This report presents the findings, conclusions, and recommendations from the Multicycle Evaluation of the Unified Special Development Fund (SDF), specifically focusing on the Eighth and Ninth Cycles (SDF 8 and SDF 9). It was commissioned by the Caribbean Development Bank’s (CDB) Office of Independent Evaluation (OIE) and conducted by Technopolis Group. The evaluation aimed to identify achievements, challenges, and recommendations to improve future SDF cycles, particularly SDF 11, the replenishment phase of which is scheduled to begin in March 2024. To this end, the evaluation addresses five key criteria: Relevance, Coherence, Efficiency, Effectiveness, and sustainability, following OECD DAC guidelines.

SDF 8 (2013–2016) aimed to address development challenges, focusing on inclusive and sustainable growth, environmental sustainability and climate change, citizen security, and regional cooperation and integration (RCI). The overall programme level was USD$348 million.

SDF 9 (2017–2020) aligned with new international development frameworks, emphasising support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) targets, climate resilience, and regional cooperation. Major cross-cutting areas included good governance, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. The programme level for SDF 9 was USD355 million.

Key differences between SDF 8 and 9 include the full incorporation of SDGs into SDF 9’s poverty-reduction principles, structural reforms in the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), and initiatives such as the opening of the Haiti Country Office and the regional focal point for RCI initiatives.