Open AccessUsing Theory-Based Evaluation to Evaluate Systemic Change in a Market Systems Programme in Nepal
Author(s) -
Edward Hedley,
Gordon Freer
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
ids bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.25
H-Index - 46
eISSN - 1759-5436
pISSN - 0265-5012
DOI - 10.19088/1968-2022.104
Subject(s) - openaccess , robustness (evolution) , process (computing) , computer science , iterative and incremental development , forcing (mathematics) , management science , process management , business , economics , livelihood , geography , software engineering , biochemistry , chemistry , archaeology , gene , agriculture , operating system , climatology , geology
The complexities of markets and market environments are felt in the design and the evaluation of market systems development (MSD) programmes. The authors reflect on a recent evaluation of an MSD programme in Nepal in which they used contribution analysis as a means of navigating these complexities. The planned niceties of the proposal soon departed ways from the reality on the ground, forcing the authors to adopt a more iterative evaluation approach, while ensuring evaluative robustness. This article outlines the iterative process and what the authors have learned regarding the applicability of contribution analysis within a theory-based evaluation, in a dynamic, changing environment.