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Evaluation of the Strategy for support via Swedish civil society organisations 2016–2022

Evaluation of the Strategy for support via Swedish civil society organisations 2016–2022

Final Report

  • Year: 2021

  • Publication type: Decentralised evaluation

  • Author: Anna Schnell, Annefried Mueller, Åsa Königson, Jonas Lövkrona

Summary

The Strategy for Support via Swedish Civil Society Organisations 2016-2022 aims to foster a vibrant and pluralistic civil society indeveloping countries. The purpose and intended use of the evaluation is to provide an evidence base for Sida’s in-depth report for theCSO-strategy to be submitted to the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Evaluation questions derived from the M&E framework forthe evaluation. The data shows that SPOs have become less dependent on Sida funding. It also indicates that ASOs have increasedtheir dependence on Sida funding. The M&E framework requires CIVSAM to collect result examples. While the evaluation hasidentified a range of such examples, it is clear that some SPOs and IAPs to a greater extent than others have been able to capture andreport on higher-level outcomes, and provide a clear link between these outcomes and their support. This calls for a closer linkbetween the contents of results reports and the M&E framework.CIVSAM should review the Sida guidelines for application and reporting from SPOs to emphasize contribution to higher-level results,and try to provide a clearer link between such results and the activities of specific POs.

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  • Topic: Democracy and human rights

  • Geographic area: Global

  • Language: English

  • Publication number: 2021:15

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Central Evaluation of Conflict Sensitivity in Sida’s Development and Humanitarian Cooperation

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Purpose and use

This evaluation examines how Sida integrates conflict sensitivity across its strategies and operations, with the purpose of strengthening learning and improving how Sida’s work affects peace and conflict dynamics.

Conclusion

It finds that conflict sensitivity is increasingly embedded in Sida’s portfolio but applied unevenly across contexts. Stronger results emerge where analysis is continuous, partner capacity is high, and adaptation is proactive. Weak monitoring systems and inconsistent feedback loops limit learning and the ability to track outcomes or anticipate risks.

Recommendation

The evaluation recommends establishing minimum standards for conflict sensitivity across all strategies, ensuring regular context updates, strengthening monitoring, evaluation and learning systems with simple indicators, and proactively addressing recurring risks such as gender backlash, unequal targeting, and challenges linked to country exits.

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Annexes

Annex 1: Annex list
Annex 2: Country case studies

  • Publication type:Central evaluation
  • Year: 2026
  • Geographic area:Global

Evaluation of “Expanding Space for Youth’s Political Participation” – GoFor

Topic: Democracy and human rights

Purpose and use

Evaluation of the Expanding Space for Youth Political Participation” project in Türkiye implemented by Gençlik Örgütleri Forumu (GoFor) focused on progress made on the project’s four objectives to:
1) Strengthen youth organisations;
2) Expand youth participation in decision-making;
3) Increase cooperation & networking in the youth sector; and
4) Develop GoFor as an institution.

Conclusion

Despite operating in a rapidly shrinking civic space, GoFor has given its member organisations a voice and safe spaces to express themselves, strengthening their capacity and its own. These voices are being heard at local and national levels within Türkiye, and internationally in European fora and at UN bodies. These are impressive achievements sorely needed to build youth-inclusive democratic processes in Türkiye.

Recommendation

Due to domestic funding challenges for rights-based Turkish CSOs and the weak capacity of many youth organisations, GoFor fills a gap by advocating for youth rights and participation. Given GoFor’s positive track record, Sida and other donors should seriously consider providing core funding as a bridging option while GoFor builds alternative sources of funding.

  • Publication type:Decentralised evaluation
  • Year: 2026
  • Geographic area:Europe