Mixed-methods Retrospective Impact Evaluation of Peace Corps’ Small Projects Assistance (SPA) Program in Georgia

The main objective of the project is to assess the impact of Peace Corp Georgia’s Small Projects Assistance (SPA) program in communities, and to identify the main factors that have contributed to the success and sustainability of its projects over the past nine years.

More specifically, we will undertake research to understand whether and how SPA program activities, as currently designed and implemented, support broader local ownership of development in the communities served, identify good practices, and elaborate appropriate recommendations to enhance the program.

With respect to the research design, we will apply a theory-based causal analysis methodology and use a combination of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and process-tracing methods.

Within the evaluation, we will carry out the following activities:

• Conduct a desk review of SPA program documents;
• Conduct descriptive quantitative analysis of all SPA projects funded over the period of 2010-2019;
• Classify all projects funded in this period according to the evaluation rubric criteria;
• Conduct in-depth interviews with Peace Corps Georgia staff and SPA committee members;
• Conduct focus group discussions with project beneficiaries; and
• Conduct in-depth interviews with project counterparts and partners, Peace Corps volunteers, and project stakeholders.