FID impact evaluation: rigorously measure the causal impact of an intervention

Has the proposed innovation worked? If yes, why? The impact evaluations financed by FID enable organizations to answer the key questions they have about how effective their programs are. Method: comparing the situation of those who have benefited from an intervention to those in a similar group who did not benefit from one. In order for the two groups to be compared and differences observed be attributed to the intervention, they may be chosen through a draw—experimental projects or randomized assessments—or recreated using econometric methods—almost experimental projects.

These impact evaluation also enable different solutions to be compared according to their impact and cost, to make investment choices clearer.

The Impact Evaluation grant supports projects that have already shown a level of feasibility in terms of implementation and promising results in the pilot phase.

This grant enables project initiator teams to answer key questions for the next stage of the roll-out of solutions put forward: does the innovation really work? What impact does it have for targeted communities? What can be learnt for potentially scaling up?

By providing conclusive data on the impact, the Impact Evaluation stage contributes to consolidating the project's credibility, guiding strategic decisions and preparing for potential scaling up or inclusion in public policy.

• In Madagascar, the CARE NGO has developed a program to change social norms about menstruation to improve academic performance. FID financed an impact evaluation that was carried out in 140 schools in Madagascar in partnership with the Paris School of Economics, which showed very promising impact results on academic performance and keeping young girls in school, comparable to those of highly effective educational interventions in low- or middle-income countries.

• FID financed a study, carried out by a research team from the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment (INRAE) in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, to understand the extent to which electric pressure cookers in households could reduce charcoal consumption and contribute to protecting biodiversity in Virunga National Park. The impact results were proven for these two aspects, meaning scaling up the project can now be considered.

• In Senegal, an impact evaluation by the Paris School of Economics showed the effectiveness of a reform carried out by the Directorate General of Taxation and Estates (DGID) expanding the tax base in Dakar. The convincing results of this study encouraged the policy decision to extend the measure nationally and, in addition to the FID grant, enabled the DGID to mobilize additional financing from the African Development Bank and World Bank to support the scale-up .