In 2015, CIFF commissioned an independent evaluation of its investment work programme aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from transport in Brazilian cities and at reforming the financing approach of public and private stakeholders to prioritise low carbon infrastructure.

The evaluation sought to inform both CIFF and the grantees’ understanding of the results of this programme and contribute evidence and information to support learning around suitable strategies for scaling up climate-smart urban mobility solutions in Brazil. The evaluation was designed to include estimations of the impact on GHG emissions; review of reported outcomes and key performance indicators (KPIs) associated with the work programme; and a qualitative assessment of the programme theory of change and evaluation questions.

This evaluation has aimed to:

1. Inform CIFF and grantees’ theories of change, strategies, and activities in ways that enable learning and potential course adjustment (where appropriate);

2. Inform CIFF’s broader investment programme focused on cities and GHG emissions mitigation by generating evidence to inform assessments of the programme theory of change and strategies; and

3. Generate evidence on the efficacy of low carbon urban mobility strategies that can inform the broader field and other partners working on related initiatives (e.g., other funders, NGOs, multilateral development banks) in Brazil and around the world.

The report summarizes the evaluation findings relevant to the five main evaluation areas of inquiry—relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability—and the associated evaluation questions. In addition, key recommendations are highlighted to inform future work in this sector.