How developing countries can do more with less
Evaluation frameworks for development projects have long been influenced by donor priorities. But foreign-aid cuts have created an opportunity for African countries to implement equitable evaluation practices, both to channel limited resources more effectively and to shape the future of global development governance.
Development projects have historically been evaluated based on donor priorities, a trend that has been exacerbated by reduced foreign aid. This shift has presented African nations with an opportunity to adopt equitable evaluation practices, allowing them to allocate limited resources more effectively and influence global development governance.
As donor governments slash budgets and multilateral institutions face financial strain, it is crucial to address persistent challenges like poverty, inequality, climate change, and humanitarian crises with fewer resources. Evaluation is not merely a technical exercise measuring project outcomes; it is deeply political, reflecting societal values and determining which programs receive funding.
African countries should embrace "Made in Africa Evaluation" approaches, which incorporate indigenous knowledge, local institutions, and community experiences as essential evidence sources. This approach emphasizes the importance of reflecting local values and contexts when assessing development projects, ultimately reshaping who holds authority over knowledge and promoting accountability to citizens.
Written by urgent.news from The Jakarta Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
