Seeding projects are responsive to the aspirations of Indigenous peoples for evaluation that is a good cultural 'fit' for them. Seeding grants encourage innovations in evaluative thinking that reflect Indigenous ways of knowing, doing and being. This page collects together information about seeding projects.
Indigenous Evaluation Knowledge Transfer Workshop
In February 2025, the Evaluation Association of Bhutan (EAB) and EvalYouth Bhutan (EYB) undertook a powerful learning journey to Tading Gewog in Samtse District to engage with the Doya community. Through storytelling, observation, and ritual, this visit created space for community members—particularly elders and youth—to share their cultural practices and reflect on the impacts of modernization. The team used tools from the Indigenous Evaluation Toolkit for the Asia Pacific to guide a process grounded in respect, consent, and deep listening.
In February 2025, the Evaluation Association of Bhutan (EAB) and EvalYouth Bhutan (EYB) undertook a powerful learning journey to Tading Gewog in Samtse District to engage with the Doya community. Through storytelling, observation, and ritual, this visit created space for community members—particularly elders and youth—to share their cultural practices and reflect on the impacts of modernization. The team used tools from the Indigenous Evaluation Toolkit for the Asia Pacific to guide a process grounded in respect, consent, and deep listening.
This visit underscored the value of Indigenous-led evaluation processes that honour traditional knowledge and relational ways of knowing. Youth emerged as key agents of cultural continuity, while community leaders highlighted the importance of integrating Doya perspectives into local governance and national evaluation frameworks. The report recommends supporting youth-led documentation, ensuring community leadership in evaluation, and advocating for policy approaches that centre Indigenous knowledge. This work marks an important step in reshaping evaluation in Bhutan as a process of mutual learning and cultural affirmation.
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Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by APEA.
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Cameroun - Réseau Camerounais des Evaluateurs (CaPE) - 2023-2024
Knowledge and Development of the Cultural Determinants of Evaluation among the Ma’ngwa’ of Cameroon
Arnoux Mouafo Nopi’s project explored how the Ma’ngwa’ people of Cameroon use culturally embedded knowledge systems to carry out evaluation in their daily lives. The study uncovered traditional mechanisms such as proverbs, rituals, community dialogues, and social norms that serve as informal yet structured tools for assessing leadership, social conduct, and collective wellbeing. These culturally grounded evaluative practices reflect Indigenous notions of balance, respect, and responsibility within the community.
Through interviews, focus groups, and participatory workshops with elders and youth, the project validated these Indigenous evaluation practices and helped strengthen their transmission to younger generations. In doing so, it made visible the depth and relevance of Ma’ngwa’ ways of knowing and valuing, while advocating for their inclusion in broader evaluation frameworks. The initiative contributes to the recognition of Indigenous evaluation as a legitimate and contextually grounded approach.
Arnoux Mouafo Nopi’s project explored how the Ma’ngwa’ people of Cameroon use culturally embedded knowledge systems to carry out evaluation in their daily lives. The study uncovered traditional mechanisms such as proverbs, rituals, community dialogues, and social norms that serve as informal yet structured tools for assessing leadership, social conduct, and collective wellbeing. These culturally grounded evaluative practices reflect Indigenous notions of balance, respect, and responsibility within the community.
Through interviews, focus groups, and participatory workshops with elders and youth, the project validated these Indigenous evaluation practices and helped strengthen their transmission to younger generations. In doing so, it made visible the depth and relevance of Ma’ngwa’ ways of knowing and valuing, while advocating for their inclusion in broader evaluation frameworks. The initiative contributes to the recognition of Indigenous evaluation as a legitimate and contextually grounded approach.
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Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by AGDEN.
