An attempt is made to improve understanding of evaluation utilisation and, hopefully, promote broader utilisation by locating the discourse in the Weiss-Patton debate and exploring other views. In recognition of the importance of utilisation generally, and particularly in the context of the African Peer Review Mechanism, the article first examines and reviews various studies on the multi-faceted concept of utilisation or use, outlines what it is that is used, identifies the multiplicity of potential users and draws attention to misutilisation or misuse of evaluations. Secondly, drawing from evaluation literature, strategies are outlined that could enhance instrumental utilisation. Finally, Johnson's theoretical model of evaluation utilisation which merges elements of various conceptual frameworks is examined as an advance in the attempt to link theory to practice.