What does this project aim to do?

This project aims to conduct an Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) to visualise the existing evidence relating to the SDGs through impact evaluations and identify areas where there is a lack in implementation of interventions focusing on SDGs in low and middle-income countries.

Why do we focus on LMICs?

We focus on LMICs due to the unique challenges faced in these regions with respect to lack of resources and infrastructure needed for implementing various interventions. Lack of resources (human, financial, and technical), poor quality data, instability in the governments, political hurdles, and cultural reasons can affect the conduct of comprehensive impact evaluations. This project will provide insights for LMICs that will support their progress towards achieving SDGs. Moreover, the project collaborates with universities in these regions to ensure that the evidence gap map is grounded in local contexts and informed by the latest research. All our academic partners in The Netherlands and the Global South have extensive networks with civil society organisations. These networks also play a key role in the co-creation of the EGM, mapping, and the sourcing of the impact evaluations.

Research Objective: The primary objective of the Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) is to identify the existing and ongoing impact evaluations and systematic reviews measuring outcomes focusing on the five pillars of SDGs in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). The map is tailor-made for the SDG decision-making/funding community, offering a communication tool that summarises the quantity and methodological rigour of reviews and impact evaluations, together with a series of supporting tables that provide more detailed information on the reviews/evaluations for each SDG.

Who are we?
Co-PIs:

Prof. dr. Ajay Bailey, The International Development Studies, Utrecht University
Prof. dr. Maggi Leung, the Governance of Inclusive Development team at University of Amsterdam

Researcher:
Dr. Seama Mowri, International Development Studies, Utrecht University
Co-operation Partners:
1. Elly Urban ZOA, Netherlands
2. Dr. Stephen O. Wandera, Makerere University, Uganda
3. Dr. Mucahid Mustafa Bayrak, National Taiwan, Normal University
4. Dr. Sobin George Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore
5. Prof. Md. Musleh Uddin Hasan, BUET University, Bangladesh
6. Dr. Kebede Manjur Gebru, Mekelle University, Ethiopia
7. Kennedy A. Alatinga, Simon Diedong Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, Ghana
8. Dr. Divya Patil, Centre for Evidence informed Decision making, Prasanna School of Public Health,
Manipal Academy of Higher Education [MAHE]. [Cochrane Affiliate Centre]
9. Dr. Bhumika T.V, Campbell South Asia