Tools for Strengthening Implementation of Largescale Nutrition Programs: An Evaluation of the Program Assessment Guide (PAG).
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Date
2015
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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.
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Citation
Marks Geoff, Durham Jo, Pelletier David, Gervais Suzanne, Roche Marion. Tools for Strengthening Implementation of Largescale Nutrition Programs: An Evaluation of the Program Assessment Guide (PAG). European Journal of Nutrition & Food Safety. 2015 Special issue; 5(5): 753-754.