Evaluation is a vital step in learning about whether and how your programme is (or is not) achieving its goals. There are many motivations or reasons for evaluation, such as capturing the programme’s impact, being accountable to donors, and understanding barriers and facilitators of implementation.

There are also many types of evaluations, from informal participatory feedback groups to randomised controlled trials that survey thousands of participants. Each type has advantages and disadvantages and may be more or less appropriate based on your needs, priorities, and resources, as well as the expertise that you have (or can mobilise) and how much is already known about your or similar programmes.

Regardless of the evaluation strategy you choose, using multiple methods can add credibility, value, and rigor. The key is to develop and follow a plan that is best suited to your circumstances and goals.

On this page, you’ll find some useful general resources about programme evaluation. Check out more specific design, implementation, and evaluation resources here.