Studies and Publications - Special Initiatives

Agency research and analyses are prepared by experts to guide programs, promote discussion, and inform USAID’s development partners, other U.S. government agencies, and the general public in the United States and abroad.

Analytical discussion and background or issue papers synthesize the most relevant information and current thinking on important foreign aid issues to promote discussion and exchange of ideas among experts and provide a foundation for policy and strategy formulation.

Recent major analytical works have focused on the relief and development challenges of the 21st century and making foreign aid more effective in response to those challenges.

USAID research and analysis include work on how to:

• Increase trade and investment through USAID programs
• Strengthen education through institutional reform
• Clarify the links between development and poverty reduction
• Analyze development progress and aid effectiveness, the role for the private sector in country development strategies, and civil society participation in sector assistance programs
• Measure the effects of humanitarian relief
• Identify strategic approaches to managing foreign aid.

(From page 11-12 of USAID Primer USAID Primer: What We Do and How We Do It)

In addition to USAID research and analyses, all USAID implementing partners design and implement Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plans for their respective programs to support the overall Performance Management Plans (PMP) of the USAID Mission or other operating units supporting their programs. This M&E provides data that is used by USAID and partners for results-based management and decision-making for each USAID program. USAID uses the M&E findings in its Annual Reports.

For specific studies and publications, including monitoring and evaluation reports, Click here.
USAID Development Experience Clearinghouse Home Page
USAID - Knowledge for Development Home

Specific to special initiatives, Click here.
USAID: GDA Report - Public-Private Alliances for Transformational Development
USAID Global Development Alliance Reports
USAID Health, Population and Nutrition Reports
USAID Human Capacity Development Reports