Final Performance Evaluation of the USAID/Bangladesh Policy Research and Strategy Support Program (PRSSP)

The program was implemented from 2015 to 2020 and was supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The program's primary objective was to contribute to the development of a robust policy framework that would address the country's pressing development challenges. To achieve this goal, PRSSP conducted policy research, produced technical reports, policy briefs, and disseminated information through various events. The program also provided formal training to government officials, stakeholders, and other partners to enhance their capacity in policy analysis and development. PRSSP's research and technical reports focused on key policy areas, including nutrition, food security, social welfare, women's empowerment, and fertilizer policy. The program's findings and conclusions indicate that PRSSP made significant contributions to the development of these policy frameworks. For instance, the program's research on nutrition and food security policy led to the development of a comprehensive policy framework that addressed the country's malnutrition challenges. Similarly, PRSSP's research on women's empowerment led to the development of a policy framework that promoted women's participation in decision-making processes. The program's contribution to institutional capacity building was also significant. PRSSP provided formal training to government officials, stakeholders, and other partners, which enhanced their capacity in policy analysis and development. The program also facilitated stakeholder collaboration and opened new avenues for research, learning, and doing. However, the program faced challenges in sustaining its impact after its completion. PRSSP's evaluation was conducted to assess the program's performance and identify areas for improvement. The evaluation was based on six evaluation questions (EQs), which focused on the program's contribution to policy frameworks, policy outcomes, institutional capacity building, and other areas. The evaluation findings indicate that PRSSP made significant contributions to the development of policy frameworks and institutional capacity building. However, the program faced challenges in sustaining its impact and addressing the country's pressing development challenges. The program's recommendations focus on sustaining its impact and addressing the country's pressing development challenges. The recommendations include strengthening the capacity of government officials and stakeholders, promoting stakeholder collaboration, and opening new avenues for research, learning, and doing. The recommendations also emphasize the need for sustained support from development partners to ensure the program's long-term sustainability. In terms of geographic focus, PRSSP was implemented in Bangladesh, with a focus on enhancing the capacity of the Government of Bangladesh to design and implement evidence-based policies. The program's timeframes were from 2015 to 2020, with a focus on achieving its objectives within this period. The program's recommendations focus on sustaining its impact and addressing the country's pressing development challenges, which will require sustained support from development partners over the long term.