Public policy evaluation in the Global South: a synthesis

This chapter synthesizes critical findings from the previous chapters, examining challenges and factors influencing public policy evaluation across the Global South. It identifies the major factors that shape evaluation practices: colonial legacies and institutional frameworks, external actors and international influences, domestic political dynamics, public sector capacity, and stakeholder engagement. The analysis reveals how these factors interact to create a complex landscape for policy evaluation, highlighting issues such as persistent institutional weaknesses, donor dependence and cultural adaptation challenges. This chapter proposes a comprehensive reform agenda, which includes strengthening national evaluation systems, developing culturally responsive methodologies, and promoting South-South cooperation. It also outlines a future research agenda addressing critical knowledge gaps in areas such as culturally responsive evaluation methodologies, the long-term impacts of donor influence, and evaluation in fragile states. While acknowledging limitations in coverage and methodology, this chapter contributes to ongoing dialogs on developing practical, culturally responsive, sustainable evaluation practices in the Global South.