Amplifying Country-based Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning Ecosystems – A Tale of 3 Case Studies

Abstract Information: This panel will explore three cases of monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) capacity strengthening from two continents and a global assessment. The three cases explore experiences in amplifying and strengthening MERL ecosystems from various perspectives: 1) capacity of local MEL service providers, 2) capacity of local government counterparts, and 3) strengths and barriers inherent within research and evaluation ecosystems worldwide regarding the use of local and regional-level data and evidence in decision-making. The first case from Senegal presents how a Senegalese-centric approach to capacity strengthening contributes to locally-led development. The case is of a USAID MEL services contract which supports localization by shifting funding and voice to Senegal-based partners. MEL service providers in Senegal have traditionally played important roles during the data collection phase of evaluations but have less frequently contributed to the design, reporting, and analysis phases. Strengthening the capacity of firms providing evaluations aims to increase their understanding of USAID requirements and relevant standards of quality in evaluation theory, methods, and/or practice to make them more successful USAID partners but also stronger social scientists that contribute to Senegal’s growth and development. This capacity strengthening is coupled with efforts to competitively select local firms to conduct more performance evaluations, thereby expanding the number of Senegalese voices actively engaged in understanding if development initiatives are effective and why, among other questions. By centering and amplifying local voices, the Senegal MEL contract aims to foster an inclusive research environment where Senegalese voices and organizations are valued. The second case presents an example from a Latin American country and focuses on capacity strengthening efforts with local government counterparts to bolster their MERL capacity, empowering them to design, implement, and utilize MERL information for enhanced program implementation and accountability. Through institutional and organizational capacity assessments, the development of a MEL toolkit for government institutions, and MEL learning events, EnCompass’ approach to working with government entities is characterized by flexibility and adaptation and focused on meeting government counterparts where they are. The third case explores how actors within the international education sector access, engage with, and share information produced by country-based evaluation and research entities. Survey findings of researchers working at various levels within the field of international education are expected to illuminate existing resources at the country and regional level that can be further amplified to promote greater access to and dissemination of local research. Findings will also present various barriers that limit the prominence of local data and evidence, such as limited access to publishing opportunities and language barriers, confirming much of what is documented in the literature. Opportunities for amplifying the voices of local evaluators and researchers also emerge and complement the strategies identified in the first and second cases from Senegal and Latin America.