We raise questions that are not asked often enough and provide solutions backed by rigorous research.

The Center for Evaluation and Development (C4ED) Group is dedicated to promoting smart development solutions through the integration of investments and expertise. At C4ED, we believe that development efforts should be evidence-based, transparent, and accountable. We strive to tackle problems with a strenuous focus on evidence-based decision making and look to incorporate existing evidence to help people in need while simultaneously and continuously improving the effectiveness of our programs. To assess the effectiveness of development programs and projects we use rigorous evaluation methods, selected and conducted by a team of experts according to the field of focus. With an integrating and inclusive approach we are always in contact and in constant exchange with our partners to identify areas for improvement and innovation. We have experience across projects in more than 80 countries covering many development fields and offer a wide range of services to our partners, such as the UN, ILO, World Bank, 3ie, KfW, and GIZ.

We are convinced that development must be inclusive and integrative to be sustainable, and we strive to ensure that our work reflects these values. Therefore, we work with a variety of stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, private sector firms, and local communities, to ensure that our interventions are responsive to the needs of the people we serve.

Our Vision

Improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable by making development interventions more effective.

Our Mission

To support policymakers and practitioners in improving development initiatives through evidence-based solutions and recommendations.

A global enterprise

Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the University of Mannheim, C4ED has grown into a global enterprise, spanning three continents with offices in Germany, Ethiopia, Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso and Pakistan.

Our Services:

Impact Evaluations

We assess whether an intervention caused an impact on its intended outcomes. To measure the impacts, we use scientifically robust methods (experimental or quasi-experimental methods) that rely on a treatment group and a comparison group.

Effectiveness and Monitorings

We design and implement robust M&E frameworks to track progress against set targets, timelines and milestones and help assess effectiveness and progress through customized systems.

Evidence synthesis

We synthesize existing research and evidence through systematic reviews, synthesis reviews, rapid evidence reviews and scoping reviews, to provide a comprehensive understanding of a given topic, supporting informed policy and program decisions.

Qualitative evaluations

We provide qualitative evidence on the relevance, coherence, and sustainability of interventions by diving into the lived experiences of stakeholders, beneficiaries and other informants.

Data Collection

We conduct large-scale surveys in hard-to-reach areas to collect high quality and reliable data.

Capacity Building and Training

We empower teams and individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to conduct high-quality evaluations, analysis, and evidence synthesis.

Efficiency analysis

Using cost-benefit analysis or cost-effectiveness analysis methods we measure the efficiency of the intervention.

Quality assurance

We review and assess evaluation reports to ensure standardized and high-quality reporting.