Survey and Impact Evaluation Support to RIA
Year
Services
Technologies
IFAD’s Research and Impact Assessment Division (RIA) conducts numerous surveys globally as input for their impact assessments of selected IFAD projects. Rowsquared was contracted to support the RIA team by enhancing their survey processes and data analysis capabilities through several key initiatives.
First, rowsquared developed a standard survey template to streamline the design and setup of RIA’s surveys, thus harmonising the data collected while reducing costs and effort. It includes:
- Modular, multi-topic questionnaire, that has been tailored to IFAD’s need for data on their key indicators, is easily adaptable to local contexts and projects, and has been fully set up in CAPI.
- Computer-assisted translation system to allow for quick and consistent translation of questionnaires into multiple languages, significantly reducing the potential for human errors.
- Curation system. A system to track and compare the content of individual questionnaires, and to maintain the standard template over time as it is being deployed in different contexts.
- Standardised interviewer tests, to provide a comparable assessment of interviewers’ level of understanding during fieldwork training.
- Interviewer Manual. A comprehensive interviewer manual providing detailed explanations on key concepts and questions. It also serves as a reference for local survey implementers and as training guidelines.
rowsquared provided comprehensive documentation and conducted training sessions for RIA, enabling them to effectively implement and customize the template for specific impact assessment surveys.
Second, rowsquared developed a push button replication of the impact assessments analyses, enabling faster and more reliable results.
Finally, rowsquared assisted the RIA team in designing and implementing surveys for the impact assessments of the PEAJ project in Cameroon (2023, marginal inputs) and the PROLENCA project in Honduras (2024). Our support included developing questionnaires, CAPI translation, training materials, sample operationalization, designing and setting up quality assurance systems, and creating dashboards.
The standardized survey template has been successfully piloted in two countries and is set for broader implementation across IFAD’s impact assessments. RIA’s positive reception of rowsquared’s support has led to further collaborations, highlighting the value and impact of our contributions to their research efforts.
