Experience systematization: A method to evaluate development interventions

Abstract

There is now a growing concern about how the monitoring and evaluation systems can generate not only new knowledge for understanding the effects and impacts of an intervention, but also knowledge about how change happens. This paper presents the methodology of systematization of experiences is a multi-stakeholder strategy to assess development interventions with emphasis on processes and lessons learnt. In order to provide an empirical basis for the conceptual and methodological reflection, the article discusses the case of the Sustainable Development Project (DAS), funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by the National Parks Administration (APN ) in the buffer zone of the San Guillermo National Park in San Juan, Argentina

In addition to presenting basic concepts and methodological considerations on this methodology, the paper presents an analysis of the assumptions underlying the case of DAS. This project sought to achieve a compromise between the emphasis on the sustainability of ecosystems (priority in policy nature conservation) and poverty alleviation (central in rural development programs). The findings highlight lessons to be considered in future interventions in the field of sustainable development as well as learning about the relevance and usefulness of the methodology for systematizing experiences.