Rigorous Impact Evaluation
Unequivocally demonstrating the effects of development cooperation is a major challenge. Rigorous impact evaluations (RIE) meet this challenge, but so far, they have only been carried out sporadically and have hardly been used systematically in German development cooperation.
The aim of this research and advisory project is to increase the initiation of rigorous impact evaluations as well as the systematic use of rigorous evidence in German development cooperation.
What is Rigorous Impact Evaluation?
Rigorous impact evaluation consists of a group of evaluation designs that measure the causal effect of an intervention (e.g. a microcredit programme) on an outcome of interest (e.g. household income). This is done by using experimental or quasi-experimental techniques to create a control or comparison group that is as similar as possible to the group that received the intervention.
Activities and Results
Phase I and II (2018-2021) of the research project examined the status quo of rigorous impact evaluation and identified relevant barriers and potential measures to increase both the initiation of rigorous impact evaluation and the use of (rigorous) evidence. The findings were published in a research report in 2022. In the report, DEval formulated concrete actions for policy makers and development cooperation practitioners:
In the current, third project phase (2022-2023), DEval is supporting the implementation of the actions from the research report. Specifically, DEval advises selected units of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) on the development of evidence agendas. The institute develops and realises capacity strengthening measures (e.g. RIE trainings). Practice-relevant materials are made available on the RIE website. DEval prepares existing evidence in a clear and user-friendly way and improves knowledge management by setting up and maintaining a rigorous evidence database. The institute advises on the anchoring of scientific evidence, such as rigorous evidence, in procedures and processes within German governmental development cooperation.
Further information
RIE Website
The RIE website offers information and learning materials about rigorous impact evaluation. In addition to explanations and definitions, a visual presentation of the research report can be found there. Furthermore, it provides practice-relevant resources for implementing rigorous impact evaluation and using rigorous evidence. The rigorous evidence database can also be found on the RIE website.
Rigorous Evidence Database
The rigorous evidence database provides information on ongoing and completed rigorous impact evaluations that have been implemented with the financial support of BMZ since 2014. Using various filters, the database allows users to search specifically for rigorous impact evaluations that are relevant to one' s own work. In addition, the database enables networking between RIE implementers and other development cooperation actors.
Register Rigorous Impact Evaluation
In order to keep the rigorous evidence database up to date, further rigorous impact evaluations should be registered on an ongoing basis (see the BMZ Evaluation Guidelines). You can register your new rigorous impact evaluation using this link.
RIE Funding Program
An RIE funding program has started at DEval in spring 2022. Through this program, up to nine rigorous impact evaluations will be funded within German development cooperation over the next four years.
Contact
![[Translate to Englisch:] Portrait Martin Bruder](/fileadmin/_processed_/c/0/csm_Martin_Bruder_2021_web_1__2c05df0ca9.jpg){kind=small}
Dr Martin Bruder
Phone: +49 (0)228 336907-970
E-mail: martin.bruder@DEval.org
For More Information
Publications
- Policy Brief: Cash Transfers and Cash Plus Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
- Cash Transfers and Cash Plus Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Evidence Gap Map
- Half-Time for SDG Evidence Generation
- Policy Brief: Economic integration into host communities in times of crisis
- Policy Brief: Effective interventions to increase food and nutrition security in response to Covid-19
- Policy Brief: Protecting workers and firms in times of crisis
- Policy Brief: Evidence on Covid-19 Pandemic Control Interventions and their Impacts on Health-Related Outcomes
- Rigorose Wirkungsevaluierung – Genese, Debatte und Nutzung in der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit
- Improving Child Health and Cognition: Evidence from a School-Based Nutrition Intervention in India
- Die deutsche EZ braucht mehr Wirkungsorientierung
- RCTs and rural development – an abundance of opportunities
- Building Peaceful Societies: an Evidence Gap Map
- Policy Brief: Rigorose Wirkungsevaluierung in der deutschen Entwicklungszusammenarbeit
- Policy Brief: Rigorous Impact Evaluation in German Development Cooperation
Related Links
- Microsite on Rigorous Impact Evaluation
- Newsletter RIE 02/2024
- Online Webinar: What do we know about interventions for building peaceful societies? What don't we know?
- Global Development Conference 2021 "Evidence for Development: What Works Summit 2021" How are impact evaluations, systematic reviews and evidence gap maps used and how to enhance their uptake?