Design & evaluation of policy, programs, and projects
Any intervention aimed at transforming reality to solve a problem or address a need must be implemented efficiently and effectively to maximize its impact. This requires a solid design based on (1. Diagnostic) robust identification of the causes and effects of the situation to be addressed, as well as the identification of the target population for the intervention. Likewise, the identification of alternative solutions to the problem at hand must align with the objective of the intervention, which is to effectively address the problem (2. Analytical structure of the intervention). In this regard, a monitoring and evaluation tool is developed to assess the performance of the intervention. This can take the form of a Matrix of Indicators for Results (3. Elaboration of the MIR) or another suitable instrument that enables proper monitoring and evaluation of the expected outcomes at different stages of program or intervention implementation. Such a tool should facilitate decision-making to adjust the intervention's performance (monitoring) and assess the impact of the intervention on the intended objective (4. Evaluation).
The (4.) evaluation of the intervention or program's performance serves as a tool for continuous improvement, providing strategic information based on its nature such as Baseline, Impact, Design, Processes, Consistency and Results, and Socioeconomic evaluation. This information aids in decision-making to optimize the impact of the intervention. While it is presented as step 4, evaluation should be considered from the initial design of the intervention, such as through a baseline evaluation, and it should accompany all stages of intervention implementation. This ensures a dynamic process of (5.) continuous improvement and redesign.
Methodology
We employ a combination of quantitative and qualitative analysis methodologies tailored to the specific needs of our clients, enabling us to gain a comprehensive understanding of the reality that is targeted for transformation. In terms of information and data generation, we have expertise in conducting structured, semi-structured, and unstructured surveys, as well as organizing workshops and focus groups to gather insights, knowledge, and proposals from stakeholders.
We also utilize the tools of the Logical Framework Methodology (MML) and adopt a regenerative development perspective when evaluating policies, programs, and projects. This approach allows us to assess the effectiveness and impact of interventions in a structured and comprehensive manner, considering their alignment with regenerative principles.
Projects Type
Diagnostics
An essential element for a robust design of policies, programs, and projects is the correct identification of the reality that is to be transformed. This requires the identification and characterization of the main actors, the dynamics between these actors, and the dynamics with their environment. At Regenergy we promote a systemic vision for the design of interventions, the generation of diagnoses, and the monitoring and evaluation of the achievement of its objectives.
We have extensive experience in the elaboration of diagnoses based on the Logical Framework Method (LFM) for the generation of problem trees, objective trees, and Indicators Matrix for Results (MIR); as well as, for the identification and characterization of potential and target populations using microdata from national surveys and/or databases generated with the gathering of information in the field.
Consistency and Results Evaluations
Consistency and results evaluations focus on analyzing the documentation of the logical structure of programs and projects to verify that their design, goods and services, operation, and results are correctly aligned to achieve the program or project goal.
Impact Evaluations
Impact evaluation assesses the changes that can be attributed to a particular intervention, such as a project, program, or policy.
To carry out impact evaluations, several methodologies are used, grouped into quantitative methods (experimental, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental), and qualitative methods. Selecting the most appropriate method requires detailed analysis before the intervention.
Social Impact Assessments
Social impact assessments aim to identify the communities and towns located within the vicinity of an energy sector project. They also aim to identify, characterize, predict, and assess the potential consequences of the project on the affected population. Additionally, social impact assessments examine the mitigation measures and develop corresponding social management plans to address the identified impacts.
Baseline Evaluations
The baseline evaluation is applied research, carried out in order to describe the initial situation of the target population of a project, as well as the pertinent context, the effects that this information can be compared with subsequent measurements and in this way evaluate objectively the magnitude of the changes achieved by the implementation of the program or project.
Design evaluations
Design evaluations are focused on assessing the performance of programs or projects by verifying compliance with their goals and objectives based on strategic and management indicators.
These provide critical information on the relevance and results in the orientation of ongoing programs and projects. These evaluations make it possible to verify the hypotheses that guide the interventions. Said hypotheses must be properly documented and based on the diagnosis and the program's MIR.
Process evaluations
Process evaluations focus on improving the operational management of programs or projects. They are in charge of examining whether the procedures described in the normative documents correspond to reality to find bottlenecks in the operation of programs. Process evaluations examine whether how things are done leads to meeting the objectives of the program or project and the desired change in reality.
Federalized Spending Evaluation
Conditional transfers of federal resources to states, municipalities, and mayors are of strategic importance due to their relevance in local and federal government budgets. These resources go to education, health, infrastructure, basic services, public safety, etc. Thus, the evaluation and accountability of public spending, particularly federalized spending, is a strategic pillar to promote the adoption of Management for Results.
Socioeconomic Project Evaluations
Socioeconomic evaluations consist of identifying, quantifying, and assessing the costs and benefits attributable to the project that affect society as a whole. The objective of socioeconomic project evaluations is to improve the quality of public investment.
Projects
Baseline: survey collection (based on stratified sampling) in Chiapas and Oaxaca, consolidation of the database, estimation of indicators, and preparation of the report for the Project Accelerating Incomes through Diversification of Heifer Internacional México.
In Mexico, Accelerating incomes through diversification will strengthen agricultural producer organizations in the beef and milk value chains in Chiapas and Oaxaca. It is based on the Rural Entrepreneurs project supported by Walmart.org. The project works with agricultural producer organizations to strengthen businesses and the ability to move towards the aggregation of products to access formal markets. Through cost-benefit and ranch-level economics training, agricultural producer organizations transform their vision into business plans focused on professionalizing the supply chain, while diversifying their production offerings.
As smallholder organizations gain skills to explore and understand the quality requirements of markets, information systems, and how to dialogue with specialist buyers, they will also develop the confidence to negotiate. The project will support the development of entrepreneurial skills and better ways of working, allowing cooperatives and their members to increase their income.
http://heifer-mexico.org/acelerando-ingresos-a-traves-de-la-diversificacion/
Baseline: support in the survey collection in Yucatán and Quintana Roo, consolidation of the database, estimation of indicators, and preparation of the report for the Project Women Entrepreneurs (Mujeres Emprendedoras) of Heifer Internacional México.
Mujeres Emprendedoras is an initiative funded by the WK Kellogg Foundation and Heifer International, whose objective is to contribute to the well-being of 230 families in the Yucatan peninsula by reducing the decent income gap by 50% through the development or strengthening of rural-led enterprises by women and youth.
To maximize impact, the Mujeres Emprendedoras project builds on the successful model and framework of Heifer's “Rural Entrepreneurs” project with a unique focus on women and youth. Using its rural business development model in stages, Heifer México:
- Will strengthen a network of 100 rural enterprises (developed through the “Rural Entrepreneurs” project) to scale their cage-free chicken egg production and increase their profitability;
- It will develop 130 new rural enterprises for the production of cage-free chicken eggs.