From Shelfware to Action: Unpacking the Utilization of Project Evaluation Reports in Zimbabwe’s Development Sector

This paper critiques the use of project evaluation reports in Zimbabwe’s development sector. The goal is to explore the relationships between findings and decision-making, perceptions regarding evaluation purpose and credibility, and strategies to promote a transition from shelf ware to insights that are used in decision-making. A mixed-methods sequential explanatory research design was employed. Initially, qualitative data was gathered through case studies of development organizations (NGOs, government-linked organizations, donor-funded projects), involving semi-structured interviews with stakeholders (Commissioner representatives, evaluators, project managers, M&E officers) and thematic analysis of project evaluation reports and related organisational documents. This was followed by a quantitative survey administered to a broader sample of practitioners to ascertain the prevalence of identified themes and patterns. The Weiss’s models of knowledge utilization and Patton’s Utilization-Focused Evaluation principles guide the theoretical framework. The findings, integrating both qualitative depth and quantitative breadth, indicate that while evaluation is a widely-practiced routine, its utilization is highly heterogeneous. Conceptual and symbolic uses are reportedly more frequent than direct instrumental use. Key factors influencing utilization include perceptions of credibility and relevance, timeliness, communication clarity, organizational culture, stakeholder involvement, and the political/funding environment. Quantitative data further highlights the significant impact of specific barriers such as resource limitations and lack of formal follow-up mechanisms. This study describes specific actionable strategies for commissioners, evaluators and implementing organizations to improve evaluation utility, supported by both qualitative narratives and quantitative prioritizations.