Tools and tips for implementing contribution analysis

This learning brief offers practical lessons on applying contribution analysis to advocacy impact evaluations.

Authors

Laura Hopkins, ITAD Ltd., published by Center for Evaluation Innovation.

Key features

The guide sets out five key challenges that the authors have noted when conducting advocacy impact evaluations:

1. It’s not always straightforward to set out the contribution problem in the first place
2. Developing a (good) theory of change takes time and engagement
3. Existing evidence can be weak and/or unavailable
4. Contribution stories can take many forms
5. Gathering additional evidence can be a challenge

It then offers four lessons learned and provides information about the practical management of the approach. The lessons learned are:

1. Start at the end
2. Accommodate uncertainty
3. Understand what is ‘enough’, and make the most of what you’ve got
4. Bring people along the journey