What is meant by "participatory evaluation"?

Participatory evaluation refers to an approach where stakeholders actively engage in the evaluation process. This involvement can include various groups such as program participants, staff, funders, and community members who provide input on evaluation design, implementation, and interpretation of findings. The key aspect of participatory evaluation is that it enhances the relevance and applicability of the evaluation results, as those who are directly impacted by the program contribute their perspectives and knowledge.

This method recognizes that stakeholders often have valuable insights that can inform the evaluation process, leading to more contextually appropriate and meaningful findings. Additionally, involving participants can also build their capacity to engage in future evaluations and decision-making processes.

In contrast, other provided options do not embody the essence of participatory evaluation. For instance, an evaluation conducted solely by external experts overlooks the benefits of stakeholder engagement, while reliance on quantitative data diminishes the qualitative insights that participatory methods can yield. Furthermore, a process that does not include participant involvement contradicts the foundational principle of participatory evaluation, which emphasizes active collaboration.