ABSTRACT
The focus of much development work is rightly placed on how well projects are designed, financed, and executed. Evaluative work is informed by an understanding of how country outcomes relate to project outcomes, but are shaped by other considerations, too. Project outcome ratings provided in project implementation completion reports assess the extent to which the project achieved or is expected to achieve its relevant objectives efficiently. Country evaluations consider the relevance of the program, the achievement of objectives against standards set in the country assistance strategy, the quality of interaction with the government, and the quality and relevance of analytical work. Project evaluations assess whether the set objectives of the project are met. The Chad-Cameroon oil pipeline project shows how project and country outcomes are measured against different objectives. While the potential for improving health outcomes is great, it rarely serves as the primary objective driving water supply and sanitation project design and implementation.
