79 - Adding more voices to the conversation of how we measure success: Co-creating outcomes and indicators with communities

Abstract Information: Donors face multiple challenges funding programming in crisis affected areas. Often, traditional tools for performance monitoring are not appropriate to measure progress towards intended outcomes. They are unable to capture key aspects of development challenges in complex areas where the operating environment is constantly changing. There tends to be limited understanding and use of evidence-based theories of change to articulate which types of interventions are most effective in addressing the various conditions. There also tends to be limited involvement of community perspectives in this work.

Recognizing these limitations, USAID Somalia is in the process of putting in place an evaluative monitoring approach for its portfolio on preventing and countering violent extremism. As part of this approach, the Mission is interested in exploring ways to involve the community in refining portfolio outcomes and contributing to how these outcomes are measured.

The Mission recognizes that involving communities in co-defining or refining outcomes and co-creating localized indicators can contribute to better ground approaches and stories about our work. The larger hope is that this process can contribute to shifts or discussions about programming, strategy, and investments as the Mission gains a better understanding of how communities understand these outcomes. In this session, USAID Somalia would like to hear from others on their experience co-creating outcomes and/or indicators with the communities which we serve. Questions to guide this gathering include:
(1) What led to this shift in defining outcomes/indicators within your institution?
(2) What has been surprising?
(3) What’s the process that you’ve taken to involve the perspectives of communities in this part of your work?
(4) Any lessons learned?