Using Theory-Based Evaluation (TBE) to Evaluate Systemic Change in a Market Systems Programme in Nepal

Abstract

The complexities of markets and market environments are felt in the design and the evaluation of market systems development (MSD) programmes. The authors reflect on a recent evaluation of an MSD programme in Nepal in which they used contribution analysis as a means of navigating these complexities. The planned niceties of the proposal soon departed ways from the reality on the ground, forcing the authors to adopt a more iterative evaluation approach, while ensuring evaluative robustness. This article outlines the iterative process and what the authors have learned regarding the applicability of contribution analysis within a theory-based evaluation, in a dynamic, changing environment.