Developmental Evaluation Case Study Series

USAID's Developmental Evaluation Pilot Activity (DEPA-MERL) project was one of the first attempts to introduce Developmental Evaluation (DE) to USAID. The DEPA-MERL project provided high quality DEs to interested Operating Units while also rigorously collecting and widely disseminating learning about how to conduct DEs in the Agency’s unique context.

This series of case studies gives examples of implemented Developmental Evaluation (DE) case studies around the globe, both inside and outside the Developmental Evaluation Pilot Activity (DEPA-MERL). Each case study provides background on the programming, the DE design and implementation approach, the suitability of DE, and lessons learned for implementation. These case studies are intended for those interested in learning more at a high-level about what DE looks in practice. The case studies included in this resource are below:

- Boresha Afya (USAID) -  This DE, conducted between 2017 and 2021, helps USAID generate real-time evidence and support adaptive management practices to improve the quality, efficiency, utilization, and scalability of integrated health services in Tanzania. USAID supported the government of Tanzania to strengthen integrated health services through the Boresha Afya program.

- Jilinde (Gates Foundation) - Jilinde’s learning laboratory approach integrates DE at multiple levels to help partners scale up and retain a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) service with its most vulnerable clients. The DE identifies enablers and challenges throughout its 5-year implementation (2017-2022).

- CMP (U.S. Department of State) - Beginning in 2015, this DE provides ongoing learning for the project, which uses memory to support peacebuilding and reconciliation in post-war Sri Lankan communities.

- Jalin (USAID) - Between 2018 and 2022, this DE supports  Indonesia’s Ministry of Health and DAI Global in their efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality from preventable death through co-created, local solutions.

- FCF (DEPA-MERL) - From 2016 to 2018, this DE improved coordination between stakeholders from nearly 50 organizations as they implemented a collective impact model to increase the number of children in Cambodia living in safe, nurturing family-based care.

- Uptake (DEPA-MERL) - In 2017 and 2018, this DE brought together diverse partners to catalyze the next generation of breakthrough innovations to advance USAID’s mission to support partner countries on their journey to self-reliance"