Meta-Analysis of Final Evaluations of USAID Projects Implemented in Afghanistan, 2010-2015

under the USAID's Afghanistan "Services under Program and Project Offices for Results Tracking Phase II" (SUPPORT II) project. The meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of USAID/Afghanistan projects implemented between 2010 and 2015. The evaluation considered 24 projects across various sectors, including agriculture, democratic governance, economic growth, and social development. The projects were evaluated based on their performance in achieving development objectives, such as capacity building, promoting women and girls, civic engagement, and job creation. The meta-analysis found that the projects demonstrated varying levels of effectiveness, with some achieving significant results in areas such as capacity building and promoting women and girls. However, other projects faced challenges in achieving their objectives due to factors such as insecurity, conservative traditional culture, and coordination with counterparts. The evaluation also assessed the efficiency of the projects, comparing alternative approaches and identifying inefficiencies resulting from project design. The results showed that some projects were more efficient than others, with a higher return on investment. The meta-analysis highlighted the importance of sustainability in development projects, defining sustainability as the ability of a project to maintain its impact over time. The evaluation found that some projects demonstrated high levels of sustainability, while others faced challenges in maintaining their impact. The report provides recommendations for future USAID/Afghanistan projects, emphasizing the need for more effective and efficient project design, better coordination with counterparts, and increased focus on sustainability. The recommendations also highlight the importance of monitoring and evaluation in ensuring that projects achieve their objectives and maintain their impact over time. The meta-analysis was conducted by a team of experts from Checchi and Company Consulting, Inc., led by Michael Lechner, Chief of Party, and Waheed Ahmadi, Deputy Chief of Party. The evaluation was completed in January 2016, and the report was submitted to USAID/Afghanistan. The meta-analysis provides valuable insights into the effectiveness and efficiency of USAID/Afghanistan projects, highlighting areas of success and challenge. The report's recommendations offer guidance for future projects, emphasizing the need for more effective and efficient project design, better coordination with counterparts, and increased focus on sustainability. The evaluation's findings and recommendations are based on a comprehensive review of project data, including performance indicators, project reports, and evaluation findings. The meta-analysis provides a detailed analysis of the projects' performance, highlighting the importance of effective project design, coordination, and sustainability in achieving development objectives. The report's conclusions emphasize the need for more effective and efficient project design, better coordination with counterparts, and increased focus on sustainability. The recommendations also highlight the importance of monitoring and evaluation in ensuring that projects achieve their objectives and maintain their impact over time. The meta-analysis provides a valuable resource for USAID/Afghanistan, policymakers, and development practitioners, offering insights into the effectiveness and efficiency of development projects. The report's findings and recommendations can inform future project design, implementation, and evaluation, ultimately contributing to more effective and sustainable development outcomes.