Bellagio-Report-Vs-Apr-14

i. focus more on efforts to synthesizeknowledge produced throughevaluationsii.iii.In summaryunderstand and use the large data setsand new techniques that can supportevaluation data collection, yet alsorecognize and counter the ways inwhich these can be misleading andmisusedbe in a better position to evaluate“innovation” – and to innovate inevaluation itself.There are currently reams of documentsemerging analyzing global and African contextsover the next decade. The analysis above hasbeen cognizant of several and will keepevolving. Although there are many implicationsfor the evaluation profession in!Africa,!several!main!aspects!requiring!attention!emerge.$$In essence, in addition to the1. dire need for sufficient capacities andthe application of evaluation standardsin order to conduct good qualityevaluations across the board2. thought leadership in evaluationtheory and practice, by manydisciplines and sectors, and theapplication of the resulting synthesizednew knowledge are urgently needed inorder to position Africa as a continentfrom which innovative frameworks,models and practices in evaluationemerge that are suitable for thechallenges faced by the continent3. while in parallel, strategies are neededto enhance the influence and power ofthe profession and the work of itsthought leaders in development.Thought leadership in theory and practice isurgently needed in priorities that includei. understanding the role of changingand complex contexts in evaluation,and using systems thinking forholistic solutionsii. the role of norms and values indevelopment and in evaluationiii. the need for Africa rooted and Africaled evaluationiv. policy coherence from national toglobal levels, to be analyzed intandem with the micro-macrodisconnectv. mutual accountability indevelopment financing programsand in development interventionsvi. evaluation beyond an obsessionwith “impact”, to include a strongerfocus on “managing for impact”(which includes ongoing monitoringfor impact, learning and adaptivemanagement); concepts such asvulnerability, sustainability andresilience; and a nuancedinterpretation of “value for money”vii. engaging with sensitive issues suchas macro political trends, the oftenmindless rhetoric around conceptssuch as democracy and humanrights, and the ongoing obscuring oftruth in ‘evidence’, and their role inthe effectiveness of developmentstrategiesviii. searching for unintendedconsequences and unexpectedimpactsix. synthesis that produces usefulknowledgex. evaluation in priority content areas,such as• climate change, food and watersecurity• human security• power and empowerment• relationships, especially inpartnerships, coalitions,networks, platforms• creativity, innovation andentrepreneurship• institutional systems for goodgovernance, including theelimination of corruption• impact investing, social bondsand other influences of theprivate sector.11