Indeed, the real value of AI isn’t just doing the same work faster, but freeing up evaluators’ time for context, interpretation and judgement. Whilst this may be ideal, AI remains exclusive in many cases. Most grassroots and development communities, where donor-funded programmes are usually situated, lack access to AI, yet they are often the same people most affected by funding cuts. It is therefore important to consider how we can avoid their marginalisation, because the very same AI that can be useful could further widen the divide. If AI-supported evaluations draw mostly on documents and datasets produced by donors and implementing agencies, community voices risk being even further removed from the evidence base.
RE: Evaluation under pressure : Strengthening evidence use, accountability and learning amidst funding constraints (Joint EvalforEarth-ALNAP discussion)
South Africa
Sibongile Sithole
Evaluation Consultant
Publicado el 26/10/2026
Indeed, the real value of AI isn’t just doing the same work faster, but freeing up evaluators’ time for context, interpretation and judgement. Whilst this may be ideal, AI remains exclusive in many cases. Most grassroots and development communities, where donor-funded programmes are usually situated, lack access to AI, yet they are often the same people most affected by funding cuts. It is therefore important to consider how we can avoid their marginalisation, because the very same AI that can be useful could further widen the divide. If AI-supported evaluations draw mostly on documents and datasets produced by donors and implementing agencies, community voices risk being even further removed from the evidence base.