Role of the evaluator in remote contexts

Abstract

Evaluations have traditionally been used by funding bodies and others to justify the acquittal of funds at the conclusion of a project or to assess the project in terms of meeting a program's objectives. An alternative view sees evaluations as participative processes where the direction of project activities is influenced, good practices are supported and promoted and the ongoing development of strategic policy is informed. This role might seem ideal, particularly in the context of remote communities where capacity building and grass-roots participation is desirable, but how in practice does this happen? Can it happen? This presentation explores the pitfalls and challenges facing evaluators in remote contexts. The presenter shares his own experiences and considers the lessons learned in the light of the literature on evaluation methodology. Show more