A participatory approach to evaluating the impact of NGOs on development in Nepal

This paper describes a technique used to evaluate an NGO support and development project in Nepal. The project has been operating since 2000 or before in five Districts of Nepal and has the primary objective of assisting NGOs to work more closely with the poorest and most disadvantaged people in their catchment areas. The impact evaluation methodology used is both participatory and qualitative, but does arrive at quantified ranking estimates of project value-added in terms of stages of empowerment. The results suggest the project has been successful in developing the internal capacities of the NGOs and improving relationships with poor and disadvantaged people, but that the impact on their livelihoods is more limited even after three or more years of intensive inputs.