This synthesis report is organised around eight chapters: • Chapter 1 (Introduction) provides an overview of the evaluation’s rationale, purpose and objectives. • Chapter 2 describes the evaluation’s scope and methodology, and includes a thorough discussion of the sample on which this evaluation is based. • Chapter 3 covers donor perspectives on CV&A and the assumptions about changes these kinds of interventions are expected to bring about. • Chapter 4 provides an overview of what donors are doing in practice, highlighting what has worked well and less well in different interventions and settings. • Chapter 5 assesses the results and impact of CV&A interventions along three different dimensions: i) in terms of broader developmental outcomes such as poverty reduction and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs); ii) in terms of changes at more intermediate levels, including changes in practice, behaviour, policy and power relations; and iii) in terms of the DAC evaluation criteria most relevant to this evaluation, namely relevance, effectiveness and sustainability; the criterion on impact is addressed in points i) and ii) above. • Chapter 6 seeks to uncover the reasons why the (positive) impact of CV&A interventions has so far remained limited. • Chapter 7 looks at how current CV&A interventions fit in with the aid effectiveness agenda. • Chapter 8 draws out the main conclusions from the study, and on that basis develops a series of core principles and recommendations for improved donor practice. It also outlines issues/areas that merit further investigation.
