EP31 - Why Evaluation Still Matters: Lessons from AEA 2025 (Part 1)

2025 has been a difficult year for many evaluators - especially those working in international development. Funding cuts, uncertainty, and shrinking scopes of work have forced many of us to pause and reflect on where our profession is headed.

In this episode of the Monitoring and Evaluation Boost Podcast, I share reflections from the 2025 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Conference in Kansas City, themed “Engaging Community, Sharing Leadership.”

This is Part 1 of a two-part series, focused on grounding ourselves in the fundamentals while stretching our thinking for what lies ahead.

In this episode, I explore:

• Why professional evaluation associations matter now more than ever
• How the AEA conference felt in the middle of a challenging year for evaluators
• Key insights from the opening plenary on bridging evaluation and foresight
• Practical lessons from a workshop on Theory of Change–based M&E planning

This episode is for evaluators, program leaders, and anyone interested in how evidence, learning, and reflection can help us navigate uncertainty—without losing our footing.

🎧 Part 2 will dive into grant evaluation plans, cost-inclusive evaluation, AI for evaluation, leadership, and the future of our field.

Connect with Godfrey Senkaba:

Website: https://www.mandeboost.com

Email: info@mandeboost.com

Twitter: https://x.com/senkaba_g 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/godfrey-senkaba-32452428/ 

Godfrey Senkaba, M&E Boost Podcast.