Making better use of results data in development co-operation

Under pressure to account for the use of taxpayers’ money, providers of development co-operation tend to report on the immediate outputs of their development co‑operation efforts. By focusing instead on outcomes and change, they can support developing countries in securing the long-term impact envisaged in their own development priorities and, ultimately, achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. This chapter examines how better use of results data can improve the contribution of development co-operation to national and global development goals. It looks at who produces results data, who uses it and how. The chapter reviews the factors that influence choices about data collection and the unintended consequences these choices can have. Finally, it examines the gap between donor commitments and action. It makes suggestions for a more co-ordinated and country-led approach, utilising the Sustainable Development Goal targets and indicators as a shared framework.