Abstract
The objective of this evaluation was to perform the final performance evaluations of two Democracy and Governance Office projects. In addition, the evaluation was to: provide USAID with information and analysis to help make management decisions in a changing political environment and whether, when, and how to continue future support to Nicaraguan civil society organizations (CSOs). The key evaluation questions were: (2) what is the general status of civil society in nicaragua?; (2) what are the views of local civil society about whether these two activities were relevant to them?; (3) how effectively have these programs coordinated with USAID or other donor programs to achieve overall strategic objectives?; (4) how did the civil society partners and beneficiaries of these programs interact with the broader political and governmental environment and how were they affected by it?; (5) should the mission design and implement a similar future program (or programs) to the activities being evaluated? what are the strengths and weaknesses of these programs?; (6) how has reduction or withdrawal of donor assistance impacted civil society?; (7) how did the different roles and status of women and men within the community, political sphere, workplace, and household affect the work that was undertaken?; and (8) how did the anticipated results of the work affect women and men differently? (Excerpt, modified)