SPORT-IN-DEVELOPMENT ASSESSMENT TOOL (S•DIAT) AS INDIGENOUS RESPONSE TO MEANINGFUL KNOWLEDGE PRODUCTION IN AFRICA

The Sport in/for Development Impact Assessment Tool (S•DIAT) is an authentic methodology underpinned by insights from southern theories emanating from African knowledge systems evaluation. The theoretical lens articulates with participatory action research (PAR) as an applied methodology. The layering of knowledge speaks to an ontology of the phenomenon and captures the nuanced understandings in the domains of health, education and sport as they intersect as socially constructed realities. The causality of programme effects plays out in various spheres of effect at the micro-, meso-and macro-levels. The selection of measuring instruments ensures a high level of robustness in approach, with results and values interpreted within the framework of the lived-realities of people. The measurement of a key construct of resilience finds expression at different levels on a continuum-from high risk to thriving. The interpretation of values is done in context with role models (e.g. local coaches or peer educators) setting the comparative standard aligned with the thematic area of influence. In this way, the S•DIAT has evolved to constitute a generic tool for H (Health)•DIAT and/or E (Education)•DIAT.