Undertaking utilisation-focused evaluations and Facilitating M&E system design
CDI applies a utilisation focus to evaluation. This is evaluation done for and with specific intended primary users, for specific intended uses. Use here means how real people in the real world apply evaluation findings, and how they experience the evaluation process.
Thinking through the consequences
It is important to think through the different consequences of choices that are made around the evaluation. For example, what are the consequences of including some and excluding other stakeholders in the evaluation process for enhancing the impact of the development initiative?
Facilitating M&E system design
Evaluation is part of a change process. Stakeholder participation and learning is crucial in this. We encourage situational responsiveness, where the evaluation design is matched to the needs, constraints and opportunities of a particular situation. As an evaluation unfolds, the participating evaluators and stakeholders (especially primary intended users) must work together to identify the evaluation that best fits their information needs and the programme’s context and situation.
Multiple roles
An evaluator has to fulfil multiple roles, as does the evaluation itself, balancing content and people processes.
CDI provides the following M&E services:
- Facilitating independent evaluations, including impact assessments
- Facilitating the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems and plans
- M&E capacity development for professionals, such as managers and M&E officers
Monitoring & Evaluation in Practice Examples
Examples of CDI’s work
- Evaluation of Theme-based Co-financing Programme (TMF). Expert Study on M&E systems and one on biodiversity, involving many stakeholders along the aid chain
- Design of a participatory M&E system for a large, IFAD funded programme in Zanzibar
- Formulation of a strategic plan for M&E system development for the agricultural sector in Kenya
- Development of a strategic implementation plan for M&E and knowledge management for a regional, African based GEF programme on up-scaling sustainable land use management
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M&E capacity development:
- International course ‘Participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation
- Regional capacity development programme in East and Southern Africa on ‘managing for impact’
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