What are the challenges of doing program evaluation from the perspective of NGO institutions?

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Program evaluation poses several challenges from the perspective of NGO institutions. Here are some common challenges they may face:
1. Limited resources: NGOs often have limited financial and human resources, which can pose challenges for conducting program evaluations. Evaluations require funding for data collection, analysis, and reporting. Additionally, NGOs may struggle to allocate sufficient staff time and expertise to undertake comprehensive evaluations. Limited resources can constrain the scope and quality of evaluations.
2. Time constraints: NGOs are often focused on implementing programs and delivering services, leaving limited time for conducting evaluations. Balancing the demands of day-to-day operations with the need for evaluation can be challenging. Time constraints may result in rushed or superficial evaluations that fail to capture the full complexity and impact of programs.
3. Lack of evaluation expertise: NGOs may lack in-house evaluation expertise or have limited access to external evaluators. Conducting rigorous evaluations requires knowledge of evaluation methodologies, data analysis techniques, and interpretation of findings. NGOs without dedicated evaluation staff may struggle to design and implement evaluations effectively, resulting in less robust evaluations or missed opportunities for learning and improvement.
4. Balancing accountability and learning: NGOs often face the tension between evaluation as a tool for accountability and evaluation as a means for learning and improvement. External funders or donors may require evaluations primarily for accountability purposes, focusing on demonstrating results and impact. However, evaluation should also serve as a learning process to inform program improvement and adaptation. Balancing these dual goals can be challenging, particularly when evaluation findings reveal areas for improvement or potential risks to funding.
5. Sustainability of evaluation efforts: NGOs may struggle to sustain evaluation efforts over time. Evaluation should be an ongoing process to continuously monitor and improve program effectiveness. However, competing priorities, limited resources, and external pressures can hinder the integration of evaluation into the NGO's routine operations. Without a sustained commitment to evaluation, NGOs may miss opportunities for adaptive management and evidence-based decision-making.