4.1 Project Evaluation

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4.1.1 Conduct end-line monitoring and assess achievement of project outcomes
4.1.2 Participatory project review
4.1.3 Conduct process evaluation
Tools and resources helpful to supporting this step

4.1.1 Conduct end-line monitoring and assess achievement of project outcomes

Carry out final end-line monitoring on all indicators of animal welfare and behaviour addressed by the project in accordance with monitoring plan. Once data is analysed, compare end-line results with baseline assessment results to determine the extent to which project objectives were achieved and preconditions for adopting and maintaining the desired behaviours have been addressed (e.g. barriers and motivators to desired behaviours). Identify successes as well as underperforming outcomes for further follow-up discussion, reflection and learning with communities.

4.1.2 Participatory project review

Organize community meetings to present and discuss monitoring results with community members and CCAs, assess outcomes in terms of successes and underperformance and any recommendations for how any underperforming outcomes could have been improved. In addition, reflect on changing trends in the welfare of their animals and their behaviours, as well as reflect on the impact to their lives because of involvement with the project and associated animal welfare improvements.

Consider using the Before and now change analysis (T11b) tool to support this process.

4.1.3 Conduct process evaluation

Conduct an evaluation of the project using internal or external evaluators, with preference for using impartial third-party evaluators whenever feasible. These process evaluations are particularly essential if desired behavioural change is not achieved as it will enable you to assess whether there is anything you could do to improve the project implementation strategy or processes to improve outcomes, can inform your decision as to whether you continue to support the project using a different strategy.

Evaluations should seek to assess the following in consultation with relevant stakeholders:

• The appropriateness and effectiveness of the processes employed to:
  - improve and sustain animal welfare and the adoption of desired behaviour change,
  - promote participatory engagement and empowerment of communities, and
  - promote gender equality and safeguarding of vulnerable groups.
  
• Stakeholder satisfaction with project. Stakeholders may include CCAs, target peer groups, partners and local animal resource and service providers as relevant. Consider assessing stakeholder perceptions related to the benefits and value of the project both in terms of animals and people, overall project accountability and transparency, satisfaction with the project/supporting organization, as well as recommendations for improvement.

Based on results of monitoring and evaluation and the participatory project review, determine which of the following options is most appropriate and feasible depending on your assessment:

1. Withdrawal Support and Exit: this option is recommended when:
   a. The desired behavioural change and related animal welfare improvements have been achieved, or
   b. When the desired behavioural change and related animal welfare improvements have not been achieved/seem unlikely to be sustained and feasibility of achieving them is unlikely.
   
2. Continue Support and Do Not Exit: this option is recommended when desired behavioural change and related animal welfare improvements have not been achieved or are unlikely to be sustained due to issues with strategy or organizational capacity, and the project/organization has the necessary resources to continue supporting the project. In such cases, it is recommended you build the necessary capacity and/or adapt the community engagement strategy and re-plan in collaboration with the community to continue working to achieve desired results.

Evaluation results and next steps in terms of gradual withdrawal of support or the organizations’ desire to continue support should be shared and discussed with the animal owning community and other relevant stakeholders for full transparency and accountability.

Link to References Cited