Communitor+ resumed its events after the summer break with an engaging debate on the future of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), titled "Shaping Tomorrow: Exploring the Evolving Landscape of Evaluation."
This dynamic session was part of the 2024 Evaluation Capacity Development (ECD) Seminar and was moderated by Khalil Bitar, Nathalie Holvoet, and Sara Dewachter. While our Communitor+ members participated online, attendees of the 2024 ECD Seminar, representatives from the Special Evaluation Office of the Belgian Development Cooperation, and students from the Development Evaluation and Management Master's program at IOB/UA were present in person.
The discussion centered around three key topics shaping the future of M&E: Decolonization & Indigenization in M&E, the Politics of M&E, and Technology and M&E.
Decolonization & Indigenization in M&E
Khalil Bitar set the stage for this topic by emphasizing the urgent need to integrate local and Indigenous perspectives, which are often overlooked by M&E frameworks developed in the Global North. He posed the question: Should M&E prioritize universally accepted, tested frameworks, or allow for significant methodological diversity to address colonial legacies? The majority agreed that while existing tools should be retained, they must be adapted to include local knowledge and perspectives. Khalil also shared several compelling case studies showcasing successful efforts to decolonize M&E in various countries.
The Politics of M&E
Prof. Holvoet and Dr. Dewachter highlighted that the intersection of politics and M&E has long been recognized in project and program evaluations. However, not all political aspects are negative. The debate focused on questions such as: Is M&E always political? Can a strong institutional M&E system ensure accountability and limit the political misuse of power? Should international donors refrain from engaging in ‘political’ evaluations? Most participants agreed with these statements and shared relevant examples from their own countries, emphasizing that M&E can play a positive role in balancing political dynamics when properly structured.
Technology and M&E
Khalil Bitar then discussed the increasing integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in M&E processes, which streamlines data collection, trend analysis, and outcome predictions. While AI offers many advantages, there are concerns about data bias, exacerbation of inequality by excluding certain voices, and the limited influence of the Global South in shaping AI's development. The group was divided between optimists, who saw AI as a neutral tool dependent on its application, and skeptics, who feared that since AI is largely developed in the Global North, it could further disadvantage the Global South.
The event wrapped up with a lively exchange of ideas, reflecting the rich diversity of perspectives within the M&E field. It became clear that addressing the complex challenges discussed requires a blend of collaboration, openness, and innovation. With its ongoing series of discussions and activities, Communitor+ continues to play a leading role in shaping the future of M&E.
While the session was not recorded to encourage open and candid dialogue on potentially sensitive topics, we’ve made the presentation slides available for those who wish to explore the details further. Check them out below!
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