Question

What stage of the implementation process is being evaluated?
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What stage of the implementation process is being evaluated?

The next question to consider is what is the stage of the implementation process being evaluated. If an option is only beginning to be implemented input (resource) indicators are relevant. If an option is being implemented then output indicators are appropriate. Later in the process outcome indicators can be used to measure the immediate effects of adaptation interventions.

Process, i.e. input and output indicators (that measure progress in a process that would lead to a positive outcome) and outcome indicators (that define a specific outcome) are two main types of indicator for evaluating adaptation activities. Process indicators are often used as it is clearly hard to evaluate successful outcomes given the long time needed for them to be realised. Both types have a role and any evaluation is likely to be a mix of both types.

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'adaptation is not generally an outcome, but rather consists of a diverse suite of ongoing processes (including social, institutional, technical and environmental processes) that enable the achievement of development objectives'
UNDP, 2007

The SBSTA proposes a framework for adaptation M&E which further distinguishes between outputs (measureable products and services), outcomes (the short-term and medium-term effects of a measure), and impacts (longterm effects on specific groups or systems). For best results, the SBSTA suggested, monitoring and evaluation should be done at three stages: during implementation, immediately after conclusion, and some years after conclusion.

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This section is based on the UNEP PROVIA guidance document

Criteria checklist

1. You want to monitor and evaluate implemented adaptation actions.
2. The purpose of the evaluation is clear.
3. The underlying principles and evaluation criteria have been established.
4. Appropriate indicator types have not been identified.
5. The evaluation is either (a) community scale, (b) cost-effectiveness based, or (c) no impact models are available to compute outcomes.
6. As a next step you are faced with the question what stage of the implementation process is being evaluated.