Lessons learned in the implementation of graduation programs: The experience of Colombia, Mexico, and Paraguay

The aim of this study is to identify systematic and generalizable strengths and weaknesses in the processes for implementing four graduation programs carried out in Colombia (2), Mexico, and Paraguay in 2015–17. The specific aims are to identify some of the key factors common to these processes and their contribution to the efficiency of program implementation, as well as to not others that may not appear in all these processes but may affect the implementation of programs and alter their results. The identification of these factors can provide empirical evidence for “lessons learned” that can facilitate their replication in other countries. The procedure is to analyze qualitative data which were collected during the process evaluation of each program from 2015 to 2018, by using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to guide the analysis. Constructs that strongly influence implementation effectiveness were identified through a cross- case comparison of ratings. The categories of analysis are the domains: intervention characteristics, outer settings, inner settings, characteristics of individuals and process and these were used in a concrete study of three general processes: planning, preparation, and implementation. Among the lessons learned were the importance of marketing networks for the goods and services produced by beneficiaries; the importance of leadership engagement of the field team and a good learning climate for them; the need to consider differences in the educational level of beneficiaries, their ability to run a business, and their local micro contexts in the program design.