We place research, monitoring, evaluation and learning at the centre of programme design and delivery so decisions are grounded in data, communities are heard and effective approaches can improve and scale.
Development programmes are often designed or funded without a strong enough evidence base. Evaluation may happen too late, learning can remain buried in reports and community perspectives are not always reflected in the data used to make decisions.
OAF addresses this through a cross-cutting evidence approach, supported by ImpactED Knowledge — the research, monitoring, evaluation and learning affiliate of the Foundation network.
We build research, monitoring, evaluation and learning into the development process so organisations can make stronger decisions and programmes can improve continuously.
Through ImpactED Knowledge, OAF’s network supports primary research, MEL systems, impact assessment, policy analysis, knowledge management and local research capacity building.
Partner on Research & Evidence →The focus is not research for its own sake, but evidence that improves programmes, policy and investment decisions.
Qualitative and quantitative research on development challenges across African contexts.
Designing and managing MEL systems that track progress and strengthen learning.
Independent evaluation of programme outcomes and longer-term sustainability.
Evidence to support government, donor and development-policy decisions.
Organising and sharing evidence so it reaches the people who need it.
Strengthening local researchers, evaluators and field data-collection teams.
Ensuring the perspectives of affected communities are reflected in data and learning.
Using evidence throughout implementation to adapt programmes rather than waiting until the end.
ImpactED Knowledge is the specialised research, monitoring, evaluation and learning affiliate of the wider Foundation network.
Designing and delivering qualitative and quantitative studies that build a clearer picture of development challenges and community realities.
Helping development programmes track results, learn continuously and improve implementation while work is still underway.
Independent assessment of programme outcomes and evidence designed to inform policy and investment decisions.
Strengthening local research teams and making evidence more accessible to decision-makers and practitioners.
The objective is simple: better evidence, better decisions and programmes that respond more intelligently to what communities actually need.
Interventions begin with better understanding of context, needs and evidence.
Monitoring and evaluation make progress and gaps more visible.
Evidence is translated into decisions rather than left in reports.
Researchers and field teams across Africa are better equipped to generate high-quality evidence.
Through the OAF network and ImpactED Knowledge, partners can collaborate on research, MEL, evaluation, policy analysis, data collection and capacity building.
Partner on Research & Evidence →