Nigerian Association of Evaluators (NAE) and Afrihealth Optonet Association
Posted on 07/12/2025
Bridging evidence and action: What are the most effective ways for the UN and partners to strengthen the link between impact evaluation and real-time decision-making?
Bridging evidence and action is essential for ensuring that civil society interventions deliver measurable results and remain responsive to community needs. To strengthen the link between impact evaluation and real-time decision-making, the UN and partners must prioritize institutionalizing timely data use through integrated monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems. Embedding rapid feedback loops—such as adaptive dashboards, mobile-based reporting, and community scorecards—allows frontline workers and decision-makers to track progress, identify gaps, and adjust tactics quickly.
Co-creation of evidence with civil society organizations (CSOs) and affected populations ensures that evaluations reflect local realities. When communities participate directly in defining indicators, generating data, and interpreting findings, the resulting evidence becomes more relevant, trusted, and actionable.
It imperative that the UN should invest in civil society capacity strengthening, enabling CSOs to conduct rigorous yet agile evaluations, apply digital tools, and communicate insights clearly. This includes training on qualitative and quantitative methods, data visualization, and scenario-based planning.
Finally, fostering collaborative learning platforms—such as UN-CSO evidence hubs and South-South knowledge exchanges—helps transform evaluation results into shared action. When evidence is democratized and accessible, decision-making becomes faster, more inclusive, and more accountable, ultimately enhancing development impact.
RE: Global Impact Evaluation Forum 2025: Forging evidence partnerships for effective action
Nigeria
Uzodinma Adirieje
National President
Nigerian Association of Evaluators (NAE) and Afrihealth Optonet Association
Posted on 07/12/2025
Bridging evidence and action: What are the most effective ways for the UN and partners to strengthen the link between impact evaluation and real-time decision-making?
Bridging evidence and action is essential for ensuring that civil society interventions deliver measurable results and remain responsive to community needs. To strengthen the link between impact evaluation and real-time decision-making, the UN and partners must prioritize institutionalizing timely data use through integrated monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems. Embedding rapid feedback loops—such as adaptive dashboards, mobile-based reporting, and community scorecards—allows frontline workers and decision-makers to track progress, identify gaps, and adjust tactics quickly.
Co-creation of evidence with civil society organizations (CSOs) and affected populations ensures that evaluations reflect local realities. When communities participate directly in defining indicators, generating data, and interpreting findings, the resulting evidence becomes more relevant, trusted, and actionable.
It imperative that the UN should invest in civil society capacity strengthening, enabling CSOs to conduct rigorous yet agile evaluations, apply digital tools, and communicate insights clearly. This includes training on qualitative and quantitative methods, data visualization, and scenario-based planning.
Finally, fostering collaborative learning platforms—such as UN-CSO evidence hubs and South-South knowledge exchanges—helps transform evaluation results into shared action. When evidence is democratized and accessible, decision-making becomes faster, more inclusive, and more accountable, ultimately enhancing development impact.
Dr. Uzodinma Adirieje, DDP, CMC, CMTF, FAHOA, FIMC, FIMS, FNAE, FASI, FSEE, FICSA