Evaluating the Effectiveness of Development Policies: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence

Abstract

This study presents a systematic literature review of several empirical studies published between last five-years, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of development policies in various contexts, particularly in the Global South. Development interventions such as conditional cash transfers, education reforms, and community-based health programs are assessed using rigorous empirical methods, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), difference in differences (DiD), and propensity score matching (PSM). The findings indicate that while many policies yield positive short and medium term outcomes, their effectiveness largely depends on contextual factors such as political stability, institutional quality, and local governance. Integrated, multisectoral approaches are found to be more sustainable and impactful than single-focus interventions. However, a significant gap remains in the evaluation of long-term effects. The study underscores the importance of context-sensitive, evidence-based, and adaptable policy designs, calling for more longitudinal research and robust evaluation systems to support sustainable development outcomes