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Evaluation of Non-Governmental Development Organizations

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  • Chris Elbers
  • Jan Willem Gunning

Abstract

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are now widely used in development economics. However, their use is often resisted by non-governmental development organizations. The objections they raise differ between the three types of activities of such non-governmental organizations (NGOs): capacity building, advocacy, and service delivery. This paper discusses the objections and alternatives to RCTs for each type. RCTs might not be appropriate even for service delivery, the activity which would appear to be best suited to their use.

Suggested Citation

  • Chris Elbers & Jan Willem Gunning, 2014. "Evaluation of Non-Governmental Development Organizations," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2014-026, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    • Handle: RePEc:unu:wpaper:wp-2014-026
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    File URL: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/wp2014-026.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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