5.6 Conclusion

One can’t expect an evaluation to be straightforward. Only a minority of projects will proceed without any difficulties or surprises. Evaluative contexts are political by nature, with some contexts exhibiting greater political complexity than others. From the start, you should enhance your projects’ credibility by negotiating and communicating with the different actors and parties. In more polarized contexts, you will face opposition and resistance, or, on the contrary, some actors will want to help you as much as possible. Often you will be placed in positions where you will need to balance the political context and your own position as an evaluator, particularly regarding engagement and protection of your data/confidentiality. These evaluation considerations shouldn’t be minimized. In closing, whatever the context, as evaluators you are accountable for the process and for the results you produce; your choices should be explained, made transparent, and throughout the project you should reflect on the best approach to ensure your results will be credible and valid.