The Thematic Evaluation of the VSF‑Belgium (VSF‑B) Support to Vulnerable Households Approach assessed the mid-term performance of VSF‑B’s five-year programme, “The One Health approach for the sustainable well-being of communities dependent on family livestock farming” (2022–2026), implemented in Uganda and Burundi. The evaluation examined how the programme contributed to reducing household vulnerability and strengthening resilience across five livelihood capitals—human, social, financial, physical, and natural. Using a participatory, gender- and environment-responsive methodology, the evaluation generated comparative insights across countries and programme phases, identified key drivers of change, and produced actionable lessons to inform VSF‑B’s next strategic cycle (2027–2031).

MarketShare Associates (MSA) designed and conducted the thematic mid-term evaluation on behalf of VSF‑B and provided overall technical leadership throughout the assignment. MSA co-developed a participatory, mixed-methods evaluation framework integrating lean outcome harvesting, contribution analysis, and the Most Significant Change approach. The team reviewed and analysed programme documentation, theories of change, and monitoring data, and designed gender- and youth-sensitive qualitative tools. MSA led field-based qualitative data collection in Uganda and Burundi, including key informant interviews, focus group discussions, direct observations, and participatory validation workshops with beneficiaries and stakeholders. The team ensured rigorous data quality assurance, analysed qualitative data using systematic coding and sensemaking processes, and facilitated internal and external sensemaking workshops to validate findings. MSA synthesised evidence into clear conclusions and produced actionable recommendations and reporting products to inform programme adaptation and future strategic decision-making. The key deliverables were: participatory and sensemaking workshops, final report, final presentation and two aide-mémorie (one per country).