Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning...and Sensing Context

Context Driven Adaptation requires embracing learning about factors beyond the results of our own interventions, within timeframes that may not be easily mapped out in advance. One way of learning is through periodic formal evaluation or formal analysis, such as a PEA.  But with contextual learning intended to inform everything from minor tweaks in direction to major new investment it is critical that we expand our available menu of options. This page provides guidance and resources to consider as staff seek to to right-size analysis according to the both the magnitude of knowledge gaps and the level of risk associated with decision-making.

Resources:

• 5 Rs Framework
• Compilation of Analyses and Assessments (Available for USAID Staff on ProgramNet)
• Burma analytical services solicitation

Tips and Resources for Sensing Context and MEL

In this area, you can find tips and resources for improving approaches to sensing context and to building understanding of power dynamics and political economy into programmatic MEL.

Resources:

• Improving Development Aid Design and Evaluation: Plan for Sailboats Not Trains
• Complexity Aware Monitoring Discussion Note 
• Tips on Context Monitoring
• Tips on Collective Sensemaking

Examples of Sensing Context and MEL

In this area, you can find examples of approaches to sensing context and to building understanding of power dynamics and political economy into programmatic MEL.

Resources:

• FAB Paper on DRG integration including PEA
• Example PMPs or Learning Agendas (Coming Soon)
• Realtime Data use in Belarus
• Learning Agenda page in the CLA Toolkit
• Mapping the Criminal Justice System in Northern Uganda