ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book looks at vital but often overlooked links in the results chain—links that the evaluative experiences of countries and their development partners such as multilateral banks can illuminate. Evaluation can promote accountability relating to actions taken by countries and international financial institutions, and contribute to learning about development effectiveness. It can influence the change of process in policy and institutional development. The book provides examples of how both evaluators and users of evaluation can look afresh at some of the vital, yet underappreciated links in development activities. It examines several cases of using evaluation effectively—and the limitations on its use. Evaluation has a long history in development. Bilateral and United Nations aid agencies have funded evaluations of their work over the years, and most now have evaluation offices. The book elaborates on eight major lessons for development effectiveness.
