The impact of participatory and non-participatory evaluations on meeting project objectives

Abstract

This study investigates the value of participation on meeting a project's objectives by comparing the impact of participatory and non-participatory evaluation frameworks. We assessed HIV/AIDS projects that shared similarities in terms of objectives and implementation strategies, but differed in their evaluation strategies, in order to identify differences in the outcome of the projects on the beneficiaries. The study concentrated on documentary and interview evidence of communication-based HIV/AIDS projects. The results highlight that in spite of socio-demographic differences, consistent use of a participatory methodology created an enabling environment, in terms of implementation, for meeting a project's objectives (particularly improved group awareness, knowledge, attitude, empowerment, functioning and sustainability); and, in terms of evaluation, a participatory methodology better enabled the internalisation of those objectives, through activities such as focus group discussions.

Evolving Patient-Researcher Collaboration: An Illustrative Case Study of a Patient-Led Knowledge Translation Event

“…Creating broad ownership of research through public involvement seems to be particularly important in projects that aim to increase people's knowledge and awareness and/or change their attitudes and behaviour. For example, a study of different approaches to developing health promotion programmes, showed that these projects are more likely to lead to change if the public are involved in the development, implementation and evaluation stages (Niba & Green 2005).…”

From the Beginning

“…In their work they discuss how using photography as a medium for group work, resulted in participants having an increased sense of control over their own lives as well as becoming community change agents through empowering them as experts in their own lives. Based in South Africa, Niba and Green (2005) compare participatory and non-participatory frameworks for evaluation in HIV/AIDS projects and conclude that participatory frameworks create an enabling environment to meet objectives, in particular, improved group awareness, knowledge and attitudes, as well as internalisation of objectives. More recently, international studies have identified improved public participation, sustainability and better multi-disciplinary working as positive outcomes from participatory approaches in community evaluation activities (Edwards and Roelofs, 2006;Speilman et al, 2006;White 2006).…”