Handbook On Impact Evaluation Quantitative Methods And Practices

Identifying the precise effects of a policy is a complex and challenging task. This issue is particularly salient in an uncertain economic climate, where governments are under great pressure to promote programs that can recharge growth and reduce poverty. At the World Bank, our work is centered on aid effectiveness and how to improve the targeting and effi cacy of programs that we support. As we are well aware, however, times of crisis as well as a multitude of other factors can inhibit a clear understanding of how interventions work—and how effective programs can be in the long run.