Module M15 - Making Maps Work: Planning, Communication and Advocacy

Unit M15U01 - Evaluating and reflecting on the process

Introduction

This Unit focuses on the monitoring, evaluation, reflection and learning processes that should accompany participatory spatial information and communication processes. The Unit introduces the trainee to key concepts and tools relevant to planning, monitoring and evaluating the participatory mapping cycle and its application in advocacy or change processes. The focus is on tools which help the implementation team understand, reflect on and manage the social dynamics and project planning required for effective use of the maps.

It is important to focus not on the success of the actual mapping, but on the end goals: Did the mapping help the community achieve its aims? Did the mapping have an overall beneficial effect? Was any harm done by this project? What were the lessons learned? Did the mapping increase the ability of the community to advocate for its rights and protect the integrity of the local ecosystem on which it relies or for which it feels responsible?

This Unit is useful for those developing grant proposals for participatory mapping, monitoring project implementation and evaluating results.

Unit objectives / expected outcomes

After the completion of the Unit the trainee will be able to:

discuss the importance and implications of good planning and appropriate planning methodologies;
describe the monitoring and evaluation cycle;
apply monitoring tools, including objectively verifiable indicators and risk analysis;
conduct project evaluations;
implement democracy walls.

Content outline, main topics covered and suggested sequencing

This Unit focuses on the topics listed below:

Evaluating and reflecting on the map-making process (Handout4T & PPT No. 1) (45 min)
Results, indicators and objectively verifiable indicators

Components of the Unit

Exercises

Exercise No. 1: Results, indicators and objectively verifiable indicators; to sort through project plans, clarify indicators for results and develop appropriate objectively verifiable indicator (OVI) tools (75 min)

Handouts for Trainee (to be distributed in printed format):

Presentations

PPT No. 1: Evaluating and Reflecting on the Map-making Process; How to apply an appropriate Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation methodology to advocacy and related processes. (45 min)

Duration

2 hours

Additional trainer resources

Jules N. Pretty, Irene Guijt, Ian Scoones and John Thompson. 1995. Participatory Learning and Action: A Trainer’s Guide, IIED, Participatory methodology series, IIED, UK.