Aims and scope

The aim of Journal of Development Effectiveness is to support evidence-based policy making to enhance development effectiveness. We do this by publishing high quality research that examines evidence of the impact of projects, programs and policies in or relevant to low and middle income countries, and discussions of experience in conducting impact evaluations and using their findings to inform policy and program design.

Although we don’t favor any one methodology, the research we publish must apply rigorous evaluation techniques that address biases robustly. We have an interest in research which has been well contextualized with an appropriate use of mixed methods. Research reporting interventions with no, or a negative, impact is also welcome, as we have an explicit policy of ‘learning from our mistakes’, discouraging publication bias in favor of positive results. We welcome research that explores:

• The effectiveness of programs and projects that affect the lives of people in low and middle-income countries across all sectors;
• How such analyses can lead to better decisions by program implementers and policy makers;
• Program evaluations across all sectors, but we especially encourage those from understudied areas that help countries meet sustainable development goals;
• Methods that could improve such studies.

Journal of Development Effectiveness is committed to peer-review integrity and upholding the highest standards of review. Once your paper has been assessed for suitability by the editor, it will then be double anonymized peer reviewed by independent, anonymous expert referees.

Author Benefits

We are abstracted and indexed in several prestigious databases including the Science Citation Index.

While Journal of Development Effectiveness is independent of its management, the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie), it supports the journal and ensures that your research will be available for all our global partners to read.

The prestigious and experienced members of our international Editorial Board and expert peer reviewers will guide you from submission to publication.

Our Author Services page provides you with tips and tricks to promote your research on social media and through your network. This includes 50 free e-prints to share with anyone you wish.

Quickly and easily track the impact your paper makes with the help of Authored Works.

Authors can choose to publish gold open access in this journal.

Read the Instructions for Authors for information on how to submit your article.