Evaluation Inquiry in Donor Funded Programmes in Northern Ghana: Experiences of Programme Staff

Abstract

An evaluation inquiry has been noted to have a significant influence on whether the evaluation outcomes are used or not. However, only limited studies have examined evaluation inquiry and its implication on the use of evaluation in Ghana. This study therefore seeks to contribute to knowledge on evaluation inquiry and the implications it has on evaluation use in Northern Ghana. Using a multistage sampling process as part of a broader study on evaluation inquiry and use in Northern Ghana, the study examined key elements of evaluation inquiry in 27 programmes implemented between the period 2000 and 2010 in Northern Ghana. Two main levels of data collection were carried out. The first level collected data on the programmes while the second level collected data from programme staff of three programmes as the units of enquiry. It emerged that evaluation was mostly externally funded, premium was placed on project completion evaluation; and evaluation was more an external accountability driven activity. The potential of mid-term evaluation to contribute to evaluation use was undermined by the tag associated with it as basis for the termination of programmes. The study therefore recommends building the evaluation capacity of staff and professionalization of evaluation practice in the country as a way of enhancing evaluation inquiry.

Keywords: Evaluation, Programmes evaluation, Evaluation inquiry, Evaluation use, Northern Ghana