Comprehensive evaluation framework building for integrated development program

Abstract

The integrated development program, a cross-sectional development approach targeting a specific region or village, is receiving increasing attention as the 2030 agenda emphasizes a holistic approach in solving the poverty problem. The conventional evaluation designed for a causal inference of project-level outcome is incapable of reflecting the characteristics of the integrated development program. In this regard, we analyzed the unique features of the integrated development program by applying policy design theory to identify the challenges of evaluating this type of program. We then derived the logic of causal inference from the generative causation approach to resolve these challenges and developed practical evaluation tools, including causal maps and the evaluation matrix. These tools can be applied to respond to the evaluation questions related to the characteristics of the integrated development program, such as chain of causality, interactions between the outcomes, and many-to-many correspondence between aid-providers and recipients.