Random selection of beneficiaries in land is possible and provides key learning opportunities and results for expansion; however, early buy-in/interest by potential beneficiaries is key for success. The land sector is still in its infancy in terms of research. Benin’s Access to Land evaluation was the first large-scale RCT in the land sector. The project selected villages randomly within each of the 40 communes via a lottery. Although project design required significant negotiation to gain buy-in to the random selection of beneficiaries, the agreement to randomize was made during compact development allowing for randomization to occur. During project implementation, randomization was even seen by local stakeholders as depoliticizing the selection of beneficiaries. It also provided key results and learning, which has allowed the expansion of the land intervention across Benin by other donors. However, villages should be willing participants in order for success. In Benin, some villages were not receptive and did not want to participate after selection. In future compacts, such as Mozambique, the Compact asked local officials in municipalities and districts to apply for participation prior to beneficiary area selection.
Lesson Learned