Global
Global
Technical Guidance Document
2017
Global
Global
Technical Guidance Document
2017
USAID engaged the BalanceD-MERL consortium (I4DI was a consortium member), henceforth known as the ‘consortium,’ to provide longitudinal MERL support to the Women + Water (W+W) Alliance in India. Following an initial review of program and partner MERL documentation, and discussions with the W+W partners, the consortium determined that the program design and MERL planning were nascent. However, because the Alliance and its management structure were complex, and the program would be multifaceted, the consortium proposed and was commissioned to deliver a MERL strategy. The MERL strategy was to be developed through a structured, participatory process involving W+W program and MERL staff, commencing with co-development of the program’s theory of change. Because Gap, Inc., the prime implementer, had not worked with USAID previously and had limited D-MERL capacity, the consortium also was commissioned to provide MERL mentorship to Gap, Inc. throughout the engagement.
This infographic analyzes the consequences of USAID’s 2023–2024 restructuring, which led to the termination of 5,341 projects and the defunding of 2,353 implementing partners, many of whom lost 100% of their USAID support. Over 55% of recipient countries lost all funding. The analysis extends beyond the U.S. to consider concurrent budget contractions by other donor countries, indicating a systemic shift in how foreign aid is prioritized and delivered. The infographic visualizes these changes, offering insights into the scale, distribution, and potential implications of a more constrained and transactional development aid environment.
This article examines the Trump administration’s proposed restructuring of U.S. foreign assistance, which seeks to streamline agencies and align aid with investment-driven growth. The plan introduces promising steps to improve efficiency and expand opportunities for U.S. businesses abroad. However, the transition also brings important considerations, such as ensuring continued access to technical expertise, maintaining regional flexibility, and supporting financing tools that encourage investment in higher-risk markets. The piece outlines ways to maximize the benefits of these reforms while addressing potential challenges to ensure the new structure drives sustainable growth and impact.
