Overview of the Network's current work on evaluating conflict prevention and peacebuilding

The Factsheet 2008 on Evaluating Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Activities :

Not only is the human cost of conflict devastating but its impact on the political, social and economic development of a country, and often its surrounding region, is profound. The benefits of development assistance can be reversed by the outbreak of violent conflict, which is not only an accompaniment of poverty but is one of its main causes. Evaluating policies, programmes and projects meant to prevent conflict remains a challenge.
For this reason, the DAC Network on Development Evaluation and the DAC Network on Conflict, Peace and Development Co-operation decided to review the substantive findings from recent evaluations in this field and to examine methods for assessing the effectiveness and impact of conflict prevention operations.
 

Recent developments and ongoing work

DAC Guidance on Evaluating Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Activities: The draft guidance, developed in consultation with lead network members and experts, has been printed for a test phase and a link to the draft is available at the top of this page.
 
During the test phase application (2007-2008) all those interested are encouraged to use the guidance for evaluations and to provide feedback on experiences with the product. Several ideas for joint evaluations in conflict affected countries are currently being developed by members of the DAC networks.  Following incorporation of feedback from the test phase, this process will culminate with the publication of DAC guidance.