Given
the complex nature of adaptation, we should look to combine
organisational objectives with broader societal learning about
adaptation and think ‘outside of the project box’
Spearman & McGray, 2011
Evaluation
is an opportunity for learning from experience and so requires a
process that can capture ‘surprise’ and unanticipated
consequences of an intervention and also what has, on reflection, real
value from different people’s perspectives (funders, project team
and beneficiaries). We are still learning how best to adapt to a
changing climate, how vulnerability can be most effectively reduced and
resilience enhanced, and what the characteristics of a well-adapting
society might be. Using an evaluation to reflect and understand what
works well (or not), in which circumstances and for what reasons, is
critical. This allows us to check both: ‘
Are we doing things right?’ and
‘Are we doing the right things?’
(Pringle, 2011). As the future is unknowable, monitoring and evaluation
has to be seen as a continuous and evolving process of learning and
development. Engaging others in the development of an evaluation will
build up a more rounded understanding the process of adaptation as well
as how well a particular intervention worked, enabling you to make more
informed decisions in the future. For more information on learning
processes please go to the Toolbox section on
Learning and Reflection.
