The People, Environment, Place, Space and Time Framework: Changing Mindsets and Building Futures
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Abstract
In this article, we present the People Environment, Place Space and Time (PEPST as a context-responsive evaluation framework and illustrate its application in complex settings that require approaches that can account for non-linear, unpredictable, and evolving systems. We demonstrate, through a pilot process the application of the (PEPST) framework to an Agriculture Climate Smart project in Zambia and Malawi and an Entrepreneur project in Uganda. The framework addresses the need for recognition of relational co-existence and the importance of a holistic approach to context and relationship building grounded in communities' languages, histories, philosophies, and experiences throughout the planning and evaluation process. Applying the Ubuntu philosophy, the PEPST framework creates space for evaluators to valorise local indigenous knowledge and to create pathways that promote the integration of knowledge systems, address complex societal challenges, shift mindsets, strengthen relationships, incorporate community resilience and innovativeness, redress power imbalances, and co-imagine the future. Our application of the framework reveals a transformative project cycle that begins with planning, led by a diverse group of stakeholders who informed the planning by engaging in ecosystem diagnosis and mapping, defining strategies to build relationships, changing mindsets and thinking about the future. The article demonstrates what evaluation looks like when relationality, context, power, and future orientation are taken seriously, without attempting to demonstrate that PEPST performs better than other frameworks. By the way I think this misses recognition of the diagnosis stage in the project/programme cycle - mapping is part of that as well as participatory methods discussing peoples assets, how they see the challenges, and potentially developing their own vision. You may have meant this in which case you could clarify. I have done a lot of work on this at community level. But diagnosis phase applies at all levels.
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