How do you demonstrate and communicate the value and contribution of capacity development evaluation?

1 Know your purpose and audience

Before you start your CDE, you need to clarify why you are doing it and who you are doing it for. What are the main questions or issues that you want to address? How will the results be used and by whom? What are the expectations and interests of different stakeholders, such as funders, partners, beneficiaries, and policymakers? Knowing your purpose and audience will help you to define the scope, methods, and criteria of your CDE, as well as to tailor your communication strategy and messages accordingly.

2 Use a participatory and adaptive approach

CDE is not a one-off or linear exercise, but a dynamic and interactive process that involves multiple actors and perspectives. To ensure the credibility, relevance, and usefulness of your CDE, you need to engage your stakeholders throughout the cycle, from planning and design to data collection and analysis, to reporting and dissemination. You also need to be flexible and responsive to the changing context and needs of your CD intervention, and to adjust your CDE accordingly. A participatory and adaptive approach will help you to build trust and ownership, to generate rich and diverse insights, and to foster learning and action.

3 Apply a systems perspective

CD interventions are complex and often operate in complex environments. They interact with various factors and actors that influence their performance and outcomes. To capture and communicate the value and contribution of your CD intervention, you need to apply a systems perspective that recognizes and analyzes these interrelationships and dynamics. You can use systems thinking tools and methods, such as causal loop diagrams, systems mapping, or outcome harvesting, to identify and visualize the key elements, feedback loops, and emergent patterns of your CD intervention and its context. A systems perspective will help you to understand and explain the causal pathways, assumptions, and risks of your CD intervention, as well as to identify and measure its intended and unintended effects.

4 Focus on the change process

CD interventions aim to bring about positive changes in the capacities of individuals, organizations, and systems. However, these changes are not always easy to observe, measure, or attribute. To demonstrate and communicate the value and contribution of your CD intervention, you need to focus on the change process that it triggers or supports. You can use a theory of change or a logic model to articulate and illustrate how your CD intervention intends to achieve its goals and objectives, and what are the indicators and evidence of progress and results. You can also use a mix of quantitative and qualitative methods, such as surveys, interviews, case studies, or stories of change, to capture and document the changes that occur at different levels and stages of your CD intervention.

5 Tell a compelling story

CDE is not only about producing data and reports, but also about telling a compelling story that showcases the value and contribution of your CD intervention. To do so, you need to synthesize and present your CDE findings and recommendations in a clear, concise, and engaging way that appeals to your audience. You can use different formats and channels, such as infographics, videos, podcasts, or blogs, to highlight the key messages and lessons learned from your CDE. You can also use stories and testimonials from your stakeholders to illustrate the changes and impacts of your CD intervention. Telling a compelling story will help you to communicate your CDE results and implications in a meaningful and memorable way that inspires action and change.