Evaluating Country Programmes - OECD Online Bookshop

Evaluating Country Programmes
140
philosophies for change. To this effect, evaluation results of past programmes and
planned evaluation events for ongoing ones are essential instruments to bring
about the required changes in development co-operation which call for the host
countries and citizens to own the entire development process and also be accountable
for the results. These changes, however, can only be established if there is
adequate participation of local partners at all stages of the programme, i.e. from
design to evaluation.
Why local partners’ involvement in CPEs?
A participatory country programme evaluation process would enhance the following
aspects, which are of crucial importance in a partnership development process:
– Understanding of relationships between donor countries and host governments
in terms of development policies and agendas of each party. Donors’
needs and requirements for accountability and professional standards need
to be discussed with actors, and consensus achieved.
– Understanding of the relationship between the host government and its
civil society in terms of governance, which includes issues pertaining to
accountability of a specific government to its citizens as expressed by its
political system, decision-making processes (i.e. whose opinion counts
most?), accountability lines, application of the rule of law, etc.
– Understanding of values and expectations of stakeholders in development
partnership, i.e. host governments, civil society and donors. In essence, the
limitations prevailing within partner country set-ups, and options available
for further development, would be discussed as a basis for setting realistic
expectations among partners. The discussion would result into self-searching
questions, such as: Can we (donors) meet such expectations based on prevailing policies
in our countries? What are the bottom lines beyond which we cannot compromise? Has
previous development support created a meaningful positive impact on the well-being of local
people? Would there be a sound justification for us to continue in this form of partnership?
How many resources can we commit to the coming programme given the known limitations
which may impact on results?, etc. Such questions are vital as they determine the
level of partnership into which parties should commit themselves.
– An understanding of the key reasons behind past achievements or failures
and creation of a common vision for the future, i.e. capitalising on the past
to improve the future.
– Enhanced openness, transparency and trust among partners.
– Design of future programmes which match local priorities.
– Local acceptance of programmes (ownership) for sustainable development.
OECD 1999