Utilization of evaluation findings in the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform
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Date
2015
Authors
Tshatsinde, Mmakgomo Anna
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Abstract
Evaluations are a critical element of the South African National Evaluation Policy Framework (NEF). This study evaluates the utilization of the evaluation findings in the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR). It is based on the three (3) completed evaluation studies undertaken by the department in collaboration with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) in the Presidency under the NEF. The premise of this study is that evaluations are only useful if they are utilized. Presently, there is very little evidence that the findings from these evaluations completed in 2012 are effectively utilized. The objective of this research was therefore to investigate factors that led to under-utilization of evaluation findings in the DRDLR. The study also investigated trends in utilization of evaluation findings in the department and suggests strategies to improve utilization for effective governance.
A qualitative strategy was chosen as the research paradigm that would provide the rich in-depth insight into the subject matter. A meta-evaluation using document analysis research design applying Patton’s Framework for Utilization Focused Evaluations (UFE) was undertaken. This study is grounded in theory from literature reviewed. A purposive sampling method was utilized as well as focus groups to supplement the meta–evaluation in order to establish the views and perceptions of the evaluation users. In-depth interviews and questionnaire responses were sort from the sample of users who are mostly the management of the department and the programmes’ officials who were the target population. This approach provided an opportunity for triangulation for data validation, and improved reliability and validity of the study.
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A considerable number of critical factors that led to underutilization of evaluation findings in the DRDLR were identified. It emerged that the evaluation function was not institutionalised; there was a lack of ownership and accountability, poor planning, lack of understanding of the usefulness of evaluations, as well as lack of systematic implementation of the evaluation findings. Trends in the utilization of evaluation findings were identified in strategic planning process, policy revisions, budget allocations and re-prioritisation, determining projects and programmes outcomes or impacts as well as in strengthening the department delivery capacity. Various strategies for consideration to further improve utilization were identifies as amongst others, institutionalisation of the evaluation function in the department processes, communication of the findings, knowledge transfer, systematic implementation of recommendations, improvement of dissemination and diffusion of evaluation findings.
In conclusion, the study made recommendations to DRDLR, DPME and the evaluation fraternity at large, on how to ensure effective utilization of evaluation findings. It recommends amongst others the professionalization and recognition of M&E. as a profession, evaluations to be formally institutionalized in the institutions governance structures and decision making bodies, stakeholder’s participation and role clarification, strengthening capacity of oversight institutions to support effective utilization of evaluations, managerial capacity building and planning evaluations for utilization of results.
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Thesis (M.M. (Public & Development Sector Monitoring & Evaluation))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, School of Governance, 2015.