Well-crafted recommendations do not just stay in the evaluation report—they inspire action, shape policies and improve outcomes.
Evaluation recommendations are the bridge between evidence and action in policies, strategies, and programmes. They serve as a catalyst for transformative change in global public health. Poorly crafted, recommendations are often rejected or overlooked by stakeholders because they are not rooted in reality.
If evaluation recommendations focus on root causes, provide multiple solutions and take into consideration existing structures and capacities as well as the unique knowledge and expertise of all stakeholders, they can truly lead to the change they are designed to inspire.
Here are four practical strategies to craft actionable recommendations that can drive profound and lasting impact:
Tackle root causes for sustainable impact
To create lasting change, it is vital to address the root causes that hold back impact, effectiveness and efficiency. Only when tackling these core issues becomes unrealistic—due to constraints like time, resources, or other barriers—should we shift our focus to alleviating symptoms.
By zeroing in on the root causes, we lay the foundation for sustainable solutions—not just quick fixes. Tackling these core challenges head-on boosts the effectiveness and efficiency of a project, programme, or policy and ensures resources are used wisely to solve the real problems. This leads to better outcomes, greater value for stakeholders, and a stronger case for long-term success.
Recommendations grounded in a deep understanding of the issue are inherently evidence-based and targeted, dramatically increasing the chances of successful implementation and meaningful impact.
When addressing root causes is not feasible—whether due to tight deadlines, limited budgets, or other practical constraints—it is important to pivot to mitigating symptoms. This pragmatic approach ensures that actionable steps are taken to provide immediate relief or improvement, even if they are not the ideal solution. But here is the key: it is crucial to be transparent about the limitations of these measures. Acknowledge they are temporary stopgaps, while also mapping out the ideal, long-term solution for future reference. This way, we strike a balance—addressing urgent needs today while keeping our eyes on the prize of lasting, transformative change tomorrow.
It is about being strategic and realistic: solving the root causes when we can, managing symptoms when we must, and always keeping the bigger picture in sight.
Offer multiple viable options rather than one single solution
Empowering decision-makers starts with offering a range of strategic options rather than pushing a single solution. By presenting multiple well-thought-out strategies—each with clear benefits and limitations—stakeholders can actively engage in the decision-making process, choosing the path that best aligns with their priorities, resources, and constraints.
Considering multiple solutions not only encourages deeper analysis but also reduces the risk of unforeseen challenges. When stakeholders weigh the pros and cons of each option, they make more informed, resilient choices, leading to stronger outcomes. This process fosters a sense of ownership, buy-in and the likelihood of successful implementation.
Presenting diverse options ensures inclusivity. Different stakeholders have unique priorities and constraints, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. By acknowledging varied perspectives, we create solutions that are more relevant, adaptable and widely accepted.
Ultimately, offering a spectrum of choices signals transparency and commitment to rigorous analysis. It shows that recommendations are grounded in careful evaluation rather than bias or a predetermined agenda. This approach builds trust, strengthens decision-making and leads to more effective, lasting solutions.
Align with reality
To drive real impact, recommendations must be tailored to fit the budget, operations and governance structures of the organization—unless these frameworks themselves are the root cause of the issue. Proposing solutions that clash with existing systems, workflows, or financial constraints risks resistance, inefficiency and outright failure.
Financial feasibility is crucial. Budgets are rarely limitless, and recommendations that demand unplanned expenditures or exceed available funds can be impractical. Ensuring alignment with budgetary constraints promotes sustainability and prevents setting unrealistic expectations.
Similarly, an organization’s structure—its roles, responsibilities, and reporting lines—must be factored in. Ignoring these realities can create confusion, accountability gaps, and implementation roadblocks. When recommendations seamlessly integrate with the existing hierarchy and workflows, they become more actionable and effective.
Maintaining operational continuity is just as important as driving change. In organizations where stability is critical, solutions must balance innovation with practicality. Aligning recommendations with existing frameworks ensures smooth execution while still addressing the problem at hand—making transformation both achievable and lasting.
Collaborate, refine, and prioritize
It is critical to leverage the unique knowledge and expertise of peers, project, programme officials and stakeholders who grasp the complexity of the issues highlighted in the findings and conclusions through brainstorming. Together, we can identify solutions that are practical, affordable, and free of unintended consequences—solutions that do not create new problems worse than the ones we are trying to solve.
The report clearance process is a key opportunity to refine recommendations. Use this stage to engage stakeholders and collaboratively assess the feasibility of proposed actions—as well as any alternatives. Be open, encouraging, and welcoming to the ideas that emerge. These insights often come from individuals with a deep understanding of the operational and institutional landscape—people who know the terrain better than anyone else.
Use a recommendation checklist to prioritize the solutions that will make it into the final report. By combining collaboration, openness and a structured approach, recommendations will hit the mark and be taken forward.
Conclusion
Crafting impactful recommendations is both an art and a science. It requires a deep understanding of root causes, a commitment to offering multiple viable options and a keen awareness of existing organizational realities.
Collaboration is key. Engaging stakeholders throughout the process ensures that recommendations are not only well-informed but are also embraced by those responsible for implementing them. By refining recommendations through discussion, iteration and prioritization, we create solutions that are both effective and sustainable.
The goal is to bridge the gap between evaluation and transformation.