Huyse, Huib, Phlix, Geert, Dhaene, Corina, Molenaers, Nadia, Nijs, Leen, Fonteneau, Bénédicte, Bossuyt, Jean, Grega, Pierre, De Potter, Laurent, and Huyse, Huib
This report describes the results and conclusions of the evaluation of Belgian NGO partnerships and capacity development (CD) carried out by the HIVA/ACE Europe/IOB consortium at the request of the Special Evaluation Office (SEO) of the FPS Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation. The evaluation is situated within the framework of major changes in the Belgian and international development context, especially with regards to the recognition of the central role played by local actors in the development process – with the corresponding new division of responsibilities. Partnerships with local organisations in the South play a central role in the operational activities of Belgian NGOs and these partnerships were the subject of this evaluation. The aim of SEO is to determine to what extent and for which reasons the Belgian NGOs’ capacity development activities with their partners and final beneficiaries have been effectively successful in the context of partnership relations. The evaluation also assesses the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the interventions by the Belgian NGOs with regard to the CD of their partners. It also looks for indications of the effects and impact of CD and the advantages this has brought for the final beneficiaries. The evaluation focuses strongly on the learning aspect of this subject, which has been the topic of relatively little study. The formulation of concrete recommendations is supporting this learning dimension. The evaluation was done by a group of national and international experts. It comprises 5 major phases covering the period from January 2009 to the spring of 2010 and also included seven field visits (Burkina Faso, Cambodia, India, Peru, South Africa and 2 missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo). nrpages: 110 status: published