Context Matters: Evaluation in the 21st Century
1.1 Highlights
Highlights
- Context matters: It plays a crucial role in shaping the process and outcomes of evaluations, and the impacts of interventions. However, it is often overlooked in evaluations.
- Understanding contextual dynamics enhances evaluators’ effectiveness: By considering the context, evaluators can be more strategic and impactful in their projects.
- Local cultural context and history are important as well: Showing respect for local peoples and cultures, and supporting self-determination and empowerment, should be central to all evaluation projects.
- Context provides opportunities to reduce risks: A well-understood context and of the planetary health determinants helps minimize potential negative outcomes and enhances positive impacts on both natural and human environments.
- Context is volatile: Evaluators need to stay aware of the changing contextual dimensions to adapt their projects accordingly.
