Evaluation in Contexts of Fragility, Conflict and Violence

Two billion people live in countries where development outcomes are affected by fragility, conflict and violence. The World Bank estimates that by 2030, up to two-thirds of the global extreme poor will be living in fragile and conflict-affected situations, making it evident that without intensified action, global poverty goals will not be met.

Evaluation - like development aid itself - can unintentionally exacerbate tensions in ways that negatively affect conflict-affected populations if care is not taken to develop and integrate conflict sensitivity into the evaluation's design and approaches. This book is a guide to designing, managing and conducting evaluations in fragile and conflict-affected contexts. Such contexts may present challenges for evaluation that, if not properly addressed or mitigated, can adversely affect the validity and results of the evaluation. Mitigating these challenges can entail significant effort, and can sometimes require redefining the direction, purpose or scope of the evaluation.

This book is an initiative of IDEAS. It builds upon the knowledge and practical experience of evaluation professionals of various organizations and regions, thus showing a diversity of perspectives and experiences. Hur Hassnain provided overall leadership and management in writing and developing the book. The book's co-authors were Anupam Anand, Inga-Lill Aronsson, Sarah Davies, Gabrielle Duffy, Lauren Kelly, Wanda Krause, Keiko Kuji-Shikatani, Marco Lorenzoni, Rhiannon McHugh, Emma Rotondo, Wendy Rowe, Simona Somma, Melinda Sutherland and Serge Eric Yakeu.

Reviews and Endorsements:
- This book is both important and timely. Use the wisdom and insights in this book to enhance your work on behalf of all of us. Michael Quinn Patton, Utilization-Focused Evaluation & Blue Marble Evaluation

- Many of the elements included in this book will have an immediate purpose in strengthening the work of my own evaluation function at the WFP. Andrea Cook, World Food Programme

- This publication is a welcome initiative reminding development practitioners that during conflicts and pandemics and in fragile circumstances in general, M&E matter more than ever. Marvin Taylor-Dormond, Asian Development Bank

- The wealth of examples from the field, combined with the extensive review of applicable evaluation methods will be found invaluable by both new and experienced evaluators. Michael Bamberger

- I encourage development practitioners to read this guidance. Fragility and conflict are among the most serious hurdles to achieving the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs. Fabrizio Felloni, International Fund for Agricultural Development

- This book provides useful advice from the early stages of understanding power and conflict to the final stages of reporting findings, with practical information about choosing methods and protecting staff and communities. Pa...