The Community of Evaluators – Nepal (CoE-Nepal) with the generous support under the “Germinating Grant Programme 2024-2025” by Asia Pacific Evaluation Association (APEA) and EvalIndigenous, that aimed to strengthen locally driven and culturally responsive evaluation practices in Asia-Pacific Region, implemented an initiative entitled “Strengthening Indigenous Evaluation Practices in Nepal.” This project was implemented from 15 August 2024 to 30 March 2025 with an aim to align evaluations with Indigenous perspectives, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The project initiatives carried out two major activities.
1. Study on the Identification of Indicators for SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-Being“: The study aimed to pilot a study on an evaluation approach on Indigenous perspectives on SDG 3 “Good Health and Well-Being”, focusing on the Tamang community of Konjyosom Rural Municipality in Lalitpur district of Bagmati Province, Nepal.
The study in Tamang Indigenous community in Konjyosom Rural Municipality, highlighted the necessity and impact of evaluations focused on the lived experiences, traditional knowledge, and cultural contexts of Indigenous Peoples. The pilot study highlighted both strengths (positive aspects) and challenges (negative aspects) in achieving equitable healthcare access.
- Strengths (positive aspects): Access to basic health services is relatively good, with most households living within walking distance of a health post, and active FCHVs playing a critical role in promoting maternal and child health. Despite social challenges, younger women are becoming more aware of health issues and are utilizing formal health services. The community also actively preserves its Indigenous language, cultural traditions, and values, supported by local schools and teachers into education. Efforts of local government in supporting postnatal care, immunization, and health awareness campaigns are appreciable.
- Challenges (negative aspects): While government health services are available they are limited in use by the community due to the cultural beliefs, reliance on traditional healers, and socio-economic challenges. The strong belief on the traditional practices and trust on the Traditional Healers than the modern health services, sometimes delay on for the formal treatment.
The study provided valuable insights and learning opportunities for advancing Indigenous evaluations in Nepal. However, a more holistic, participatory, and culturally sensitive approach is essential to reflect the true realities of Indigenous Peoples and wider study to be considered.
2. Workshop on “Strengthening Indigenous Evaluation Practices in Nepal and Formation of National Network for Evaluation in Nepal”: The national workshop aimed to bring together a broad spectrum of stakeholders to foster collaboration and formulate a strategic action plan for the sustained integration of Indigenous evaluation methodologies in Nepal.
The national workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including high-level government representatives, parliamentarians, UN agencies, academia, civil society, YEEs, and Indigenous community members. It provided a collaborative effort to reflect on Indigenous evaluation practices, share experiences, and jointly discuss for a future collaboration. One of the major achievements was a significant step forward on the establishment of the National Network for Evaluation in Nepal. There was a strong collective commitment to build inclusive and culturally responsive evaluation practices in Nepal.
Outcomes and Achievements
- Conducted a comprehensive pilot study in Konjyosom Rural Municipality to explore Indigenous perspectives on SDG 3 in the community members including women, youth, and local authorities.
- Comparison of nationally defined SDG 3 indicators and the identified from the perspective of the Indigenous communities into health access, nutrition, traditional practices, and mental health.
- Organized a national workshop with a diverse participation including government officials, UN representatives, Indigenous leaders, youth evaluators, VOPEs, and more.
- Initiated steps toward the formation of a National Network for Evaluation in Nepal, building consensus and identifying key stakeholders for its future establishment.
- Strengthened partnerships and dialogues among evaluation professionals, policymakers, academia, and Indigenous communities.
- Enhanced awareness and capacity building among young and emerging evaluators (YEEs) and key actors in culturally sensitive and inclusive evaluation practices.
Way Forward
- Finalize and launch the National Network for Evaluation in Nepal, ensuring broad representation and ownership from GoN, UN agencies, VOPEs, IPs, academia, and YEEs.
- Expand the pilot studies to include more Indigenous groups and broader SDG areas such as education, livelihoods, and cultural preservation.
- Dialogue with the GoN, NPC for affecting implementation of M&E Act 2024, and for the localized guidelines and frameworks for Indigenous evaluation.
- Collaboration with the government and universities for the dialogue incorporating Indigenous evaluation in the formal education system.
- Capacity building initiative for YEEs in Indigenous evaluation.
