What aspect of program evaluation does the concept of "sustainability" primarily address?

The concept of "sustainability" in program evaluation primarily focuses on the long-term maintenance of program effects and the resources necessary to support those effects. This means that once a program has been implemented and has shown positive outcomes, sustainability involves ensuring that the benefits of the program continue over time, even after initial funding or support has diminished. It encompasses strategies to maintain both the impacts the program has had on the target population and the necessary inputs, such as staff, funding, and community support, that enable the program to function effectively in the long run.

Sustainability is crucial for evaluating the overall effectiveness of programs, as it reflects not only whether the desired changes have been achieved but also whether they can be maintained and whether the program can continue to operate and serve its intended goals over an extended period. This consideration is vital for creating lasting benefits in the community or population served by the program, making it a central aspect of program evaluation.