Evaluating Development Aid

Abstract

The article explores the dilemma facing evaluators of development aid (as indeed of most other topics), namely, whether to give priority to accountability or lesson-learning as the main objective. It reviews the strengths and weaknesses of donor evaluation practices, and finds a strength of aid evaluation has been its role in improving agency performance in terms of the achievement of development targets (i.e. as distinct from the efficiency of aid delivery), exemplified by the current trend towards more impact evaluation. Another strength has been the forging of a closer relationship between evaluation and project-cycle management, through the use of the Logical Framework sequence. The main weaknesses are inadequate feedback, and a failure to involve the stakeholders in evaluations. The article recommends that there should be more flexible use of the Logical Framework, involving the beneficiaries at all stages, and that specific measures should be taken to ensure feedback at the policy level.