Decolonising Monitoring and Evaluation Practices: Towards a More Inclusive Approach

Anemarie Gasser

Hatched by Anemarie Gasser

May 16, 2024

3 min read

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Decolonising Monitoring and Evaluation Practices: Towards a More Inclusive Approach

Introduction:

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the need to decolonise various fields and practices, including monitoring and evaluation (M&E). M&E plays a crucial role in assessing the effectiveness and impact of programs and policies. However, it has often been criticized for its Eurocentric and neocolonial perspectives, which fail to capture the diverse needs and experiences of marginalized communities. In this article, we will explore the significance of decolonising M&E practices and how it can lead to a more inclusive and equitable approach towards evaluation.

The Webinar on Decolonising Monitoring and Evaluation Practices:

One important resource that sheds light on this topic is a webinar titled "Decolonising Monitoring and Evaluation Practices," available on YouTube. The webinar brings together experts and practitioners from around the world to discuss the challenges and opportunities in decolonising M&E. The speakers emphasize the need to move away from a one-size-fits-all approach and instead adopt culturally sensitive and context-specific evaluation methods.

Process and Implementation Evaluation:

Another valuable resource is a document titled "Process and Implementation Evaluation" (CID-WP-433). This document highlights the importance of considering the context and implementation process when evaluating programs. By incorporating a decolonial lens into the evaluation process, it becomes possible to identify power dynamics, structural inequalities, and cultural biases that may affect program outcomes. This enables a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the impact of interventions.

Connecting the Dots:

Both the webinar and the document underline the importance of acknowledging and challenging the power imbalances inherent in traditional M&E practices. They stress the need to involve local communities, indigenous knowledge holders, and other stakeholders in the evaluation process. By doing so, evaluations become more accountable, participatory, and reflective of the diverse perspectives and needs of those being evaluated.

Unique Insights:

One unique insight that emerges from these resources is the concept of "evaluation as a tool for empowerment." Decolonising M&E practices goes beyond fostering inclusivity; it also aims to empower marginalized communities by providing them with a platform to voice their experiences and participate in decision-making processes. This shift in power dynamics can lead to more equitable outcomes and sustainable development.

Actionable Advice:

  • 1. Incorporate participatory methodologies: Engage with communities and stakeholders throughout the evaluation process. This ensures that their voices are heard and their needs are taken into account. Participatory approaches such as Most Significant Change and PhotoVoice can be used to capture the lived experiences of individuals and communities.
  • 2. Embrace multiple ways of knowing: Move away from a single knowledge hierarchy and recognize the value of diverse knowledge systems. Incorporate indigenous and local knowledge into the evaluation process, as it provides unique insights and perspectives that may be overlooked by mainstream approaches.
  • 3. Build capacity and promote ownership: Invest in capacity-building activities to empower local evaluators and communities to take ownership of the evaluation process. This can be achieved through training, mentorship, and fostering partnerships that promote knowledge sharing and learning.

Conclusion:

Decolonising M&E practices is a critical step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable evaluation process. By challenging Eurocentric perspectives, involving marginalized communities, and embracing diverse ways of knowing, we can move towards evaluations that truly capture the impact of interventions and empower those being evaluated. Through incorporating participatory methodologies, embracing multiple ways of knowing, and promoting ownership, we can ensure evaluations are more accountable, culturally sensitive, and contextually relevant. Let us embark on this journey of decolonising M&E practices to create a more just and equitable world.

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