A final external evaluation of the EU-funded 3 year Speak Up Zambia project implemented by Free Press Unlimited.

The evaluation assessed the relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, sustainability, and impact. For purposes of the evidence database, only the impact conclusions and recommendations will be shared.

The main impact conclusions were that there was an increase of access to local topics of public service accountability management (PSAM) through the citizen journalists and community radios. There was also more community empowerment, meaning communities become more active in advocating for their rights and interests through the citizen journalists and community radios (especially related to social services). Other minor impacts include increased public scrutiny and community engagement in public debate.

Author: Joaquin de la Concha (consultant)