Evaluation practices in non-governmental organizations in Lebanon : NGOs coping with the relief of Syrian refugees -

Abstract

Since 2011, the huge influx of Syrian refugees to Lebanon necessitated that Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) respond to the humanitarian crisis largely due to the weak capacities of the Lebanese governmental agencies. Despite the involvement of NGOs, there is little research on evaluations among such organizations - both in relief settings as well as in Lebanon. In this context, this thesis is an exploratory study about evaluations in NGOs in Lebanon especially, NGOs coping with of the relief of Syrian Refugees. It aims to understand the context of evaluations in similar situations. It explores evaluation in NGOs through two main questions: First: Is Evaluation an active item on the agendas of NGOs coping with the relief of Syrian refugees in Lebanon? And how NGOs practice evaluation? Second: What are the factors that influence evaluation in NGOs? The study included conducting twenty interviews with representatives of national and international NGOs in Lebanon. The results of the study shows that all interviewed NGOs are aware of evaluation and the vast majority of NGOs conduct evaluation, yet, the practice of the conducted evaluation is a major challenge. Most NGOs struggle with poor resources, and evaluations are not given priority during relief, without a noticeable difference among national and international NGOs. Furthermore, the major uses for evaluation in the majority of NGOs were compliance with internal policy or replying to funding conditions and requests, in addition to helping in learning and decision making. The study concludes with recommendations to NGOs, Donors, and Evaluators to enhance the practices and uses of evaluation. This study would be of interest to non-governmental organizations in Lebanon, NGOs watchdogs, funding organizations and donors, in addition to the evaluators. The thesis will provide an addition to the literature on NGOs and evaluation.