Tools for Strengthening Implementation of Large-scale Nutrition Programs: An Evaluation of the Program Assessment Guide (PAG)

Abstract

Objectives: The Program Assessment Guide (PAG) is a 44 page 9 module workshop facilitation guide developed as "a tool to strengthen the design and implementation of large-scale nutrition programs."  It has been used to guide workshops for this purpose in Kyrgyzstan, Bolivia, Tanzania, Nepal and Haiti, among others.   There is growing interest in the PAG but experience with its use has not been previously evaluated. We report on an external evaluation to learn from these experiences, as a basis for understanding its performance, factors that influence its performance and potential refinements. Methods: The evaluation was guided by the PAG's underlying theory of change and was based on a review of workshop reports, outputs and evaluations, field visits, assessment of outcomes from selected workshops, programs and locations and an overall synthesis of experience to date. Results: The PAG has been well-accepted by implementers in the workshops, identified bottlenecks not previously recognized and generated concrete action plans for program strengthening.  A major challenge has been to ensure implementation of the action plans after the workshop. Conclusions: The PAG shows promise as a tool for strengthening implementation of large-scale nutrition programs but greater efforts and clear expectations of required human and financial resources are needed to secure commitments in order to ensure implementation of the action plan.