From the Big Picture to Detailed Observation: The Case of the GEF IEO’s Strategic Country Cluster Evaluations

Abstract This chapter introduces strategic country cluster evaluations (SCCEs), a concrete example of how the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) Global Environment Facility (GEF) has dealt with increasing complexity GEF programming. reflects interconnectedness—in terms both synergies and trade-offs—between socioeconomic development priorities environment conservation imperatives that is typical many settings in which projects programs are implemented, such as least developed countries small island developing states. SCCEs address this by applying purposive evaluative inquiry approach starts from aggregate analyses designed to provide trends identify cases positive, neutral, or negative change, proceeds in-depth data gathering aimed at identifying specific factors underlying observed change those cases. By establishing interconnectedness sequencing various evaluation components, rather than conducting these parallel, an opportunity focus on limited set purposively selected issues common clusters and/or portfolios. enables comprehensive understanding play complex national local settings.