"In Uganda, the development of communications materials has evolved from production orientated single-issue vertical project approaches to a process involving a broad-based programme arrangement working with a large stakeholder base. This assessment examined the various processes used in the development of communications materials in Government of Uganda-UNICEF programmes. The assessment focused in particular on the influence of the various processes on stakeholder ownership and use and aimed to determine whether opportunity costs incurred by each process development method were justified. Methodology for the assessment involved the examination of all communications materials produced since the beginning of the restructured country programme and the categorization of these materials according to the process used in their development. Materials were categorized according to their specific purpose and considered the development in terms of initial organization Interviews with all those involved in materials development were conducted individually and in groups. A detailed analysis of six cases, each representing a category of material development, was then conducted. The findings of the assessment were presented as a series of tables which allowed for cross comparisons of the various methods used in the development of communications materials. The single most important element in the development of successful materials was the appropriate participation and involvement of the stakeholders. Participation which allowed transparency in decision making and clarity in accountability was most significant, underlining the importance of ownership of materials in the development process. The second significant finding of the study was the importance of choosing a process appropriate to the needs of the materials which are to be developed. Guidelines to assist in this choice were developed as part of the assessment. Another key issues which influenced the process of materials development were lack of effective facilitation in group process. The role of effective conceptualization was also examined. Those undertaking the assessment observed that the most successful materials development processes were those which began with a clear set of goals, objectives and activities. Recommendations of the assessment included the establishment of ‘facilitation unit’ within the UNICEF office, with counterparts in the government, to support the implementation of materials development." (Review by Noreen Prendiville, Kenya, cited from the "Annotated Bibliography of Evaluations in Africa": http://www.geocities.com/afreval/documents/education.htm, 10.04.2007)