Seasoned specialist with over twenty years of experience in the design, management and evaluation of humanitarian and development interventions. Check out my LinkedIn for more info!
Posted on 01/08/2024
Hi Amy,
Thanks for starting this valuable exchange. I would like to share my experience doing evaluability assessments of programmes in FAO. These have generally aimed at determining the readiness of evaluating FAO’s work in a given area, and/or to inform decision-making on FAO evaluation plans.
For example, the evaluability assessment of FAO's rural poverty reduction programme (available at https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/161ba76c-daea-…) was instrumental to identify which components of FAO's programme were feasible and worthwhile to evaluate for results. With this objective in mind, the evaluability assessment reviewed the clarity of the programme logic and the extent of completion of planned activities and use of resources, and resulted in proposals on the scope, approach, methodological design and work-plan of the evaluation.
More recently, we are using evaluability assessments to inform our decisions on which evaluations to conduct, as well as to define their scope, objectives and approach. This development is aligned with our medium-term strategy that seeks to ensure that the Office of Evaluation produces high-quality evaluations that meet the needs of FAO stakeholders (https://www.fao.org/evaluation/highlights/detail/fao-evaluation-strateg…)
Best regards,
Carlos
Italy
Carlos Tarazona
Senior Evaluation Officer
FAO
Posted on 27/04/2025
Kicking Off the Discussion: Evaluating South-South and Triangular Cooperation in a Changing World
As the global development architecture continues to evolve, South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) has become increasingly central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. These partnerships, rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and shared learning among countries of the Global South—often supported by a third partner—are not just complementary to traditional aid, but a powerful mechanism for locally driven change. Yet, how do we evaluate these complex, dynamic initiatives in ways that are context-sensitive, politically aware, and methodologically sound?
To kick off this dialogue, we're inviting evaluators and development practitioners to reflect on their experiences with SSTC. Let’s explore together:
🔹 What evaluation approaches or tools have you found effective in assessing SSTC initiatives?
🔹 What challenges have you faced—methodologically, politically, or operationally?
🔹 How can we, as evaluators, enhance the visibility, learning, and impact of SSTC in this shifting aid architecture?
Let’s reimagine evaluation as a driver of meaningful cooperation and mutual benefit.
📢 Join the conversation: Share your stories, tools, challenges, or simply your curiosity. Your insights will help shape more impactful and context-aware evaluation practices for SSTC.
Carlos Tarazona, Senior Evaluation Officer at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).