Displaced Livelihoods Initiative Evidence Use Incubator in Kampala, Uganda
Partners:
J-PAL and Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) are pleased to announce that applications are now open for a two-day evidence use workshop as part of the Displaced Livelihoods Initiative (DLI) for refugee-led organisations based in East Africa.
The evidence use incubator is tailored to organisations that want to build evidence and learning into their work. Participants will explore why evidence matters for programme design, assess and strengthen their theory of change, learn where to find relevant evidence, and consider how to apply findings from other contexts to their own displacement programmes, advocacy, and fundraising.
J-PAL and IPA researchers and staff will guide one or two staff members from each organisation through the process of drawing on existing evidence when designing and adapting programmes. The incubator will combine short lectures with guided workshops.
Instructions to apply
Fill in this application form by 23 October 2026. Selected organisations will be informed in November.
Objectives and outcomes
By the end of the incubator, participants will be able to:
- explain what counts as evidence and how randomised evaluations differ from other approaches to measuring impact;
- assess and strengthen a programme’s theory of change;
- use evidence across the programme cycle to inform planning, implementation, adaptation, and learning;
- find relevant evidence on livelihoods in displacement settings, and decide how to proceed when little or no evidence exists.
Indicative Agenda
| December 1 | December 2 |
|---|---|
| Welcome and introduction | Applying evidence from other settings |
| Using evidence in programme design (lecture) | Using evidence in programme design (workshop) |
| Lunch | Lunch |
| Theory of change (lecture + workshop) | Learning from evidence synthesis products (lecture + case study) |
| Evidence on the livelihoods of displaced populations | Closing |
Key information
How to apply: Fill in the application form by 23 October, 2026.
Workshop fees: Participation in the course is free of charge and will be covered by the organisers of the training.
Travel and logistics: The workshop will take place in person in Kampala, Uganda. Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered for organisations based outside of Kampala.
Contact: Please contact [email protected] for any questions regarding the application process or other details about the workshop
About the Displaced Livelihoods Initiative
Displacement is at an all-time high and is projected to climb in the coming decades, pushing the donor, practitioner, and researcher communities to seek more cost-effective, long-term solutions to displacement. This has led to an increased effort to strengthen displaced livelihoods, self-reliance, and economic inclusion. More evidence is needed, however, about what interventions best support sustainable livelihoods for displaced populations and host communities.
The IKEA Foundation is supporting IPA and J-PAL to generate and share new evidence on the impacts of policies and programs that can foster sustainable livelihoods for displaced populations and host communities. Under this Initiative, IPA and J-PAL manage calls for proposals, form partnerships with displacement actors and researchers, and support the translation of funded research into policy and practice. Ultimately, research supported by the Initiative will support the design of better policies and programs to enable refugees and others forced to flee to rebuild their lives.
For more information, visit our website.