Evaluating conflict prevention and peacebuilding

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The DAC Network on Development Evaluation and the DAC Network on Conflict and Fragility (INCAF) are working together to strenghten learning and improve development results in situations of conflict and fragility, by gathering policy lessons and developing shared approaches to evaluation. Together we developed guidance on evaluating conflict prevention and peacebuilding activities. To ensure its relevance and increase the evidence base, the guidance was tested during a two year test phase and was finalised in November 2012.

The publication provides step-by-step guidance on evaluation, as well as some basic principles on good programme design and management. It urges donors and partners to:

Base their work on a clear understanding of the conflict context, its key drivers, political economy, dynamics and actors, and a deep analysis of how their own activities will interact with and impact (directly or indirectly) on peacebuilding and statebuilding processes.
Use critical analysis to generate more credible information about the effectiveness and results of their peacebuilding strategies and programmes.
Question the underlying assumptions of their work and strengthen the evidence-base for peacebuilding support by testing their theories about how change happens.
Be responsive to and sensitive of the conflict when designing, implementing or evaluating programmes – to avoid making things worse

Access the guidance

Keen to maintain the Guidance as a living document, the OECD-DAC has partnered with Search for Common Ground's Learning Portal for Design, Monitoring & Evaluation (DM&E) for Peacebuilding to create a dedicated online space for discussion on the various issues raised in the Guidance. Join the conversation now at dmeforpeace.org

Background

This work grew out of recognition by development partners of a learning and accountability gap in the fields of conflict prevention and peacebuilding support in settings of violence and fragility. Very few evaluations were being done and systematic learning was weak, contributing to weak performance.

An approach paper was written as part of the process to develop guidance for evaluators and programme managers to help fill this gap. The paper explores some of the key issues related to evaluation in the conflict and peace field and defines key concepts. It is of particular interest to research and academic institutions interested in learning more about the particular issues of evaluating conflict prevention and peacebuilding work.

A workshop took place in February 2011 to share policy lessons from recent evaluations and review experience with the draft guidance. At this meeting it was determined that the guidance will be revised to reflect recent developments in the field and to incorporate further thinking on concrete methodological approaches to evaluation, including the use of conflict analysis and theories of change.

"Encouraging Effective Evaluation of Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Activities: Towards DAC guidance”:

(En français)

Evaluations of peacebuilding support