Decolonising international development evaluation

Rethinking OECD DAC evaluation criteria from a decolonial perspective

Bibliographic Data

ID3886531
AuthorsNina Van Der Puije (0009-0008-3027-9598, Humboldt University of Berlin, corresponding author), Franziska Satzinger (Fulda University of Applied Sciences)
Year2025
Pages1-15
Publication date2025-04-17
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueDevelopment in Practice (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0961-4524 • E-ISSN: 1364-9213
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09614524.2025.2482780
OpenAlexW4409553217
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited24

Over the last three decades, evaluations of “development” interventions have been primarily framed by five specific evaluation criteria (relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability) promulgated by the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee (DAC). Efforts to reconsider these criteria have focused on adapting to shifts in global development goals, rapid technological advancements and intricacies of development efforts within the broader system. However, these efforts have been limited in their ability to question the (Eurocentric) structures, values, and knowledge systems upon which the criteria are founded. Through a decolonial lens, this article traces the historical origins of the OECD DAC evaluation criteria, highlighting their Eurocentric foundations and the power imbalances inherent in their framing. It explores how the criteria prioritise Western knowledge systems and interests, marginalising alternative perspectives and knowledges outside the OECD donor context, and considers what such alternate framings might contribute to decolonising the established evaluation paradigm

Political science · Sociology · South asia · Anthropology · Computer Science · Global Educational Policies and Reforms · International Development and Aid · Social and Economic Development in India · Artificial Intelligence

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