Research and Analytics Development Activity
Problem
USAID staff often do not have the time or ability to conduct rigorous research in quickly shifting contexts.
Two decades into a revolution of scientific study of international development, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is better prepared to base decisions on sound evidence about what works under what conditions and what does not. However, more evidence is still needed to allow USAID to improve evidence use in intervention choice, program design, and other strategic decisions.
USAID's Bureau for Planning, Learning, and Resource Management (PLR) advances evidence-based, cost-effective programming to achieve sustainable development outcomes. However, PLR staff are not always best placed to assess program implementation, conduct highly specialized research and evaluation, undertake cost/benefit analysis, or produce exceedingly technical analytical work.
Solution
NORC is leading USAID’s Research and Analytics for Development consortium in the production of rigorous analytical products.
NORC is leading USAID’s Research and Analytics for Development (RAD) Activity consortium—consisting of Environmental Incentives, the Pulte Institute for Global Development at the University of Notre Dame, and the Duke Center for International Development—in the development of rigorous analytical products that will strengthen USAID’s decision-making. To that end, RAD is assisting PLR in providing world-class technical assistance across four key areas:
- Research design
- Data collection
- Analysis
- Findings dissemination
Our services include:
- Impact evaluations
- Performance evaluations
- International data collection
- Learning agendas
- Evidence gap maps
- Cost analysis
- Knowledge management and dissemination
- Trainings and workshops
Result
Our efforts will help improve development results by informing USAID program design, implementation, and adaptation.
Our scientifically rigorous evaluation, data collection, and other services will generate the highest-quality, most reliable empirical evidence on which USAID can base its policy and programmatic decisions (within the constraints of country and implementation contexts, timelines, and budgets). This essential evidence will inform the design of new programs, adaptation of ongoing interventions, and major adjustments to program implementation.
Credible, timely, and accessible evidence ultimately helps USAID improve development results and further its mission of advancing a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
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Project Leads
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Alejandro Ome
Principal Research ScientistActing Chief of Party/Research Director
