To measure our localization progress, USAID will use a suite of methods and metrics to capture changes to our business processes, monitor program performance, evaluate our outcomes and impact, and learn with partners and local communities. As USAID shifts how we work with local partners and systems, we will also learn, adapt, and update this framework for measuring our progress.
Shift how USAID works with local partners and systems
USAID is expanding our direct partnerships with local partners. We are also shifting how we work with local actors to ensure that our programs are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to local needs. We are tracking progress toward two main Agency-wide targets.
USAID Agency-WIDE Targets:
25 percent of USAID funding obligated directly to local partners by the end of FY 2025
This indicator recognizes that development and humanitarian response are more effective when resources are managed closer to the communities they serve.
Read the details on how USAID measures Direct Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Funding for Localization: Key Performance Indicators: Direct A&A Funding for Localization.
Review the dataset for Direct A&A Funding for Localization.
Other funding tracked as supportive of localization
USAID tracks cost-based government-to-government (G2G) assistance, since governments play a central role in setting policy, allocating domestic resources, and coordinating activities, particularly in sectors focused on public service delivery or public goods. Capable government systems are critical for sustainably delivering services at scale over time.
USAID also tracks funding to regional partners, recognizing that, in an interconnected world, the work of local change agents often bridges national boundaries. Moreover, when working in countries with difficult operating environments, some organizations choose to incorporate in a different country for security purposes.
50 percent of USAID programming will place local communities in the lead by 2030
This indicator recognizes that localization is fundamentally about shifting leadership in priority setting, design, implementation, and measuring results to local actors with the capabilities and credibility to drive change in their own countries and communities.
Review the Reporting Guidance (Locally Led Programs Indicator PDF on right hand side) to explore how USAID is measuring the Locally Led Programs indicator
In designing this new metric, USAID engaged staff, local and US-based partners, community-based organizations, and other key external stakeholders to get feedback on the types of practices that meaningfully, effectively, feasibly, and measurably enhance local actors’ leadership and ownership of USAID-funded activities.
Monitor results in USAID-funded programs and systems change
Performance indicators:
Adopt Standard Indicators, as relevant, to monitor capacity strengthening (CBLD-9: percent of US government-assisted organizations with improved performance) and local resource mobilization (CBLD-10: value of non-donor resources mobilized).
Measure sector-specific results that matter to local communities.
Methods and tools:
Use Complexity-Aware Monitoring Approaches and Complementary Monitoring and qualitative measures that capture local perspectives and systems change.
Integrate local voices in programs using required feedback plans, emphasizing local accountability.
Evaluate locally sustainable outcomes
Include questions to evaluate local ownership and sustainability when conducting evaluations of USAID programs.
Design participatory evaluations.
Engage local MEL capacity.
Conduct evaluations after activities end (ex post) to validate outcome sustainability.
Learn and adapt with local partners and stakeholders
Embrace Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting with local partners and stakeholders.
Pause and reflect on what locally led development means in practice.
Contribute evidence to the Agency Learning Agenda to inform localization efforts.
