Needs, activities and results
A report may count distributed kits without showing whether households received them on time or use them. Activities describe work done; outcomes describe a change, such as more consistent access to a service. Wider impacts and their causes require stronger evidence.
Read evaluation criteria in context
The OECD distinguishes relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. Ask whether the response fits needs, complements other actors, achieves objectives and uses resources appropriately. Immediate relief and recovery programmes have different continuity requirements.
Costs without a magic ratio
Compare similar accounting boundaries and periods. Security, training, monitoring, logistics and abuse prevention contribute to quality. A single ratio does not tell you who was excluded, what risks were reduced or how long a service worked.
How can affected people respond?
The CHS 2024 centres people and communities in quality. Look for understandable information, meaningful participation, a safe complaint channel and examples of changes following feedback. Distinguish a published policy from evidence of implementation.
An explicitly fictional reading example
Teaching example: 100 kits given to 100 households are an output. Follow-up with 60 households does not automatically describe all 100. Ask why 40 were not reached, what was asked and which adverse effects were examined. This scenario is not any organization’s reported performance.
Your reading checklist
- 1
Define your question
Which need, population, area and period do you want to assess?
- 2
Gather evidence
Read activity reports, financial statements, evaluations and methods; note missing information.
- 3
Decide and review
Ask the official service your questions and reassess when new findings are published.
Mistakes to avoid
- Confusing distributions with unique people.
- Comparing ratios without knowing accounting boundaries.
- Treating missing public evaluation as proof of fraud.
Frequently asked questions
Is an annual report enough?
It provides an initial picture. An evaluation, its method and people’s feedback help explain results and limitations.
Should I choose the lowest administrative costs?
This criterion alone measures neither relevance nor quality. Also consider safety, access, results and monitoring responsibilities.
Does a label replace this reading?
A label has a scope and a date. Check its coverage and examine programme-specific results as well.
Official sources
Always verify the date and conditions on the official source.