Involving Developing Countries in the Evaluation of Development Cooperation: The Case of a Joint Evaluation of Development Cooperation between Ghana and Denmark

Abstract

Joint evaluation of development cooperation is becoming more imperative within the framework of the Paris Declaration. It has, however, been noted that the documentation of practical experience with evaluations conducted in a joint fashion is missing. This article seeks to contribute to the debate on the practical implications of conducting joint evaluations. The model adopted involves one donor (Denmark) and one recipient country (Ghana) working as equal partners in drafting the terms of reference (ToR) for the evaluation, procuring consultants, managing the entire process and reviewing the draft reports prepared by the consultants. Principal lessons include: (a) early involvement of the recipient country in the joint evaluation is essential, (b) joint development of the ToR ensures mutual benefits, (c) a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) strengthens the collaboration, (d) the use of reference groups ensures that the evaluation results are relevant and (e) the use of new communication technologies can help facilitate joint evaluation management. The article concludes that engagement in a joint evaluation is time- and resource-demanding and requires a strong commitment from both sides.

Keywords

definition of evaluation work Evaluation Reference Group evaluation management Ghana— Denmark development cooperation joint evaluation

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