C4D: Develop recommendations

What is it?

Research studies, findings from monitoring and evaluations often make proposals for certain courses of action. This includes methods, improvements or advice on whether a program should be continued or expanded. Often, but not always, this is included as a task in the Terms of Reference or other management documents (see Document Management Processes and Agreements). Developing recommendations should be a considered process of using findings to decide on future actions. The researcher/evaluator and their team may use synthesis processes (see Synthesise data from a single evaluation and Generalising findings) to inform the development of recommendations. Processes that involve stakeholders in developing or reviewing recommendations will contribute to better use of the RM&E findings.

General information  

The Rainbow Framework lists a range of methods for engaging with stakeholders to develop or review recommendations. This page is recommended as background reading before considering methods to apply to C4D.  

Applying the C4D principles to the task of developing recommendations

Participatory

Partners, community groups and local institutions should be meaningfully engaged in the development of recommendations. This ensures that their knowledge informs future programming and helps to enable community-driven development.

Critical

There is a need to ensure that the recommendations include a range of voices and perspectives, taking into account the power inequities between stakeholders.

Accountable

Ensure that principles of social accountability are employed to ensure that recommendations from stakeholders are heard and meaningfully considered by decision-makers.