The Importance of Evaluation in Development Policy

Abstract

Evaluation, at its best form, is a tool with the potential to have a profound influence on modern societies. At times, this is indeed the case when practices are carefully examined and subsequently replicated, perhaps with adjustments to fit within different cultural norms, and for the betterment of the lives of millions of people.² The role of evaluation, however, will increasingly have to take into account the changing political and demographic landscape.

This chapter is based on Dr Boehmer’s political keynote address at the conference ‘The Future of Evaluation in Modern Societies’ on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary of the Center for Evaluation at the University of the Saarland, 14 and 15 June 2012. Some of the material has subsequently been updated.