Although gaining buy-in for randomization of beneficiary selection can be a lengthy process, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) can be successfully implemented in land and seen by stakeholders as successful at depoliticizing the land allocation process. Discussions with the government to randomize beneficiary selection should occur during compact development rather than during implementation. When program areas and selection processes are already agreed upon, it is difficult to gain buy-in to changes to incorporate an RCT. Phase 2 of the Peri-Urban Rangeland Project (PURP) was designed from the beginning to allow for selection via a lottery and publicized as such from the start. Following the lotteries, local stakeholders noted the process was a good way to allocate land as it depoliticized the process. Land allocation can often be a politically charged process, so it was key to have the allocation of leases seen as transparent and fair. The evaluation of PURP added to the land literature as it was the first RCT assessing provision of private land rights over traditional common use rangeland and was also one of the first studies incorporating land quality analysis. During the compact development process, MCC should actively consider if there is potential for incorporating an RCT into program design. Considerations include whether there is a defined group or area that must participate in the intervention. and if there is a large enough pool of potential beneficiaries and conditions to allow for randomization.
Lesson Learned