In 2007, the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) initiated Quality of Life (QoL) assessments in geographical areas where it undertakes multi-input area development programmes. QoL assessments help to inform AKDN and its partners of the different ways in which people’s lives are changing, bring attention to the issues that are most important in influencing people’s perceptions of what a good or poor QoL is and shed light on how the broad changes that affect a given area over time impact people’s lives. The QoL assessments also provide AKDN with the opportunity to reflect on whether (and how) its programme interventions are contributing to change, and the findings are used to help AKDN identify gaps and consider adjustments to programme strategy.
In 2014, the QoL Assessment Programme was expanded into the QoL Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (MER) Support Unit with a broader remit to support strategic, mission-oriented MER across AKDN in addition to conducting QoL assessments. A QoL Technical Working Group (TWG) was also established in order to promote coordination and efficiency in MER across AKDN. The group comprises representatives of AKDN agencies who have knowledge and experience of MER relating to the strategic objectives of their respective agency.
