Conducting evaluation in contested terrain: challenges, methodology and approach in an American context

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Conflict Studies
• Program Evaluation

Background:

• Field evaluations can be significantly impacted by overt and covert violence and conflict.
• Pervasive fear in conflict-affected communities constrains participation and candor in evaluations.
• The safety and well-being of both participants and researchers are paramount.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe challenges in evaluation fieldwork due to violence and conflict.
• To highlight the need for sensitivity and methodological adaptation when working with vulnerable populations.
• To address the threat posed by malevolent stakeholders in conflict situations.

Main Methods:

• Case examples illustrating the impact of violence and conflict on evaluation.
• Discussion of methodologies suitable for evaluations involving survivors of violence, torture, and conflict.
• Emphasis on adapting data collection methods and locations based on field conditions.

Main Results:

• Fear significantly impedes participant engagement and data quality.
• Malevolent stakeholders actively undermine evaluations and attack evaluator credibility.
• Prioritizing safety and ethical considerations is crucial for successful and ethical evaluations.

Conclusions:

• Evaluators must remain vigilant to field conditions and potential threats.
• Flexible and context-sensitive methodologies are essential for evaluations in volatile environments.
• Clear definition and communication of the evaluation's role are vital to mitigate manipulation.