In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to decolonize various aspects of our society, including monitoring and evaluation practices. This was the focus of a recent webinar titled "Decolonizing Monitoring and Evaluation Practices," which was held on YouTube. The webinar aimed to shed light on the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to monitoring and evaluation, and to provide actionable advice on how to achieve this.

Anemarie Gasser

Hatched by Anemarie Gasser

Nov 15, 2023

3 min read

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In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to decolonize various aspects of our society, including monitoring and evaluation practices. This was the focus of a recent webinar titled "Decolonizing Monitoring and Evaluation Practices," which was held on YouTube. The webinar aimed to shed light on the need for a more inclusive and equitable approach to monitoring and evaluation, and to provide actionable advice on how to achieve this.

One of the key takeaways from the webinar was the importance of understanding the theoretical foundations of the practices we use. This idea was further elucidated in the book "untitled - CDIPracticePaper_10.pdf" by Derek Beach and Rasmus Brun Pedersen. In their book, Beach and Pedersen provide a detailed articulation of the theoretical groundings of process tracing. By understanding the underlying principles and assumptions of process tracing, practitioners can better apply this method in their monitoring and evaluation efforts.

Process tracing, as explained by Beach and Pedersen, is a method that involves tracing the causal mechanisms that link an intervention or program to its outcomes. It is a qualitative approach that seeks to uncover the processes and mechanisms through which change occurs. By using this method, practitioners can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of their interventions and make more informed decisions.

The webinar on decolonizing monitoring and evaluation practices highlighted the need to incorporate diverse perspectives and voices in the evaluation process. This is particularly important in contexts where power dynamics and colonial legacies continue to shape social and political realities. By actively seeking out and valuing the input of marginalized groups, we can ensure that our monitoring and evaluation practices are more inclusive and equitable.

In their book, Beach and Pedersen also emphasize the importance of context in the monitoring and evaluation process. They argue that the effectiveness of any intervention or program is highly context-dependent and that practitioners must take into account the specific social, cultural, and political context in which they are working. This means being attuned to the power dynamics at play, understanding the historical context, and recognizing the potential biases that may exist within the evaluation process itself.

Drawing from both the webinar and the book, we can identify several actionable steps that can be taken to decolonize monitoring and evaluation practices. First and foremost, practitioners should invest time in understanding the theoretical foundations of the methods they use. By doing so, they can critically assess the assumptions and biases that may be inherent in these methods and make adjustments accordingly.

Secondly, practitioners should actively seek out diverse perspectives and voices. This can be done by involving community members, beneficiaries, and other stakeholders in the evaluation process. By including a range of voices, we can ensure that the evaluation is more representative and inclusive.

Lastly, practitioners should always consider the context in which they are working. This means conducting a thorough analysis of the social, cultural, and political dynamics that may influence the effectiveness of an intervention. By taking context into account, we can avoid making assumptions or generalizations that may not hold true in a specific setting.

In conclusion, decolonizing monitoring and evaluation practices is an essential step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. By understanding the theoretical foundations of the methods we use, incorporating diverse perspectives, and considering the context in which we work, we can ensure that our monitoring and evaluation efforts are more meaningful and impactful. Through the insights shared in the webinar and the book, practitioners have access to actionable advice that can guide them in this important process. It is up to us to take these steps and contribute to a more just and equitable world.

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