Expanding the frontiers of heterogeneity analysis: application of a machine learning method to a gender attitude change program

At 3ie, we recently tested a machine learning technique on a previously completed randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a school-based gender attitude change program in Haryana, India to answer this question. We share a few key findings and benefits of employing this method.

Insights from the Development Evidence Portal – the Middle East and North Africa

Our latest piece in the ‘state of the evidence’ series – which interprets data by unpacking the studies in our Development Evidence Portal (DEP) – focuses on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. . The DEP currently includes 740 impact evaluations (IE) and 352 systematic reviews (SR) from the region, which is the second smallest amongst regions containing low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs). Interested readers are encouraged to further explore the DEP for additional data not covered in this blog.

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Latest blogs

All eyes on immunization: what do we know about effective vaccination campaigns?

Charlotte Lane, Avantika Bagai 29 April 2021 blog

With COVID still raging across the world, the topic of immunization is receiving more attention than it has in decades. Today, the world is waiting to see if immunizations will help turn the corner and end the biggest health and humanitarian crisis in a generation. Given this, policymakers and implementers need to know what works to increase immunization rates, for whom, and at what cost.

Evidence Impact: Residents use drones and apps to protect the Ecuadorian Amazon

Paul Thissen, Kirthi Rao 22 April 2021 blog

In the Ecuadorian Amazon, a highly biodiverse tropical rainforest, more than 3,000 active oil wells pose threats to both the people and wildlife who live there. In addition to accidental oil spills, these wells' operators sometimes intentionally discharge toxic byproducts of the oil production process into streams and rivers.

Evidence Dialogue: For development institutions, learning requires more than collecting data

Paul Thissen 18 March 2021 blog

The world's development institutions collect lots of data – but do they learn from it? Perhaps not as much as they should. Between the challenges of quick timelines, rigid systems, and disconnects between implementers and evaluators, development agencies do not always walk the talk of evidence-informed decision-making, 3ie's expert panel agreed.

Evidence impact: Seven ways that development decision makers use evidence

Kirthi Rao 11 March 2021 blog

Given the variety of ways in which evidence is taken up and used, we found that ‘you will know evidence uptake and use when you see it’ is not a good enough standard. We are in the business of evidence, not anecdotes. So, we developed a detailed typology of the ways decision-makers take up and use research evidence, particularly findings and lessons from impact evaluations.

Evidence Impact: South Africa finds an effective way to teach children to read better

Paul Thissen, Deeksha Ahuja, Kirthi Rao 16 February 2021 blog

In 2019, as South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered his State of the Nation address, one of his new policy announcements was the expansion of a program aimed at helping children learn to read.

A systematic approach to building the evidence base for gender equality and women’s empowerment in fragile contexts

Meital Kupfer, Will Ridlehoover, Etienne Lwamba, Shannon Shisler, Ada Sonnenfeld 03 February 2021 blog

In 2020, 23 per cent of the world’s population lived in fragile contexts, including 76.5 per cent of all those living in extreme poverty. While women comprise about half of the population in fragile and conflict-affected contexts (FCAS), there are often major gaps in how interventions in these settings consider their inclusion and empowerment.

Evidence impact: The ways evaluation findings shape real world outcomes

Kirthi Rao, Paul Thissen 28 January 2021 blog

The changes that research findings set in motion are often hidden from plain view. Evidence may inform the knowledge base for policies and programmes before decision makers make any concrete plans or contribute to small changes that they can push through.

The impact of aquaculture on productivity, income, nutrition and women’s empowerment: A call for evidence

Cem Yavuz, Shannon Shisler, Constanza Gonzalez Parrao 19 January 2021 blog

Although aquaculture production has seen increased growth in recent decades, the evidence around the impact of aquaculture programmes on the welfare and health of participants in the aquaculture value chain remains scarce. If you know of any studies, published or unpublished, that evaluate aquaculture interventions with a gender lens, do share these papers and supplement our search.

Expert panel: 3ie's new food system Evidence Gap Map offers a roadmap of the field

Paul Thissen 17 January 2021 blog

Expert policymakers and researchers joined 3ie for a panel discussion on the new gap map, highlighting the ways it can be useful and the findings that surprised them.

This new evidence gap map shows what we know – and what we don't know – about food systems interventions

Ingunn Storhaug, Charlotte Lane 11 January 2021 blog

Right now, 690 million people are undernourished and at least 650 million people are obese. Given these staggering statistics, it is imperative that we use the best available evidence to improve nutrition and food security across the globe.

About

Evidence Matters is 3ie’s blog. It primarily features contributions from staff and board members. Guest blogs are by invitation.

3ie publishes blogs in the form received from the authors. Any errors or omissions are the sole responsibility of the authors. Views expressed are their own and do not represent the opinions of 3ie, its board of commissioners or supporters.