Evidence that the (development) world is getting better

...a new approach to monitoring and evaluation;-)

I have recently been reviewing the language we use, in the world of development aid, and come to conclusion that there is an accumulating body of evidence that the world is getting better.

Here are some examples of changes I have noticed. If you have noticed other similar changes, please post them as Comments below.

In the past we only had projects, now we have programmes

In the past we had plans, but now we have strategies

In the past we did research, but now we do analytic work

In the past we just did monitoring and evaluation, but now we do management for development results (MDR)

In the past we were concerned about coordination, but now we are concerned about harmonisation

In the past we only wanted things to work but now we expect them to be fit-for-purpose

In the past we only had interests, but now we have passions

In the past we had problems, but now we only have issues

In the past we only had news, but now we have breaking news

In the past we were just donors, but now we are development partners

In the past we were just NGOs, but now we are Civil Society Organisations