What is meant by "impact evaluation"?

Impact evaluation refers to the systematic assessment of the long-term changes and effects that result from a program's activities, distinguishing it from other forms of evaluation that may focus on immediate outputs or satisfaction. This type of evaluation is important because it seeks to measure how a program specifically contributes to the desired changes in behavior, conditions, or well-being of the target population.

In the context of program evaluation, establishing the impact allows stakeholders to understand the effectiveness and value of the program beyond surface-level metrics. For example, while immediate outputs might show participation rates or the number of activities completed, impact evaluation focuses on whether these activities led to significant, measurable improvements in the lives of participants or the community as a whole, such as improved employment rates or better health outcomes.

Other options might assess various aspects of a program but do not capture the essence of long-term effects. Immediate outputs or participant satisfaction can be indicators of a program's functionality, yet they do not reflect the ultimate changes that signify success or failure in achieving the program's objectives. Understanding the impact is crucial for guiding future programming, resource allocation, and policy decisions.