Systematic reviews

Our systematic reviews appraise and synthesise the available high-quality evidence on the effectiveness of social and economic development interventions in low- and middle-income countries. These reviews follow scientifically recognised review methods, and they are peer-reviewed and quality-assured according to internationally accepted standards. We publish the full systematic review technical reports on our website and in the Campbell Collaboration or other recognised library, and we produce summary reports and briefs tailored for decision makers and other users.

Latest systematic review technical reports

Systematic review technical reports

Systematic Review on the Effect of Skills-Based Active Labor Market Interventions on Migration Outcomes

Systematic Review on the Effect of Skills-Based Active Labor Market Interventions on Migration Outcomes

Systematic review 3ie 2023  
The authors of this systematic review assess the effects of skill-based active labor market interventions on migration outcomes. This study was commissioned by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through USAID’s project, Addressing the Root Causes of Irregular Migration in Guatemala.

Strengthening women’s empowerment and gender equality in fragile contexts towards peaceful and inclusive societies

Strengthening women’s empowerment and gender equality in fragile contexts towards peaceful and inclusive societies

Systematic review 3ie 2021  
The authors of this systematic review assess the effects of gender-specific and transformative interventions on women’s empowerment and gender equality in fragile and conflict-affected states and their contribution to building peaceful and inclusive societies.

Strengthening intergroup social cohesion in fragile situations

Strengthening intergroup social cohesion in fragile situations

Systematic review 3ie 2021  
In this review, Sonnenfeld and colleagues synthesise evidence on programmes that promote intergroup social cohesion as a means of supporting sustainable peace in fragile communities in low- and middle-income countries.

Effects of access to electricity interventions on socio-economic outcomes in low- and middle- income countries

Effects of access to electricity interventions on socio-economic outcomes in low- and middle- income countries

Systematic review 3ie 2020  
In this review, Moore and colleagues synthesise available evidence on the effectiveness of electricity interventions on socio-economic outcomes for households, firms and communities in low- and middle- income countries.

Incentives for climate mitigation in the land use sector – the effects of payment for environmental services (PES) on environmental and socio-economic outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: a mixed-method systematic review

Incentives for climate mitigation in the land use sector – the effects of payment for environmental services (PES) on environmental and socio-economic outcomes in low- and middle-income countries: a mixed-method systematic review

Systematic review 3ie 2019  
This review by Snilsveit and colleagues examines evidence from 18 economic incentives-based payment for environmental services programmes to understand the effectiveness on environmental and socio-economic outcomes.

SR-43-PITA

Does incorporating participation and accountability improve development outcomes? Meta-analysis and framework synthesis

Systematic review 3ie 2019  
This systematic review by Waddington, Sonnenfeld and colleagues examined high-quality evidence from 35 citizen engagement programmes in low- and middle-income countries.

Impact of financial inclusion in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review of reviews

Impact of financial inclusion in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review of reviews

Systematic review 3ie 2019  
This systematic review by Duvendack and Mader assessed the evidence on economic, social, behavioural and gender-related outcomes from financial inclusion interventions.

SR41

Agricultural input subsidies for improving productivity, farm income, consumer welfare and wider growth in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

Systematic review 3ie 2018  

This systematic review by Hemming and colleagues examined the effectiveness of agricultural input subsidies.

SR40

Vocational and business training to improve women’s labour market outcomes in low- and middle-income countries

Systematic review 3ie 2018  

This systematic review by Chinen and colleagues examined the effects on employment, income, sales, and profits.

Systematic review 39

Interventions to improve the labour market for adults living with physical and/or sensory disabilities in low- and middle-income countries: a systematic review

Systematic review 3ie 2017  
This systematic review by Tripney and colleagues examines the evidence on the effects of interventions to improve the labour market for adults living with disabilities in low- and middle-income countries.