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Chile - NIIE (Nucleo Interdisciplinario de Investigación y Evaluación – Universidad de Chile) - 2024-2025La cosmovisión del pueblo Mapuche-Williche y el rol que ha cumplido la evaluación en sus procesos históricos y de toma de decisiones. Isla Chilloé, Chile
El proyecto presenta los resultados de la investigación cualitativa que se ha centrado en comprender el rol que ha desempeñado la evaluación en los procesos históricos y de toma de decisiones de comunidades Mapuche-Williche de la isla de Chiloé. Desde un enfoque decolonial y de pertinencia cultural, implementamos etnografías y grupos focales como fuentes primarias de información. El proyecto, implementó elementos adaptativos de la metodología de investigación a hitos participativos tradicionales de las comunidades Williches, partiendo con un Trawun inicial, en enero de 2025. En donde nos reunimos con autoridades ancestrales de distintas comunidades en la isla de Chiloé, con la finalidad de presentar la investigación y solicitar autorización para trabajar en sus territorios, y luego de una conversación de 5 horas con los Longkos nos retiramos de su territorio a la espera de una respuesta. La que llegaría en febrero del mismo año, siendo esta positiva, y nos permitió retornar a la isla de Chiloé a las comunidades de Fundo Alto de Gamboa en Castro y a la comunidad de san Javier en la isla de Quinchao. Este proyecto no solo pretende abarcar sus objetivos, sino también quiere ser una muestra de cómo la metodología con pertinencia cultural puede ser adaptable, en formas y tiempos de aplicación, reconociendo a las personas en sus saberes y formas de entregarlos. De esta manera, se implementaron caminatas etnográficas, las cuales se construían en conjunto a los Williches que decidieron participar y fueron escogidos por su comunidad para representarlos, quienes seleccionaban espacios de significancia personal y comunitarios. Que al recorrerlos permitieron generar relatos de conexión con el territorio y que daban respuesta a los objetivos planteados en la investigación. |
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Etn Werke
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Longkos-Trawun inicial
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Côte d’Ivoire - Réseau Ivoirien des Evaluateurs Emergents (RI2E)
Evaluation and Endogenous Knowledge Linked to Good Governance: The Case of Kagbé Village
Dago Komeman Francis' project explored how cultural traditions in Kagbé village contribute to the community’s concepts and practices of governance. Rooted in the lived experiences and ancestral customs of the Dida people, the project revealed a range of cultural elements—such as communal rituals, decision-making processes, and linguistic expressions—that act as tools for assessing leadership and community wellbeing. These traditional forms of evaluation are seen in rituals, generational knowledge, and mechanisms for collective accountability, such as the roles of village elders, youth associations, and women's groups.
The project engaged different segments of the village—including chiefs, elders, women, and youth—in interviews and focus groups to uncover how governance is evaluated and sustained through Indigenous norms. While findings affirmed the community’s embedded evaluative culture, they also illuminated gender disparities in participation, with decision-making power largely concentrated among men. Nonetheless, the project catalyzed community reflection, notably among the youth, who committed to establishing citizen oversight committees. Overall, Dago’s work contributes to revalorizing Indigenous governance systems and presents a compelling case for integrating local knowledge into broader evaluation frameworks.
Dago Komeman Francis' project explored how cultural traditions in Kagbé village contribute to the community’s concepts and practices of governance. Rooted in the lived experiences and ancestral customs of the Dida people, the project revealed a range of cultural elements—such as communal rituals, decision-making processes, and linguistic expressions—that act as tools for assessing leadership and community wellbeing. These traditional forms of evaluation are seen in rituals, generational knowledge, and mechanisms for collective accountability, such as the roles of village elders, youth associations, and women's groups.
The project engaged different segments of the village—including chiefs, elders, women, and youth—in interviews and focus groups to uncover how governance is evaluated and sustained through Indigenous norms. While findings affirmed the community’s embedded evaluative culture, they also illuminated gender disparities in participation, with decision-making power largely concentrated among men. Nonetheless, the project catalyzed community reflection, notably among the youth, who committed to establishing citizen oversight committees. Overall, Dago’s work contributes to revalorizing Indigenous governance systems and presents a compelling case for integrating local knowledge into broader evaluation frameworks.
