Thoughtful and diverse contributions so far. Thank you all.
It is clear that this question—Do Big Projects Deliver Effective Solutions in a Complex World? —has resonated deeply across contexts and disciplines.
Several key themes are emerging from the discussion. Below, I highlight and reflect on a few:
Adaptability and Flexibility: Large projects often operate within rigid frameworks that hinder their ability to adapt to evolving local contexts and needs. This lack of flexibility reduces their effectiveness and responsiveness on the ground.
Local Ownership and Participation: The sustainability and success of interventions are closely tied to the meaningful involvement of local communities in both design and implementation. Without genuine participation, projects risk missing the mark in addressing real needs.
Contextual Relevance: Projects tailored to specific, compact geographical areas with adequate investment density tend to achieve greater and more sustainable impact, compared to those that spread thin across multiple regions or themes.
Underlying many of these issues is a shared concern about, "overly ambitious theories of change, which often lack a clear and actionable theory of action—a crucial element for translating intent into measurable and meaningful outcomes," as highlighted by Ram.
I was particularly moved by Lila’s reflection on how communities are often treated as passive recipients. This deeply resonates with my own experience from when I coordinated a project in another country, where similar dynamics were at play. Pramel’s example of high-impact, locally anchored work provides a compelling contrast to the challenges typically faced in large-scale, generalized interventions.
I look forward to hearing more of your insights as we continue unpacking these critical questions together. Your contributions are helping shape a more grounded and responsive approach to evaluating complex development challenges.
RE: Do Big Projects Deliver Effective Solutions in a Complex World?
Zimbabwe
Chamisa Innocent
EvalforEarth CoP Facilitator/Coordinator
EvalForward
Posted on 09/04/2025
Thoughtful and diverse contributions so far. Thank you all.
It is clear that this question—Do Big Projects Deliver Effective Solutions in a Complex World? —has resonated deeply across contexts and disciplines.
Several key themes are emerging from the discussion. Below, I highlight and reflect on a few:
Underlying many of these issues is a shared concern about, "overly ambitious theories of change, which often lack a clear and actionable theory of action—a crucial element for translating intent into measurable and meaningful outcomes," as highlighted by Ram.
I was particularly moved by Lila’s reflection on how communities are often treated as passive recipients. This deeply resonates with my own experience from when I coordinated a project in another country, where similar dynamics were at play. Pramel’s example of high-impact, locally anchored work provides a compelling contrast to the challenges typically faced in large-scale, generalized interventions.
I look forward to hearing more of your insights as we continue unpacking these critical questions together. Your contributions are helping shape a more grounded and responsive approach to evaluating complex development challenges.
Innocent Chamisa- EvalforEarth CoP Coordinator.