Challenge
The most effective way for countries to become self-reliant is to ensure all of their citizens are able to prosper. If international development programs can nurture prosperity by helping countries grow their economies and achieve political stability, we all win. To do this, programs should design and deliver locally-led, innovative solutions that lower barriers to full economic and civic participation and benefit everyone. Equipping development practitioners with knowledge and expertise to understand and address the needs of all individuals is critical in ensuring international development programs are effective and are maximizing everyone’s potential.
Solution
Making Cents International implements USAID’s IDAMS activity to support the Agency in increasing effectiveness of its development programs around the world. Awarded as a task order under the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Services II (EVAL ME II) IDIQ, IDAMS provides vital support to USAID Missions and Operating Units in identifying, assessing the needs of, engaging with, and supporting the priorities of individuals and communities that face various social and economic barriers.
IDAMS provides support to USAID’s Missions and Operating Units under three components:
- Analyses of the context and needs of individuals and communities to develop recommendations on how they can fulfill their full potential
- Technical assistance to help USAID design and implement effective programs by engaging all individuals and communities in assessments, co-creation processes, project design, and implementation
- Monitoring, evaluation, focused research, and knowledge management to build the knowledge base, disseminate evidence, and foster a community of practice around effectively engaging all individuals and communities in development programs
By increasing engagement of differing perspectives, IDAMS fosters new ways of thinking, embeds practices that combat stigma and discrimination, promotes self-reliance, and improves the lives of all citizens and their communities. In doing so, IDAMS strengthens capacity of USAID personnel and improves the effectiveness of USAID programs around the world.
IDAMS Reports and Resources
Some examples of how IDAMS supported Missions around the world include:
- Conducting analyses with specific recommendations for USAID Missions and Operating Units in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Jamaica, Madagascar, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Timor Leste
- Developing global-level strategic guidance documents for the Children’s Eye Health Program and disability integration into USAID’s global humanitarian programs
- Designing a comprehensive mental health framework for USAID, with eight sector briefs
- Evaluating mental health in girls’ education in Burundi
- Analyzing mental health within health programming in Ethiopia
- Supporting USAID partners in Central America to more effectively work with Indigenous and Afro-descendent peoples