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Ecuador - Sociedad Ecuatoriana de Evaluación - 2024-2025
La gobernanza comunitaria indígena del agua en el contexto del pueblo Kayambi, aticulación con metodologías de evaluación ancestrales
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En el contexto ecuatoriano, la Constitución reconoce y garantiza a las comunas, comunidades, pueblos y nacionalidades indígenas, derechos colectivos a la autodeterminación y el autogobierno, así como a conservar y promover sus prácticas de manejo de la biodiversidad y de su entorno natural. Cuentas con sus propios reglamentos y estatutos internos aprobados por cada una de las comunidades. Estos Gobiernos Comunitarios se entrelazan con otras instituciones formales como las juntas de aguas comunitarias.
La gobernanza comunitaria, considera como base de su accionar y elementos constitutivos del ser humano a la tierra, el territorio y sus recursos, en particular el agua como elemento sagrado y vivo; lo saberes, valores y símbolos, abonan los sistemas de gobernanza y de toma de decisiones propios para administrar su tierra, territorio y sus recursos. Por ejemplo, dentro de este sistema dispone de un Reglamento Interno de Agua. El modelo organizativo gira alrededor de la administración y gestión comunitaria del agua, donde cada habitante (comunero) se ve comprometido a cumplir a cabalidad sus obligaciones para acceder a sus derechos, que son consensuados en las Asambleas Generales, es decir que el agua permite mantener viva la organización comunitaria y a través de ella se realizan los trabajos comunitarios (mingas), actividades culturales, asambleas, justicia indígena-resolución de conflictos-, cuidado y protección de los recursos naturales, participación de hombres y mujeres. Este trabajo investigativo tiene como objetivo analizar el modelo de gobernanza comunitaria en el territorio del pueblo Kayambi, a través de la gestión comunitaria del agua.
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Acto cultural para inicio de Asamblea
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Asamblea Comunitaria del Agua
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Eswatini - Global Shapers Community: Mbabane Hub - 2025
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‘Say what you mean, live what you say’ - Swati proverbs praxis - Study of Indigenous ‘wise sayings’, or ‘proverbs’ with evaluation related messages
A project being led by Nondumiso Hlophe, to determine the boundaries of ethnography and how these have translated into oral sayings passed down from generation to generation, in Indigenous communities. The Kingdom of Eswatini (formally known as Swaziland) is one of Africa's smallest countries. |
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Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by AGDEN.
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Fiji - EvalYouth Pacific - 2023-2024
Indigenous Evaluation Knowledge Transfer Workshop
This EvalYouth Pacific project focused on strengthening Indigenous evaluation frameworks and methodologies in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary activity was a two-day knowledge-sharing workshop on Indigenous evaluation, held on September 20–21, 2023, in Fiji. This event brought together 21 participants from diverse sectors, including civil society, government, academia, and donor agencies.
This EvalYouth Pacific project focused on strengthening Indigenous evaluation frameworks and methodologies in the Asia-Pacific region. The primary activity was a two-day knowledge-sharing workshop on Indigenous evaluation, held on September 20–21, 2023, in Fiji. This event brought together 21 participants from diverse sectors, including civil society, government, academia, and donor agencies.
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Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by APEA.
