Set realistic time horizons and keep data collection plans flexible. Inevitably there is major potential for delays in large infrastructure projects. The timing of data collection efforts should match the actual implementation of the project, as collecting endline data too soon after project completion limits the learning from the evaluation. For example, on a number of dimensions in the Samtskhe-Javakheti road rehabilitation evaluation, it is not clear if the lack of impact on medium and long term outcomes is due to the limited exposure period or if the road rehabilitation really had a negligible impact on household well-being (e.g. income, consumption, asset ownership, and utilization of health and education services). From the beginning, implementers and evaluators should build into the evaluation design actions for mitigating risk to the evaluation associated with delays in implementation.
Lesson Learned