How can we use the results of an impact evaluation?

When we obtain the results of an impact evaluation for a given program, we use it to verify compliance with the goal set by the policy or plan being evaluated.

It is the input used to estimate the costs and benefits associated with the program, and what will allow us to compare it with other policy alternatives that have the same goal.

In other words, we can compare evaluations to achieve the best policy in terms of greater benefits and lower costs.

This helps us to review its design and thus improve the use of scarce resources invested in the program or to improve the management of the program.

This makes management more efficient; that is, with the same resources or budget we obtain better results.

Redesigns must be perceived as an improvement of the program or project that was evaluated. It serves to verify the effectiveness of the investment in terms of money and efforts made within the policy or plan.

The amount of resources invested does not always guarantee a positive, optimal or expected outcome.

We can use these results to argue why it is relevant to invest more resources (from government, NGO, private sector with an interest in social responsibility projects, or multilateral projects) in our policy or plan.

We can redefine the program by anticipating strategic behaviors (incentives) that the policy creates for both beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries.

We can use them as a very comprehensive accountability mechanism. Even more comprehensive than the follow-up and monitoring indicators traditionally used. For the latter, we are unable to know or explain exactly what explains their evolution.