In the previous phase of Acacia, significant capacity was built both within the team and with our partners in the use of Outcome Mapping (OM) as an evaluation tool. We have found it to be particularly effective for ICT projects as it helps technically-oriented researchers to shift their focus away from the technology and on the behavioural and relationship changes that we are seeking to bring about.

 

In this next phase of Acacia, we intend to expand our work with OM strategically, including it in all larger projects of a million dollars or more. At the same time we would like to begin working with other methodologies to expand our repertoire of evaluation tools so that we can help our partners choose the best possible evaluation approaches. Other tools include: the APC’s Gender Evaluation Methodology (GEM); the Most Significant Change technique developed by Jessica Dart and Rick Davies; and UNESCO’s Ethnographic Action Research methodology.

 

In terms of strategic areas to be evaluated in this next phase of Acacia, we plan to support the following evaluations:

 

1) Evaluation of the integration of engendered analysis in Acacia programing: The external review of Acacia highlighted gender as an area in which Acacia has lost some of its former emphasis and in which there does not appear to be a consistent approach to gender across our projects. The intention of this evaluation would be to take a closer look at gender in Acacia projects with the intention of building capacity within the Acacia team and of developing a framework for the integration of engendered programming into Acacia project development. This will be carried out in the first year of the next phase.

 

2) Evaluation of our strategy to carry out programming through the support of research networks: Consistent with the Centre’s current focus on research network development, Acacia is planning to invest in research networks in all of it core focus areas. We have some networks that have been underway for a few years and some that are just getting off the ground. In the third or fourth year of the Prospectus, we wish to carry out an evaluation of how well research, network-driven projects are succeeding and whether they are delivering all of the additional value outlined in our objectives. We will collaborate directly with the Evaluation Unit to ensure that the results of the evaluation will feed into the emerging IDRC body of knowledge on development research networks.

 

3) Evaluation of our approach to capacity building within our programming: As the Centre’s Evaluation Unit continues its research on capacity development, we will draw on existing studies to inform our approach to capacity building, and structure an evaluation so that it will complement the work of the evaluation unit in this area. This will be carried out in the third or fourth year.

 

4) Evaluation of Connectivity Africa: As Connectivity Africa draws to a close, an evaluation of the program will be directed. The evaluation will draw on existing Outcome Mapping work being undertaken within the program and also evaluate targeted aspects of the program. This will be carried out in 2007.

 

5) External Evaluation of Phase III of Acacia: Finally, an external evaluation of the entire Acacia program will be done. This will be done in a similar manner to the recently completed external evaluation of Acacia’s second phase. It will take place at the beginning the final year of the Prospectus.

 

Projects: