Capacity Development in Europe & CIS

The process - in theory and in practice STEP 5

Evaluate the response

In theory: Did the capacity development response help to build, enhance, or retain capacities that contributed to greater development effectiveness? This is the question that guides the evaluation of a capacity development response.

During the assessment, baselines are established for measuring, monitoring and evaluating progress in capacity development. However, progress and results in capacity development are often difficult to measure, in part because capacity development investments are often long-term, so results may be seen only years later. Certain aspects of capacity development relate to behavioural change which is also difficult to measure. Use can be made of both qualitative and quantitative information, as well as both objective and subjective sources to get a real idea of what changes have taken place.  

An evaluation framework covers the core issues that the response aimed to address as well as capacities at the levels of the enabling environment, organization and individual. Where possible, indicators should be incorporated into the national monitoring and evaluation framework.

In Bulgaria, previously unemployed Social Assistants now provide much needed social services to the elderly and disabled / UNDP Bulgaria

In practice: With no history of decentralized social services and high unemployment, NGOs in Bulgaria supervised a programme to hire and train the unemployed as Social Assistants who in turn would provide social services to elderly, disabled and children. The project in Bulgaria was declared a success in part because it targeted the levels of the enabling environment, organization or individual simultaneously. Secondary legislation was created and government funding was secured for the SANE project; an association of providers was established, municipal plans for the service were formulated and volunteer scheme was put in place; the Social Assistant is now a registered vocation and the quality of life for the beneficiaries has improved.

Resources on monitoring and evaluating capacity development initiatives

Case study: From pilot to policy: Introducing community-based social services in Bulgaria (June 2009) pdf