Localization analysis framework

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This resource from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) presents a "localization analysis framework" as an evaluation tool to measure a program’s alignment with a locally-led development approach and to identify key relevant barriers and enablers.

This resource and the following information were contributed by Colin d’Eca, Sergio Michel, and Rebecca Friesdorf.

Authors and their affiliation

Data and Evaluation Bureau - Global Affairs Canada – Government of Canada

What is the localization analysis framework?

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) developed the localization analysis framework as an evaluation tool to measure a program’s alignment with a locally-led development approach and to identify key relevant barriers and enablers.

The framework encompasses nine dimensions:

  1. Partner organisations were local
  2. Funding provided to local organisations
  3. Nature of partnerships
  4. Degree of local ownership and leadership – Project design
  5. Degree of local ownership and leadership – Project management
  6. Degree of local ownership and leadership – Project governance
  7. Degree of local ownership and leadership – Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL)
  8. Relevance of capacity strengthening support
  9. Administrative capacity and requirements

Each dimension represents one unique component of locally-led development. However, there are interlinkages and complementarities between them. The framework supports a holistic view of locally-led development and recognises that there are important trade-offs that donors and/or intermediaries must consider. Thus, a program’s full alignment with all nine dimensions may not always be possible and may not be necessary to demonstrate its commitment to locally-led development.

The framework was informed by the existing body of literature focusing on defining, understanding and measuring locally-led development (see “Sources” section on page 15 of the publication for details). In addition, multiple consultations and presentations on the draft framework have taken place with both internal and external stakeholders; all feedback has been considered and leveraged to improve the framework’s quality and usefulness. The framework remains an evergreen tool and will be continuously developed through applications in future evaluations as well as through evolving policies, evidence and best practices related to locally-led development programming.

Why did GAC create this framework?

Canada is committed to locally-led development, in line with its Feminist International Assistance Policy and principles of development effectiveness. Efforts are being made to bolster its learning and evidence base on locally-led development, including exploring how to best move the agenda forward. However, there is a limited availability of relevant tools to accurately measure how well Canada’s programming aligns with a locally-led development approach.

GAC’s Evaluation Division designed and piloted this framework between June 2022 and April 2023 to inform two evaluations of programs with a focus on supporting local organisations: the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) and Women’s Voice and Leadership (WVL).

The primary goal of the framework was to start building an evidence base to help answer the question: “How well is the department really doing with regards to locally-led development programming?"

How did GAC use it?

The pilot study was based on a desk review of data already collected for the CFLI and WVL program evaluations, drawing on multiple sources and methods. The evaluation team analysed the data against a set of indicators developed for each of the four levels of alignment in the rubric. Each program was given an alignment score under each dimension, along with an evidence-based justification.

In 2023-24, an updated version of the framework was integrated directly into the design of the Partnership for Gender Equality (PGE) evaluation. Both primary and secondary data were collected and analysed against the nine dimensions which fed into the evaluation's findings.

Insights from this analysis to date have enabled GAC to better understand how the international assistance ecosystem, including both internal and external factors, has contributed to or hindered locally-led development programming.