Meaningful Measurement for Community‐Based Adaptation. Issue 147 (15th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Faulkner, Lucy; Ayers, Jessica; Huq, Saleemul
• Is Part Of: New directions for evaluation. Issue 147(2015)
• Page Start: 89
• Page End: 104
• Publication Date: 2015-09-15
• Subjects: Evaluation research (Social action programs) -- Periodicals; 361.61072
• DOI: 10.1002/ev.20133
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1097-6736

Abstract

Abstract: Evidence indicates ongoing tensions over effective climate change adaptation measurement. Focusing on community‐based adaptation (CBA), we stress that some of these tensions stem from a lack of transparency around the knowledge and learning needs of different stakeholders engaged in CBA investments. Drawing on a participatory assessment of stakeholder information needs and appropriate scales required for effective monitoring and evaluation (M&E) for CBA, this article presents a new M&E for CBA framework. The framework identifies four levels at which M&E is to be undertaken by CBA practitioners and associated project stakeholders: participatory M&E at community level; M&E at individual project level and comparison across multiple project sites; M&E of capacity of institutions implementing CBA; and M&E of community of practice. The proposed framework tailors its M&E approaches according to these levels. By moving beyond the existing dominant donor‐driven M&E perspective, we argue that this more nuanced approach enhances the usefulness of M&E by ensuring that the accountability of stakeholders engaged in CBA landscapes is legitimate across multiple scales. The framework is applicable for M&E of general development practice, as well as the climate change adaptation and resilience remit.