Indicators to assess participatory mechanisms

Measuring SAI–citizen engagement as it unfolds is necessary to understand how goals are achieved and to adapt participatory mechanisms as conditions change. Indicators help to shed light on the process through which activities become outputs and then outcomes. However, before planning to develop indicators to measure participatory processes, a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system should be in place. This step is necessary to establish a baseline, define incremental objectives, implement protocols for collecting and analyzing data, and design indicators that are clear and measurable. Please refer to this reading on SMART indicators when designing yours.

The following sections offer possible areas for SAIs and CSOs to measure so that they can assess the effectiveness of participatory mechanisms.

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Bibliography

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Gertler, P. J. et al. (2011): “Impact Evaluation in Practice”, Washington, DC: World Bank.

Hevia, F. & Vergara-Lope Samana (2011): “How to measure participation”, CIESAS – INDESOL. “Practical Guide For Evaluating Participatory Processes”; Marc Pares, Leonardo Díaz (IGOP/UAB) & Melissa Pomeroy (OIDP/OLDP)

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