Toward mixed-methods impact evaluation: Making stabilization assessments work for development cooperation

We introduce a mixed-methods approach to assess the impact of a complex development program on stability and present a selection of relevant results on stabilization dynamics and possible program-related impacts. The program is implemented by an international nongovernmental organization and combines capacity building with infrastructure development at the district level in North Afghanistan. We develop a working definition of stability and define context-relevant stabilization indicators. We then analyze how various stabilization indicators relate to each other and observe how they change over time. Finally, we analyze how proxies for program activity relate to the stabilization dynamics observed. At this stage, the data analysis is exploratory, and the results are illustrative rather than definite in regard to the success or failure of the stabilization program.