This Discussion Note outlines key considerations for USAID staff and evaluators when deciding to conduct an ex-post evaluation and then planning for, designing, implementing, and using findings from ex-post evaluations. Those commissioning an ex-post evaluation should consult with an evaluation specialist and consider feasibility, logisti...

The Program Cycle Learning Study (PCLS) used a qualitative case study approach to provide a systematic and holistic understanding of how four Missions understand and implement the Program Cycle. The study offers examples of how Missions implement the Program Cycle on a day-to-day basis and provides evidence and insight into the effects of...

This brief highlights USAID/Myanmar's locally led development approach to tackling the heroin epidemic in Kachin State, where local people say there is one drug user in every household. Through USAID's Local Works program, USAID/Myanmar is addressing this complex issue using the System-wide Collaborative Action for Liveliho...

The Annotated Evidence Summary tells the story of USAID's Development Innovations (DI) program that was implemented in Cambodia by Development Alternatives Incorporated (DAI) from 2013-2019. The Summary outlines the ways in which DI’s use of collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) mindsets and practices contributed to its development...

The spread of false or misleading information through digital and social media platforms exacerbates societal conflicts, pollutes information flows and civic discourse during political processes, may adversely impact physical and mental well-being, and in some of the most tragic cases, has been a factor to spinning up violent activity aro...

Rick O'Sullivan provided a presentation at USAID around some findings on how best to support civil society, and key considerations that are often missed by donors. He challenged many assumptions that we typically hold around how civil society organizations can garner resources and for what, what is effective in their efforts to change soc...

The USAID/Philippines Health Project (2017–2022) is a portfolio of 11 activities to improve the health of under-served Filipinos. Based on evidence from its 2016 Health Portfolio Evaluation and Project Appraisal Document, USAID/Philippines determined that it is uniquely positioned to strengthen its impact in critical health areas – su...

Each activity is required to have an Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan to support management of the activity and to inform USAID and the implementing partner about whether and how an activity is making progress toward stated results. The How-To Note: Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan provides an ove...

This How-To Note supplements USAID's Automated Directives System (ADS) 201.3.4.10. It lists Agency requirements for programmatic site visits, identifies practical steps and effective practices for planning and conducting a site visit, and recommends follow-up actions once a site visit has taken place. This How-To Note is intended as a res...