ar-mel (action research, monitoring evaluation and learning) is a think-tank that supports NGOs, governments and UN agencies evidence-based decision making.

Mid-term evaluation in Mali

Country

Mali

Year

2019

Assignment

Mid-term evaluation of Addressing Root Causes of Conflict (ARC) Program.

Funding

Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Kerk in Actie (KIA)

Theme

Conflict Management - Gender Equality - Climate Change - Partnerships

Scope of mid-term evaluation in Mali

In Mali, this program addresses systemic problems underlying conflict and violence in Timbuktu, Gao, Mopti and the district of Bamako. It focuses on domains related to the governance and accountability, capacity building in conflict prevention and management, networking various levels. This mid-term evaluation in Mali addressed several questions related to core evaluation criteria. The progress made by the program since its inception, key lessons learned as well as the theory of chance analysis were part of the assignment.

Methodology of mid-term evaluation in Mali

Evaluation Expert Armel Oguniyi joined the Overseas Advising Group (OAG) team for this assignment as the lead researcher. The methodology applied focused on participatory action research, gender, diversity and social inclusion. It draws its foundation from the respect for fundamental human rights and adapts to the different cultures, specificities of participants.  Our team adopted a gender, conflict and social inclusion lens in developing tools, identifying participants, and conducting the actual consultation. Methods used included desk reviews, Key informant interviews, FGDs and Most Significant Change (MSC). The various stakeholders consulted included authorities, local radios, LNOGs, traditional and religious leaders, youth and women associations and more.

Outcomes of mid-term evaluation in Mali

This evaluation provided relevant findings related to the program’s progress toward its expected results as well as the contributing factors. Key opportunities for moving forward highlighted by evaluation, included sustainability opportunities, areas for improvement, lessons learnt and good practices examples. Moreover, the final evaluation provided practical insights for strengthening Local Peace Committees involved in the program. 

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