At what stage should community members be engaged in the program evaluation process?

Engaging community members throughout the program evaluation process is essential for several reasons. Involving them from the outset—during the evaluation design—ensures that the evaluation is grounded in the community's needs and context. Their insights can help shape evaluation questions, ensuring they are relevant and meaningful.

During the data collection phase, community members can contribute valuable perspectives and knowledge that improve the quality and accuracy of the data gathered. They may assist in identifying appropriate indicators and methods of data collection, making sure to capture culturally relevant information.

Finally, involving the community in the interpretation and use of evaluation results fosters transparency and ownership. This collaborative approach not only enhances the credibility of the evaluation findings but also promotes community buy-in for any resulting changes or improvements to the program.

Community engagement at every stage ultimately leads to a more effective evaluation process and more significant impact for the community, ensuring that the results are reflective of their experiences and needs.