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Kenya - Monitoring and Evaluation Professional Association of Kenya (M&EPAK) - 2023-2024
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Understanding the Taboos in the Agikuyu Community of Central Kenya
This project by Solomon Michael Gitau Waiyego explored the cultural taboos (Mugiro) of the Agikuyu community in Gikura Village, Central Kenya. These taboos regulate social behavior, ensuring discipline, unity, and order. Violating them leads to uncleanliness (Thahu) or even a curse (Kirumi). The study documented 165 taboos covering birth, circumcision, marriage, death, social interactions, and land use. The project employed community-based participatory methods, including interviews, focus groups, and digital data collection through Kobo Collect. It also mapped cultural sites and explored Agikuyu historical origins. Findings reveal that taboos play a vital role in governance, gender roles, and social cohesion. The project strengthens indigenous knowledge-sharing and contributes to broader discussions on cultural preservation and evaluation in Africa. Solomon recommends further research and wider dissemination of the findings to support cultural heritage conservation. |
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Lesotho - 2025
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Understanding cultural practices of indigenous people that are barriers to gender equality within communities with a special focus of the voices of Bantu communities in Lesotho
The Kingdom of Lesotho, a landlocked state within South Africa, is populated by approximately 2.311 million people, of whom 1% are of foreign origins. The rich oral narrative culture of the Basotho people—expressed through songs, stories, hymns, prayers, and agricultural traditions— serves as an effective means of conveying indigenous knowledge through generations. The aim of this study, led by Nurain Ahmed, is to advance scholarly understanding of how Basotho communities navigate the preservation of cultural identity while simultaneously managing the transformation of gender roles. In addition, it seeks to develop culturally sensitive and gender-aware Indigenous research methodologies that can serve as models for future research initiatives both within and beyond Lesotho. |
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Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by AGDEN.
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Liberia - Red Marble Evaluation Group - 2025
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Hearing the Indigenous Voices In Evaluation (Hive) Project
Hearing the Indigenous Voices in Evaluation (HIVE) Project aims to strengthen the skills of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) specialists in Liberia by promoting Indigenous Evaluation approaches among evaluators. The project will develop a standard Indigenous Evaluation Framework and train at least 20% of M&E professionals in Liberia by September 2025. Through structured training and workshops, the initiative seeks to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into evaluation practices, ensuring that Indigenous voices are recognized in evaluation reports. |
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Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by AGDEN.
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Mexico - EvalYouth LAC and ACEVAL - 2024-2025
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Evaluación multisituada para revalorar la vida con/de/desde las redes y comunidades originarias
Este proyecto germina de la idea de que es posible el fortalecimiento autonómico, a través de procesos sistemáticos y colaborativos enfocados a la evaluación de la acción pública gubernamental federal por parte de las redes y comunidades originarias en México. Situamos estratégicamente la evaluación en torno a un objetivo que nos dinamiza a gestar recursos comprensivos por medio de procesos que sumen a la autonomía y revaloración de la vida (Márquez Méndez, 2024) a lo largo del ciclo vital de los pueblos originarios en el México rural y urbano. En este caso, el foco está en las dimensiones que se han establecido de forma prioritaria para algunas de las redes y comunidades originarias en México -2025: 1) cuidado integral de la vida, 2) comunicaciones, vivienda y transporte y 3) acciones transversales para la revaloración de la vida en las acciones gubernamentales.
Desde este enfoque, es relevante gestar acciones y datos situados que permitan comprender que la evaluación es un medio que dinamiza el campo de interacción entre distintas capas de la sociedad, las distintas capas del Estado y algunas otras figuras que circulan en nombre de empresas privadas que logran una influencia en el sistema. En ese campo, lo que se produce de un proceso de evaluación (en toda su extensión) puede abonar a formar un criterio más realista que considere los contrapesos. A su vez, esto que puede ser útil para diseñar acciones que ensanchen simbólica y materialmente la dignificación, el cuidado recíproco y la sostenibilidad de la vida. Este debate y apertura de la evaluación está situada en un contexto global caracterizado por polarizaciones, conflictos abiertos de distintos tipos y desafíos ante el colapso de múltiples capas del sistema. La corresponsabilidad del cuidado mutuo ante ello implica gestar abordajes flexibles que sean capaces de indagar la complejidad de las realidades situadas y gestar datos pertinentes. En esta fase inicial del proyecto, me tejo con lo extenso humano y ecosistémico de algunas redes y comunidades originarias. A lo largo de este entramado, se trata de forma complementaria los aportes comunitarios y en forma de red que se tejen en entornos rurales y urbanos en México para valorar cualitativamente la acción pública gubernamental que les trastoca.
