Sharing Lessons Learned in Localization: D4I’s Localization in Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning Webinar Series 

By Data for Impact

September 12, 2024

About the Webinar Series 

Throughout 2024, D4I hosted a webinar series focused on localization in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning (MERL) in global health. Localizing MERL helps ensure that local actors have the resources and capacity needed for equitable, evidence-informed decision making. Applications of this in MERL activities include local capacity strengthening, using a systems lens, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and implementing other good practices for locally led development. 

D4I’s Localization in MERL webinar series shared tools and approaches for effective capacity action planning, monitoring sustainability including local actors’ roles in complex program systems, promoting local voices through social accountability methods, and more.  Overall, 675 participants across 77 countries attended one of the five webinars. Webinar recordings and slide decks are available on the D4I website.  

Collaboration

To coordinate the webinar series, D4I collaborated with USAID Nigeria, USAID-funded projects such as NPI EXPAND and the Surveys for Monitoring Resilience and Food Security (SMRFS) projects, local research actors and organizations, and D4I activity leads. External collaboration with seven local organizations included Bangladesh-based Capacity Building Service Group (CBSG), Centre d’Etudes et de Recherche en Population et Développement (CERPED) based in Burundi, Ethiopian organization ILu Women and Children Integrated Development Association (IWCIDA), the Centre for Social Research (CSR) at the University of Malawi, Nigeria-based Data Research and Mapping Consult, Ltd. (DRMC), CREMES International based in Tanzania, and Togo-based CERA Group. 

Webinar Summaries

On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, D4I co-hosted the first webinar, Social Accountability in Ethiopia: Community Score Care Implementation to Improve Primary Health Care, with NPI EXPAND. The webinar highlighted the implementation of community score cards to improve primary health care in Ethiopia and featured an example of its implementation by the local Ethiopian organization IWCIDA.  

The second webinar, Using Sentinel Indicators and Network Analysis to Assess Health Program Sustainability in Nigeria, included presenters from D4I, USAID Nigeria, and local research organization DRMC. Panelists discussed methods and findings from a sentinel indicator exercise conducted as part of a recent USAID-supported Health, Population, and Nutrition (HPN) portfolio evaluation in Nigeria. 

The third webinar, Panel Discussion: Shifting Power and the Need to Better Understand Locally Led Capacity Strengthening Efforts, had the largest live audience from across 42 countries. Panelists included representatives from CREMES International, CBSG, and the USAID-funded SMRFS project. The panel considered the local context and the ability to strengthen capacity from within, including strategies local actors have developed to strengthen organizational capacities, individual competencies, and technical skills.  

The fourth webinar in this series, From Policy to Practice: Navigating Localization & Equitable Partnerships in Global Health, was conducted in French and English and included interpretation. This webinar examined the transition from localization policy to practice and the lessons learned in evaluating a USAID project not originally designed with localization in mind. The webinar included a panel discussion with the evaluators from D4I and CERA Group, who worked in collaboration to evaluate the Amplify Family Planning and Reproductive Health (AmplifyPF) project.  

The final webinar, Localizing Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, & Learning (MERL): Insights from Local Actors in Burundi, Colombia, & Malawi, included local actors and research organizations who have engaged with D4I on MERL work in various contexts. Panelists represented D4I, CERPED, and CSR. The webinar was conducted in English and French and included interpretation. Panelists discussed challenges and opportunities that arise in MERL partnerships and reflected on experiences of translating local capacity strengthening principles into practice.  

Stream any of the webinars from D4I’s Localization in MERL Webinar Series YouTube playlist.