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What has DFID learned from the PSIA process?

Research reports

Written by Kate Bird

Since the first wave of pilots commissioned by DFID and the World Bank/IMF in 2001, Poverty and Social Impact Analysis (PSIA) has become more widely used as an analytical tool in policy-making processes. This has led to questions being raised about its effectiveness and several initiatives are underway to provide information on PSIAs and their contribution to evidence-based, participatory and pro-poor policymaking. This paper is one such initiative and aims to review DFID staff experience of PSIAs to date. This review has identified a growing interest in PSIAs among national governments, DFID staff, PSIA consultants and civil society.   The review, commissioned by Policy Division in DFID, was undertaken by a small team of consultants in a tight timeframe. The team covered 11 countries/regions in interviews conducted with DFID staff (mostly DFID advisors in country offices). Due to time constraints, these have largely been self-selecting interviewees who responded positively to an invitation from Policy Division to participate in the study. The report provides a brief introduction of PSIA, examines DFID’s experience of PSIA and draws out key findings and recommendations.

Kate Bird, Zaza Curran, Alison Evans, Sophie Plagerson