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Ostula
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Monterrey
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Mongolia - Mongolian Evaluation Association (MEA), 2024-2025
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Elevating Tsaatan Voices: Sowing the seeds of evaluation in Mongolia
The purpose of this project is to empower the Tsaatan community to actively participate in the formulation and evaluation of conservation policies in their region. This data collection allowed our team to deepen their understanding of the Tsaatan people while experiencing the stunning winter landscape of the Mongolian Taiga region. |
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Nepal - Community of Evaluators - Nepal, 2023-2024
Indigenous Evaluation in Nepal
The one-day Workshop on Indigenous Evaluation in Nepal, held on August 6, 2023, in Kathmandu, aimed to strengthen Indigenous evaluation frameworks by bringing together evaluators, Indigenous leaders, and experts. Organized by CoE-Nepal in collaboration with APEA, EvalIndigenous, and EvalPartners, it focused on culturally responsive evaluation, Indigenous methodologies, ethics, and policy advocacy. Key discussions included Free Prior Informed Consent, storytelling methods, and holistic approaches. The workshop fostered collaborative learning, with participants advocating for policy changes, capacity-building, and a network of Indigenous evaluators. Post-workshop feedback emphasized the need for continued training and engagement in Indigenous evaluation practices in Nepal.
The one-day Workshop on Indigenous Evaluation in Nepal, held on August 6, 2023, in Kathmandu, aimed to strengthen Indigenous evaluation frameworks by bringing together evaluators, Indigenous leaders, and experts. Organized by CoE-Nepal in collaboration with APEA, EvalIndigenous, and EvalPartners, it focused on culturally responsive evaluation, Indigenous methodologies, ethics, and policy advocacy. Key discussions included Free Prior Informed Consent, storytelling methods, and holistic approaches. The workshop fostered collaborative learning, with participants advocating for policy changes, capacity-building, and a network of Indigenous evaluators. Post-workshop feedback emphasized the need for continued training and engagement in Indigenous evaluation practices in Nepal.
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Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by APEA.
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Nepal - EvalYouth Nepal
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Empowering Young and Emerging Evaluators of Nepal
In collaboration with EvalIndigenous and the Asia Pacific Evaluation Association (APEA), EvalYouth Nepal organized a two-day’s workshop on June 7–8, 2025, in Kathmandu, Nepal, targeting Young and Emerging Evaluators (YEEs) from Nepal. The primary objective of the workshop was to empower YEEs by delivering both theoretical and practical knowledge on the fundamentals of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E), with a particular focus on Indigenous groups. Recognizing the importance of culturally responsive evaluation, the workshop equipped YEEs with an understanding of Indigenous evaluation methodologies and the contextual knowledge necessary for conducting meaningful evaluations within Indigenous communities. Twenty-three YEEs participated in the workshop, selected based on their interest in M&E and their interest on Indigenous evaluation approaches. The workshop featured a virtual speaker from EvalIndigenous, and in-person speakers from: Nepal Evaluation Society (NES), Community of Evaluators – Nepal (CoE-Nepal), King’s College, and Independent professional evaluators. |
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Nepal - Nepal Evaluation Society (NES) - 2023-2024 |
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Orientation Program on Evaluation for the Parliamentarians from the Indigenous Nationalities
The Orientation Program on Evaluation for Parliamentarians from Indigenous Nationalities on 13 August 2023 introduced evaluation concepts, OECD criteria, Nepal’s evaluation system, and Indigenous rights to newly elected Indigenous parliamentarians. Key speakers, including government officials and evaluation experts, highlighted the importance of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in governance and policy-making. Participants engaged in plenary discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions. The program emphasized capacity-building for Indigenous leaders, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and encouraging further training to strengthen Indigenous evaluation practices in Nepal.
