This report aims to provide an independent input to the evaluation workstream in REACH’s programme closure plan agreed with FCDO, and includes an assessment of value for money (VfM) across the “5 Es”: cost-effectiveness, effectiveness, equity, efficiency and economy. The close relationships developed with practitioners in the programme countries and the funding of a ten year research programme to allow research to be translated into policies and programmes on the ground – were strong enabling factors for REACH to achieve and surpass its targets.
2025
Participation, inclusion and reflexivity in multi-step (focus) group discussions
This paper draws on experiences of applying a cross-comparative approach (INITI8) combining community-based participant observation with focus group discussions in water security research across Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Kenya. The authors reflect on the tensions and resulting re-work related to power dynamics in North-South and local collaborations, and on the socio-spatial inclusion implications of the research design, in particular definition of peri-urban areas and engagement with illiterate women in rural areas.
