This course by FAO elearning Academy considers the importance of evaluation of multisectoral strategies for poverty reduction, and discusses the six principles of which theory based impact evaluations should be based in order to identify and test the causal mechanism through which these strategies leads to certain outcomes.

It's is the fifth in a series of e-learning courses on rural poverty reduction and offers certification upon passing a final exam. 

Content: 

• What is impact evaluation in the context of a multisectoral approach to rural poverty, and its relationship with other forms of evaluation.
• The six principles on which theory based impact evaluations should be based: mapping the causal chain, understanding the context, anticipating heterogeneity, estimating a credible counterfactual, conducting a rigorous factual analysis and use of mixed methods.
• The principles are illustrated throughout with a case study of a multisectoral rural poverty reduction intervention from Lesotho.