Geospatial Impact Evaluation of Agricultural Intensification Program in Niger

We propose a 1-hour online presentation for policy-makers and evaluators to learn more about big data in impact evaluation through an illustrative example of an ongoing geospatial impact evaluation in Niger. An abstract of the impact evaluation that will be presented is outlined below.

Climate change is exacerbating food insecurity around the world, particularly in drought-prone areas that are already highly vulnerable, such as the Sahel region of West Africa. To improve food security and resilience, the government of Niger, with funding from the West African Development Bank (BOAD), implemented a multi-faceted agricultural production intensification program in 2011 (PIPA/SA). We employ geospatial data and a controlled interrupted time series design to measure the impact of this program on agricultural production, water availability, siltation, and desertification. The results of this study will provide valuable information to the BOAD regarding the efficacy of their programs and will inform future regional investments related to climate change mitigation/adaptation and food intensification, with implications for human health, nutrition, livelihoods, and economic development more broadly. This project contributes to the evidence base on climate and nutrition interventions and illustrates the increasing importance of geospatial data in M&E and impact evaluation in remote and insecure regions.