Evaluations Evidence Map

About the evidence map 

The evidence map currently includes 545 records evaluating policies, programmes, strategies, plans and other interventions in South Africa. It is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the country’s evaluation knowledge base, making existing evidence easier to identify and use for government planning, monitoring, learning and decision-making.

The map covers evaluations published from 1994 onwards that include data or research on South Africa, including international comparative studies where South Africa is included. It captures interventions implemented by both state and non-state actors, across different settings, geographical areas and spheres of government.
The evidence is organised around South Africa’s seven national priorities, covering areas such as governance and public administration, economic transformation and employment, education and health, social protection and basic services, spatial development and local government, safer and more cohesive communities, and South Africa’s regional and global role. This structure allows users to explore where evaluation evidence is concentrated and where important evidence gaps remain.

Inclusion criteria

What evidence is included in this map?

• Population and setting: Evaluations containing data or research on South Africa, including comparative studies that include South Africa.
• Time period: Evaluations published from 1994 onwards.
• Interventions: State and non-state policies, programmes, strategies, plans and projects across all spheres of government, geographical areas and implementation settings.
• Outcomes: Outcomes aligned with South Africa’s seven national priorities.
• Study types: A broad range of evaluation and evaluative research designs, including implementation, process, design, impact, rapid, economic and outcome evaluations, as well as quantitative, qualitative and mixed-method studies.
• Publication types: Both peer-reviewed and grey literature, including government and independently produced evaluation reports.