative efforts.
The exhibition demonstrated the importance of traditional rice varieties in biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, and food security. Detailed information on the characteristics, adaptability, and significance of the varieties was shared with the evaluator.
Students who had worked closely with CREATE shared their experiences and learning outcomes. They explained how their involvement enhanced their knowledge of agroecology, community seed systems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development -- and highlighted the practical, field-based learning opportunities they gained through CREATE's programs.
It was also noted that CREATE and Thiyagarajar College have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), strengthening collaboration in research, student engagement, capacity-building, knowledge exchange, and community outreach. The evaluator appreciated the strong partnership and recognised its role in promoting experiential learning, environmental awareness, and community engagement among students.
Nel Thiruvizha – Traditional Paddy Festival, Arani
As part of the evaluation, the evaluator attended the Nel Thiruvizha (Traditional Paddy Festival) held in Arani. The event brought together traditional farmers, seed conservers, agricultural practitioners, and community members to celebrate and promote indigenous rice diversity and sustainable farming practices.
During the festival, 14 varieties of traditional paddy seeds were distributed free of cost to farmers. CREATE played a significant role in coordinating and supporting this initiative, ensuring that valuable indigenous seed varieties reached farming communities for cultivation and conservation.
A key contributor to the success of the event was Prof. P. Duraisingam, Chairman of CREATE, whose leadership and commitment greatly supported the organisation and implementation of the festival.
Several stalls showcasing traditional agriculture, indigenous seed conservation, natural farming practices, and sustainable food systems were set up at the venue. More than 200 traditional farmers participated, making the event an important platform for knowledge sharing, farmer-to-farmer learning, and networking. Farmers enthusiastically received the seeds and expressed their commitment to cultivating and conserving these traditional rice varieties.
The evaluator appreciated the collective efforts of CREATE and its partners in strengthening community seed systems, promoting agrobiodiversity, and preserving indigenous knowledge. The festival demonstrated CREATE's positive impact in empowering farming communities and ensuring the conservation of traditional rice diversity for future generations.
Partner Feedback and Concluding Session
On the fifth day of the evaluation, representatives from CREATE's partner organisations participated in a structured feedback session designed to gather reflections and insights from key stakeholders.
The evaluator divided participants into two groups and facilitated a participatory discussion. Each group was asked to reflect on their experiences working with CREATE -- covering major achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and the overall impact of the partnership. Participants actively shared perspectives on collaborative initiatives, community engagement, capacity-building, seed conservation, and sustainable agriculture programs.
The group discussions provided a platform for open dialogue, allowing participants to exchange ideas, identify strengths, and suggest areas for improvement. The evaluator summarised key observations, common themes, and recommendations from both groups.
In the concluding session, the evaluator offered constructive suggestions for strengthening CREATE's future programs, institutional development, partnership management, documentation systems, and communication strategies. He also emphasised expanding collaborative networks, enhancing impact measurement, and scaling up successful initiatives.
The evaluation concluded successfully, reaffirming CREATE's achievements, identifying opportunities for improvement, and strengthening the collective commitment of partners towards the organisation's vision and mission.