As the international development sector increasingly recognises the need to decolonise its practices, the field of evaluation is also undergoing a critical examination of its own colonial roots and biases. This article explores the concept of decolonising evaluation, providing background, key steps, and resources for practitioners seeking to take a more inclusive and equitable approach.

What is ‘decolonising evaluation’?

Decolonising evaluation refers to the process of recognising and addressing the colonial roots and biases inherent in many conventionally used evaluation approaches. It involves critically examining evaluation practices, theories, and frameworks to ensure they are inclusive, equitable, and representative of diverse cultural contexts and knowledge systems. The goal is to shift power dynamics, centre historically marginalised voices, and challenge dominant Western-centric evaluation paradigms.

Background to decolonising evaluation

The decolonisation movement has gained momentum in recent years as evaluators and global development practitioners have increasingly acknowledged the colonial legacies embedded in the field of evaluation. The literature and resources are constantly evolving, however, some useful key documents shaping this agenda include the Arqaam Power-Critical Toolkit, the Emergency Collective’s 2020 article on Decolonising Evaluation as well as a series of resources developed by INTRAC on shifting the power their Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL). The podcast series Indigenous Insights: An Evaluation Podcast based on interviews conducted by Gladys Rowe with fellow evaluator highlights indigenous evaluation practices as a critical tool for decolonised evaluations. inFocus, in partnership with independent researcher and community builder Nishma Doshi has also conducted research summarised in a couple of blogs (‘Decolonising Evaluation: Shifting from Extraction to Nourishment’ and ‘Data as Medicine: Four Core Practices of Decolonising Evaluation’) offering guidance on practical steps and recently took part in a panel discussion in a UNDP M&E Sandbox webinar on the subject.

Steps for a Decolonised Approach to Evaluation

The different resources mentioned highlight some key steps practitioners can take to address colonial practices in their work:

1. Reflect on your own positionality and biases

Examine how your identity, background, and worldview may influence evaluation design and implementation.

2. Prioritise local ownership and participation

Meaningfully engage diverse community stakeholders throughout the evaluation process.

3. Acknowledge and incorporate multiple ways of knowing

Validate indigenous methodologies, storytelling, and other non-Western evaluation approaches.

4. Analyse power dynamics and address inequities

Identify and mitigate colonial power structures that prioritise certain types of knowledge and silence others.

5. Translate and communicate findings equitably

Ensure evaluation results are accessible and actionable for all stakeholders.

6. Build evaluation capacity of local partners

Transfer skills and resources to strengthen sustainable, locally led evaluation practices.

Decolonising evaluation requires a fundamental shift in mindset and practice. By centring local voices, valuing diverse knowledge systems, and addressing power imbalances, evaluators can work towards more inclusive, equitable, and representative processes.