OFQ : What formal or informal mechanisms are in place to address disagreements on evaluation findings? Ahmed Ag Aboubacrine: We follow participatory evaluation approaches to handle disagreements on evaluation findings. Our evaluators engage the operations team from the beginning to understand the context. This helps the evaluators to understand the context better and therefore come to valid conclusions and make useful recommendations. It also increases the level of ownership of the stakeholders. In addition, as part of the validation process, the draft evaluation report is submitted to the bank’s relevant department(s) for comments. This o ff ers management the opportunity to raise concerns and objections, if any. The feedback received together with the evaluator’s response is presented in a final evaluation report. OFQ : How do you make sure reporting and monitoring lead to meaningful messages and lessons? Intizar Hussain: The bank places great importance on its Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) process which plays a crucial role in project and program management. The process begins with selecting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) indicators, using ongoing monitoring to track progress and identify issues. Rigorous data collection methods gather quantitative and qualitative data, which is analysed in the context of external factors. Lessons learned inform recommendations and action plans to improve project or program e ff ectiveness. The lessons learned are also embedded in the design of new projects. Transparent communication of MEL outcomes builds trust and continuous feedback refines project results. This systematic MEL process generates valuable insights and lessons that support enhancing the success of active projects and designing future projects and programs while promoting transparency and accountability.
OFQ : How do you see the impact of artificial intelligence on MEL? Are you already working on pilots? What is your vision in this field? Ahmed Ag Aboubacrine: AI is a tool that can add a lot to the accuracy and e ffi ciency of the implementation of evaluation. IsDB is exploring the use of AI in evaluation knowledge management and dissemination. Another area of interest is exploring the use of AI tools to synthesize evaluation findings. However, these e ff orts are in the initial stages of trial and conception.
OFQ : What have you learned from recent emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic or the food security crisis? To what extent do MEL inputs have traction and inform new strategies and/or operational decisions? Intizar Hussain: The bank has responded to these challenges with designated initiatives that introduced fast-track processes for faster approvals and disbursements. Our lessons learned have emphasized greater flexibility in approval and implementation procedures, the setting of realistic
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