Enhancing the efficacy of development interventions through theuse of rigorous impact evaluations

This five-day summer course focuses on building practical skills for conducting rigorous impact evaluations to improve development outcomes, particularly in African contexts. Taught by experienced researchers and practitioners, the course covers experimental methods such as randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental approaches like regression discontinuity, and non-experimental techniques including propensity score matching and difference-in-differences. Participants will also learn about key practical steps, including developing a theory of change, data management, ethical approval, and pre-analysis plans. Designed for professionals and postgraduate students involved in development research or practice, the course includes hands-on sessions using STATA; basic proficiency in the software is expected.