Training Course on Impact Evaluation and Evidence-Based Policy Making

Introduction

Governments, development agencies, research institutions, and international organizations increasingly require evidence to demonstrate the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of policies, programs, and investments. As resources become more constrained and accountability demands grow, decision-makers must rely on rigorous evaluation methods to determine what works, for whom, under what conditions, and at what cost.

Impact evaluation has become a critical tool for assessing whether interventions produce intended outcomes and for generating evidence that informs policy formulation and resource allocation. Through robust evaluation designs and analytical techniques, organizations can measure causal effects, identify successful interventions, improve program performance, and strengthen public accountability.

This Training Course on Impact Evaluation and Evidence-Based Policy Making is designed to equip participants with practical skills in designing, implementing, and interpreting impact evaluations. Participants will learn how to apply experimental and quasi-experimental methods, conduct impact measurement, undertake cost-benefit analysis, interpret evaluation findings, and translate evidence into actionable policy recommendations.

The course combines theoretical foundations, practical applications, real-world case studies, and hands-on exercises to enable participants to design and utilize high-quality evaluations that support evidence-based decision-making and sustainable development outcomes.

Participants who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Course Objectives

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the principles and importance of impact evaluation
2. Design rigorous evaluation frameworks for policies and development programs
3. Apply experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation methods
4. Measure and assess program outcomes and impacts
5. Conduct cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses
6. Analyze and interpret evaluation data and findings
7. Communicate evaluation results effectively to stakeholders
8. Develop evidence-based policy recommendations and improvement strategies

Duration

5 Days

Target Audience

This course is intended for:

• Government policymakers and planners
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) professionals
• Researchers and academics
• Development practitioners
• Development partner and donor agency staff
• Program and project managers
• Policy analysts and advisors
• Economists and statisticians
• Consultants involved in evaluation studies
• NGO and civil society organization staff
• Public sector managers

Course Outline

Module 1: Evaluation Design and Theory-Based Evaluation

Introduction to Impact Evaluation

• Understanding monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment
• Purpose and importance of impact evaluation
• Evaluation within the policy and program cycle
• Types of evaluations and their applications

Foundations of Evaluation Design

• Evaluation questions and objectives
• Theory of Change (ToC)
• Results Frameworks and Logical Frameworks
• Developing evaluation hypotheses

Designing an Evaluation Framework

• Defining outcomes and impact indicators
• Selecting evaluation criteria
• Stakeholder analysis and engagement
• Ethical considerations in evaluation

Developing Evaluation Plans

• Evaluation scope and methodology
• Sampling strategies
• Data collection planning
• Managing evaluation resources

Practical Exercise

• Designing an impact evaluation framework for a development intervention

Module 2: Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Methods

Introduction to Causal Inference

• Understanding causality in impact evaluation
• Counterfactual analysis
• Attribution versus contribution

Experimental Evaluation Methods

• Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs)
• Principles of random assignment
• Designing and implementing experiments
• Strengths and limitations of RCTs

Quasi-Experimental Evaluation Methods

• Difference-in-Differences (DiD)
• Propensity Score Matching (PSM)
• Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD)
• Instrumental Variables (IV)

Selecting Appropriate Evaluation Methods

• Method selection criteria
• Addressing threats to validity
• Internal and external validity considerations

Practical Exercise

• Designing an experimental or quasi-experimental evaluation study

Module 3: Impact Measurement and Data Analysis

Measuring Outcomes and Impact

• Outcome and impact indicators
• Quantitative and qualitative measurement approaches
• Baseline, midline, and endline assessments
• Longitudinal and cross-sectional studies

Data Collection for Impact Evaluation

• Survey design and administration
• Administrative and secondary data sources
• Qualitative data collection methods
• Data quality assurance and validation

Data Analysis Techniques

• Descriptive statistics
• Comparative analysis
• Outcome analysis methodologies
• Triangulation of findings

Data Visualization and Communication

• Presenting evaluation results
• Developing dashboards and scorecards
• Visual storytelling for decision-makers

Practical Exercise

• Analyzing and interpreting impact evaluation data

Module 4: Cost-Benefit Analysis and Economic Evaluation

Introduction to Economic Evaluation

• Principles of economic evaluation
• Linking costs to outcomes and impacts
• Decision-making based on value for money

Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)

• Concepts and methodologies
• Identifying and valuing costs and benefits
• Discounting and net present value calculations
• Sensitivity analysis

Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA)

• Cost-effectiveness frameworks
• Comparing alternative interventions
• Measuring efficiency and effectiveness

Social Return on Investment (SROI)

• Understanding social value creation
• SROI methodology and applications
• Measuring social and economic benefits

Practical Exercise

• Conducting a cost-benefit analysis of a development intervention

Module 5: Evidence-Based Policy Making and Policy Recommendations

Translating Evidence into Policy

• Evidence-informed policymaking processes
• Using evaluation findings to improve programs
• Bridging the gap between research and policy

Interpretation of Evaluation Findings

• Assessing significance and relevance
• Understanding limitations and uncertainties
• Synthesizing quantitative and qualitative evidence

Developing Policy Recommendations

• Formulating actionable recommendations
• Prioritizing policy options
• Stakeholder engagement in policy development
• Communicating recommendations to decision-makers

Policy Learning and Adaptive Management

• Institutionalizing evidence use
• Continuous learning and improvement
• Knowledge management systems
• Strengthening evaluation cultures within organizations

Reporting and Dissemination

• Evaluation reporting standards
• Preparing policy briefs and executive summaries
• Presenting findings to policymakers and stakeholders
• Advocacy and influencing policy change

Practical Exercise

• Developing policy recommendations from evaluation findings

Training Approach

The training will be delivered through:

• Interactive lectures and expert-led discussions
• Hands-on evaluation design workshops
• Real-world case studies and evaluation reviews
• Statistical and analytical exercises
• Group work and peer learning sessions
• Policy analysis and recommendation development exercises
• Practical applications using evaluation datasets

GENERAL NOTES

• The instructor led trainings are delivered using a blended learning approach and comprises of presentations, guided sessions of practical exercise, web-based tutorials and group work. Our facilitators are seasoned industry experts with years of experience, working as professional and trainers in these fields.
• The participants should be reasonably proficient in English as all facilitation and course materials will be offered in English.
• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• The training will be held at Kincaid Training Centre. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments and lunch.
• All participants will additionally cater for their, travel expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.
• Accommodation and airport pickup are arranged upon request. For reservations contact the Training coordinator at Email: training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org or Tel: +254 724592901
• This training can also be customized to suit the needs of your institution upon request. You can have it delivered in our Kincaid Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254 724592901 or send mail to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org.

Payments are due upon registration. Payment should be sent to our Bank account before commencement of training and proof of payment sent to training@kincaiddevelopmentcenter.org.