Equitable and Inclusive Values Engagement in Evaluation Capacity Building: A Mixed Methods Cross-Examination Study of Nigeria and the United States of America

Abstract

This convergent mixed methods study addresses a profound need for empirical studies that explicitly elicit equity and inclusion in the engagement of diverse stakeholders’ values in evaluation capacity building (ECB), designed and implemented in Nigeria and the United States of America (USA). The global realization of robust evaluation capacities as crucial tools for effective decision-making and transformative initiatives that advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) has increased commitments towards ECB. As a prominent funder of ECB in Nigeria, the USA has shown commitment to ECB at home and abroad. However, concerns exist that the transformative potential of the initiatives has not been fully realized, especially in Nigeria. The lack of equitable and inclusive stakeholder values’ engagement has undermined the potential of ECB and impeded its sustainability. Limited research-based insights exist on the issues. Hence, the survey and interview data analysis conducted in the study leverages the nine dimensions of the integrated culturally responsive evaluation and systems theory (CRE-ST) framework for a holistic understanding of the subject matter. Participants’ perceptions varied across contexts, with those linked to Nigeria experiencing more strength-based ECB that harnessed local expertise and preassessment-informed approaches amidst relatively less leadership support. The USA participants witnessed the support and participation of leaders in ECB and enacted preassessment-informed approaches. Except in a few cases in the USA, most frameworks and strategies implemented in both countries offered no explicit guidance on equity principles. ECB engaged multifaceted values that cut across diverse stakeholder groups; however, the equitable and inclusive engagements of women, youth, and people living with disabilities were conspicuously missing in ECB in Nigeria. The interaction of external funders within the ECB landscape in Nigeria indicated funding support, mutual benefits, and cultural responsiveness, although their dominant interests still influenced the process. Several suggestions emerged on promising approaches to equitable ECB in Nigeria. The implications of the study apply to diverse stakeholder groups. Future research is needed to address the existing dearth of empirical studies on equity and inclusion in ECB efforts across diverse contexts, and the CRE-ST framework also calls for more research to enhance its refinement for broader application in the field of evaluation.