The Orientation Program on Evaluation for Parliamentarians from Indigenous Nationalities on 13 August 2023 introduced evaluation concepts, OECD criteria, Nepal’s evaluation system, and Indigenous rights to newly elected Indigenous parliamentarians. Key speakers, including government officials and evaluation experts, highlighted the importance of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in governance and policy-making. Participants engaged in plenary discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions. The program emphasized capacity-building for Indigenous leaders, promoting evidence-based decision-making, and encouraging further training to strengthen Indigenous evaluation practices in Nepal.
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Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by APEA.
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Nigeria - Nigerian Association of Evaluators (NAE) - 2025
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Disappearing Indigenous Knowledge: The case of the Ikom Monoliths
The Ikom Monoliths, an ancient collection of carved stones in Cross River State, Nigeria, represent a vital aspect of the Alok people's cultural and spiritual heritage. Once numbering about 450, fewer than 250 remain today due to erosion, theft, and neglect. The destruction of their replicas in Calabar, the Cross River State Capital in May 2024 underscores the urgent threat to this indigenous knowledge system. This project, led by Angela Inyang and Rinji Kwarkas, aims to document, protect, and revitalize the monoliths through community-led preservation, cultural education, and knowledge transfer, safeguarding the monoliths as enduring symbols of identity, history, and resilience. |
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Evaluation Of Indigenous Business Systems Among Berom People Of Jos-Plateau: Exploring Gender Disparities In Traditional Business Practices Among The Berom Community In Plateau State
This project, led by Dr. Dagwom Yohanna Dang, aims to critically evaluate the traditional indigenous business systems of the Berom people in Plateau State, Nigeria, with a specific focus on gender disparities. Historically, Berom society featured complementary gender roles in business and economic life; however, colonialism, modernization, and capitalist interventions have gradually distorted these relationships, potentially leading to increased gender inequalities. The study acknowledges the inadequacy of Western feminist frameworks in analyzing African gender relations, opting instead for an indigenous, historically grounded perspective. By combining empirical (survey-based) evidence with qualitative narratives from within the Berom communities, the project seeks to illuminate how traditional business practices evolved and how gender equity can be strengthened without eroding cultural values.
This project, led by Dr. Dagwom Yohanna Dang, aims to critically evaluate the traditional indigenous business systems of the Berom people in Plateau State, Nigeria, with a specific focus on gender disparities. Historically, Berom society featured complementary gender roles in business and economic life; however, colonialism, modernization, and capitalist interventions have gradually distorted these relationships, potentially leading to increased gender inequalities. The study acknowledges the inadequacy of Western feminist frameworks in analyzing African gender relations, opting instead for an indigenous, historically grounded perspective. By combining empirical (survey-based) evidence with qualitative narratives from within the Berom communities, the project seeks to illuminate how traditional business practices evolved and how gender equity can be strengthened without eroding cultural values.
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Pakistan - PEA (Pakistan Evaluation Association) - 2020
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Discussion Paper on the State of EvalIndigenous in Pakistan
PEA (Pakistan Evaluation Association) gathered expert evaluators from all the hard to reach areas in Pakistan and initiated a discussion on the importance of amplifying local voices, culture and religious practices throughout the evaluation cycle. The project aimed to gather a pool of evaluators, as well as enumerators from all the provinces of Pakistan and put them online on its website for anyone commissioning or conducting evaluation or dissemination activities in such regions. We hope that this activity will not only promote indigenous evaluation in the country but will also have direct impact on the quality of the evaluation results and its utilisation. |
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Philippines - Kalahan Education Foundation (KEF), 2023-2024
Intergenerational Tongtongan for the Continuity of the Ikalahan Heritage
Kalahan Education Foundation (KEF) organised this summit on 17-18 August 2023, in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines.
Kalahan Education Foundation (KEF) organised this summit on 17-18 August 2023, in Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines.
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Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by APEA.
