Aid Effectiveness and Governance Reforms: Applying realist principles to a complex synthesis across varied cases

Abstract

This article describes an attempt to synthesize results from four major multi-partner evaluations applying a realist approach. The article argues that synthesizing the results of these four major evaluations proved possible applying (part of) a realistic approach, and also reveals some of the limitations of the realist model as experienced by a very complex synthesis exercise. The researchers identify the concepts and approaches of the realist model that provided a supportive framework for synthesizing a very broad and diverse range of evidence, and which helped convert the findings into accessible outputs to support policy decisions. Lessons learned are extracted in the hope of supporting others facing similar tasks.