MEL Practitioner Guide: Engagement and Inclusion in Theory of Change Design

USAID's policies and strategies have emphasized inclusive development since 2014, with key principles including recognition of local systems, engagement with local knowledge, and holistic design. The Local Systems Framework, published in 2014, highlights the importance of recognizing local systems, engaging local knowledge, and designing holistically. The 2020 Policy on Promoting the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (PRO-IP) operating principles, such as "Engage Indigenous Peoples" and "Establish Partnerships with Indigenous Peoples," also emphasize the need for direct communication with Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants to elicit input and feedback and support joint decision-making. Planning for engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants in Theory of Change (TOC) design should begin during the contextual analysis phase of activity design and extend throughout TOC and indicator construction. This requires careful planning, including how to engage, whom to engage, and issues of accessibility and safety. The TOC development team should consist of Mission/OU design staff, MEL staff, and inclusive development staff, with a third-party facilitator potentially helpful to guide conversation and mitigate power imbalances. When planning for engagement, it is essential to consider the traditional authority structures and representative institutions in Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities. The team should also engage with subgroups that may not be represented by these structures, such as women, youth, and people with disabilities. Accessibility and safety are critical considerations, including the use of virtual engagement sessions, in-person sessions, translation or interpretation, and compensation for participants. The USAID Operating Unit should consider adopting free, prior, and informed consent (FPIC) as a best practice for development activities that could have significant impacts on Indigenous Peoples. If a DRG activity could have significant adverse impacts on the rights, livelihoods, culture, lands, and territories of Indigenous Peoples, the Operating Unit should ensure that formal FPIC takes place. In the context of the fictitious TOC example, which aims to address high youth crime rates in Ecuador through alternative rehabilitation centers (ARCs), engagement with Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants is critical to ensure that their needs and experiences are taken into account. The team should engage with these communities to elicit input and feedback and support joint decision-making, using plain language to make the conversation more accessible and considering the pros and cons of virtual and in-person engagement sessions. Ultimately, engagement and inclusion in TOC design for Indigenous Peoples and Afro-descendants in Latin America require a nuanced understanding of the local context, careful planning, and a commitment to direct communication and joint decision-making. By following these principles, USAID and its implementing partners can ensure that their activities are inclusive, effective, and responsive to the needs of these communities.