Evaluating multiple distinct sub-activities complicates evaluation designs and reduces the depth with which evaluation questions are addressed. As a part of the evaluation design process, the evaluator and MCC assessed the priority of evaluating almost ten sub-activities. These varied in project cost and in availability of baseline data. The evaluation provided a very light touch on some sub-activities (e.g. Rural Markets) and did not evaluate others (e.g. animal husbandry). There were also areas where additional qualitative information would have enhanced the evaluation’s interpretations of findings. MCC is addressing this lesson by ensuring sub-activities work cohesively together to achieve a common objective for a shared set of targeted beneficiaries. This work begins during project development and continues through implementation. For projects with multiple sub-activities requiring differentiated evaluation approaches, MCC is working with independent evaluators to assess evaluability along pre-defined criteria, such as learning potential for MCC and the host country, and data availability.
Lesson Learned