04/03/2022
The Network of Impact Evaluation Researchers in Africa (NIERA) in collaboration with the Utrecht University, United States International University (USIU), International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), the University of Rwanda (UR), and High Land Centre of Leadership for Development (HLC-L4D) organized a learning event on Impact Evaluation (IE).
The training took place at Galaxy Hotel, Kigali, from Monday 28th February to Friday 4th March, 2022. The 5 days training targeted anyone with a background in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Agribusiness, and related fields with knowledge of econometrics as a prerequisite.
The following approaches employed in project/program/policy impact evaluation were covered during the training:
- Fundamentals of program/ policy evaluation
- Sources and management of data used in policy/program evaluation
- Randomized control trials
- Propensity score marching (PSM)
- Different-in-Different (DiD)
- Instrumental Variables (IV)
- Cost Benefit Analysis (CBA)
- Heterogeneous treatment effects
In addition, the training equipped learners with an introductory course in STATA software, which covered the following aspects:
- STATA interface
- Loading data in to STATA
- Data management using STATA
- Descriptive statistics with STATA
- Linear regression with STATA
- Econometrics models for policy/program/project evaluation with STATA
Further, the principal trainer (Prof. Alfred Bizoza) provided a guideline for the policy design process and challenged the trainees to evaluate any of the ongoing programs and policies in the country. The training blended a theoretical approach with a practical approach.
The training team suggested a list of published reading papers and presented real-life projects on impact evaluation. Most of the learners came from the University of Rwanda, with a few from government institutions. At the end of the event, those who fully attended the training were awarded certificates of participation.
Dr Batamuliza Aurelie, head of the rural development and agricultural economics department closed the training with a vote of thanks to the participants, the organisers, and partners. She urged the trainees to go back and practice what they learnt.