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RE: How to Ensure Effective Utilization of Feedback and Recommendations from Evaluation Reports in Decision-Making

Eddah Kanini (Board member: AfrEA, AGDEN & MEPAK

Kenya

Eddah Kanini (Board member: AfrEA, AGDEN & MEPAK

Monitoring, Evaluation and Gender Consultant/Trainer

Posted on 26/08/2025

Thank you for initiating this important topic on underutilised feedback in development decision-making. 

From my experience, some of the barriers include organisational culture of resistance, where feedback is seen as criticism rather than a learning tool. Working in Silo is also a barrier where feedback remains in one entity, or in one project, instead of feeding into broader institutional decisions.

Leadership and culture play a critical role in influencing feedback responsiveness. Good leadership will set the tone for valuing evidence, allowing open dialogue and reflection, and encouraging adaptive management

Some practical steps for embedding feedback use, include institutionalising after-action reviews and learning forums. Other steps involve integrating feedback in planning cycles, and capacity building of staff not only in data collection but also in interpretation and application.