Meta-evaluation of USAID/Liberia"s portfolio, 2016-2020

These reports evaluate $464 million USD in investment by USAID/Liberia and review the context and activities of seven major sectors and 20 subsectors. As a meta-evaluation, this report does not evaluate a particular activity, but rather reflects on the evaluation process and high-level findings that emerged across reports. What emerges is guidance for both future implementation and evaluations. To begin, the report illustrates a step-by-step process into evaluations, from research design to data collection to learning events. We provide examples of learning in action—specifically, from findings and challenges identified in evaluations and assessments conducted by Liberia Strategic Analysis (LSA). Each of the 31 reports is included in key highlights, examining first the main cross-cutting lessons. The Development Objectives (DOs) for Economic Growth, Health and Education, and Democracy, Rights, and Governance are further examined alongside standalone reports on gender and stakeholder consultation. However, findings do not necessarily generate learning unless the information is interacted with and processed. The report outlines a roadmap for learning—from Development Experience Clearinghouse (DEC) publication to hosting a learning event to a post-activity review. LSA shows how its own evaluations have been utilized and concludes that learning is more than reading a report. Selecting a learning tool—whether a performance evaluation or assessment—can be complicated. The “How-To” section leads through the learning tool selection process so that main factors are considered. In sum, our goal is to present and package all data and findings in a way that is accessible, actionable, and useful beyond a single activity"s scope.