Publication
Summary of publication
Ponlok Chomnes is an AUD 5.8 million four-year program (March 2019 - June 2023) that aims to strengthen the capacity of knowledge sector institutions to undertake quality research that informs public policy analysis and dialogue. The goal of the Ponlok Chomnes program is “to strengthen the capacity of knowledge sector institutions to undertake quality research that informs public policy analysis and dialogue”. This is to be achieved by strengthening the organisational and technical capacity of research institutions, facilitating networking and collaboration among Cambodian and regional research institutions, and supporting an enabling environment for policy dialogue using data. This goal is planned to be realised through four objectives:
- Objective 1: Increase understanding of Cambodia’s knowledge sector
- Objective 2: Strengthen the capacity and networking of established knowledge sector institutions
- Objective 3: Support diverse emerging knowledge sector actors to promote inclusive policymaking
- Objective 4: Promote thoughtful and inclusive policy dialogue and analysis.
This report assessed the progress of the program, approach adopted, and progress towards the outcomes. It also assessed the Theory of Change (ToC) and MEL system and its ability to provide sufficient and appropriate data to inform TAF’s approach and test the ToC. The review found that the program has been broadly effective to date, but with caveats that should be addressed in the remainder of the program and any successor program. The full review, findings and recommendations are available in the report below.
DFAT’s response to the partner-led, independent evaluation report
DFAT considers the report to be of high quality. It has addressed the Terms of Reference well. The report also is consistent with the Evaluation Plans and Evaluation Tools documents prepared by the independent team. The full response to each recommendation is included in the Management Response below.