Hawassa, Ethiopia — March 13, 2026
The Ethiopian Economics Association (EEA), in collaboration with Hawassa University, successfully completed a three-day Advanced Impact Evaluation Training aimed at strengthening the capacity of researchers, practitioners, and students in rigorous policy and program evaluation.
The training, held from March 11–13, 2026, was delivered by Dr. Abule Mehare from the Ethiopian Economics Association. It brought together a diverse group of participants including senior faculty members from Hawassa University, PhD students, development practitioners, and policymakers from the Sidama Regional State Planning and Development Bureau.
The program covered both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of advanced evaluation methods widely used in economic and policy research. Key topics included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), Difference-in-Differences (DID), Matching methods, Regression Discontinuity Design (RDD), Natural Experiments, and Interrupted Time Series analysis.
Through lectures, discussions, and applied examples, the training enhanced participants’ capacity to design, implement, and critically interpret impact evaluations, supporting the use of rigorous evidence in development policy and programs. Participants noted that the training provided valuable insights and practical tools for applying advanced evaluation methods in research and policy analysis. The initiative forms part of the continued efforts of the Ethiopian Economics Association to promote evidence-based policymaking and strengthen research capacity in Ethiopia.