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Sri Lanka - EvalYouth Sri Lanka - 2024-2025
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Integrating Indigenous Culture into Transport Planning
Led by EvalYouth Sri Lanka, this project focused on the mobility needs of the Eastern Coastal Vedda community in Kunchankalkulam, Batticaloa District. Co-led by Sabeen Sharic, Christine Dissanayake, Kasun Ramanayake, and Punya Dangalla, the research aimed to explore how transportation systems can be adapted to reflect and preserve Indigenous cultural values. The team employed a participatory case study approach involving key informant interviews with Vedda community members, transport officials, and local administrators. Findings revealed that transportation in this community is deeply interwoven with cultural identity, livelihoods, and access to essential services. The community proposed culturally inspired innovations such as bus stops built with native materials, traditional music on buses, culturally themed tickets, and route names in their language using Tamil script. They also called for community employment in transport services and gender-sensitive seating. The project strongly advocated for culturally responsive infrastructure that affirms identity and promotes equitable access. Grounded in Indigenous Knowledge. Powered by APEA.
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Sri Lanka - SLEvA - 2020
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Rathugala Non-Commercialized Indigenous Community in Sri Lanka
The project team visited Rathugala from 2nd to 5th September 2020 for the data collection with the community and key stakeholders. The project team conducted 11 key informant interviews that included the leader and deputy leader of the Rathugala Indigenous community, Grama Nildhari, Samudhri Officer, religious leaders, school principals, Monaragala District project manager for the Central Cultural Fund, and representative from the Vedda Heritage Center Rathugala. Additionally, the team conducted two focus group discussions (FGDs) with men from the indigenous community and two FGDs with women from the indigenous community. Also, the team conducted a FGD with the police officers of the area. In addition, the team conducted field observations of the houses and cultural rituals of the Indigenous community at Rathugala. |
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Tanzania - Tanzania Evaluation Association (TanEA) - 2023-2034
Wisdom in Swahili Proverbs Inspiring Democratic Evaluation Practices
Writing retreats were funded to ensure evaluation outcomes are published. In June 2024, The African Evaluation Journal published Almas Mazigo's papers (one with colleagues) on the Swalihi evaluation approach.
Writing retreats were funded to ensure evaluation outcomes are published. In June 2024, The African Evaluation Journal published Almas Mazigo's papers (one with colleagues) on the Swalihi evaluation approach.
Swahili Wisdom for Shaping Development Evaluation Practices, examines 45 Swahili proverbs to propose a people-centered evaluation approach. It argues that development evaluations should be social activities led by those directly impacted. Evaluations should assess whether project promises are kept, identify solutions to implementation challenges, and enable collaborative learning to document project histories. The study highlights how Swahili wisdom can enhance participatory and contextually relevant evaluations.
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The Swahili Evaluation Approach: Content and Guidance for Doing Development Evaluation, builds on these ideas to propose a structured evaluation framework. It critiques Euro-American methodologies for failing to capture African realities and calls for locally developed evaluation practices. The Swahili approach emphasizes involving people with lived project experiences, fostering ethical and respectful relationships, and generating credible evidence through collective inquiry and co-learning.
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Tanzania - Tanzania Evaluation Association (TanEA) & ROMME Centre - 2023-2024
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Documenting Evaluation Practices of Wedding Events among the Bahaya of Tanzania
Rutagwelera Mutakyahwa's project explored the rich indigenous evaluation knowledge embedded in the social and ceremonial practices of the Bahaya community. Through the lens of wedding ceremonies, the project documented how dances, songs, poems, and visual art forms reflect evaluative judgments and messages—especially those related to gender equity, women’s rights, and broader human rights. These expressions serve not only as cultural performances but also as critical forms of communication that signify approval, critique, or instruction within the community. |
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By engaging with these traditional practices, the project aimed to highlight the Bahaya people's evaluative criteria and decision-making mechanisms within socially significant events. The resulting documentation contributes to the recognition of Indigenous evaluation as a vibrant and valid system of knowledge. It underscores how these communities assess roles, relationships, and outcomes based on deeply held cultural values, thereby offering an alternative to dominant evaluation paradigms. The project also emphasized the importance of honouring and preserving such knowledge, particularly as a means to foster culturally responsive and contextually relevant evaluation practices.
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