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Evidence Base

The Smart Buys Alliance curates development interventions with demonstrated cost-effectiveness through systematic evidence review. Each intervention represents the top evaluated approaches in its sector.

What are Smart Buys?

Smart buys, also known as best buys, are development interventions that have demonstrated exceptional cost-effectiveness and impact through rigorous evaluation. When suitably adapted to the local context, they possess high scalability, potentially benefiting millions, and represent the top 1% of interventions.

Implementing Smart Buys for a given context

Context matters: Smart Buys are most effective when correctly implemented and systematically adapted to local regulatory frameworks, stakeholder dynamics, and institutional conditions.
 

The SBA will pair agency units with specialized technical experts to ensure optimal implementation by navigating the two-stage process of selecting proven interventions and adapting them to local conditions and procurement requirements without compromising effectiveness.

Colorful Books

Education

Teaching at the Right Level (The World Bank)

This approach groups children by learning level rather than age, systematically improving outcomes in low-resource settings.

 

Source: The World Bank

Poverty Reduction

Ultra Poor Graduation Approach (BRAC)

Multi-phase program combining cash transfers, productive assets, skills training, and social support. Recognized by Nobel Laureate Esther Duflo as one of the most promising poverty alleviation models.

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Source: BRAC

Slum Shacks
Equality Banner

Gender Equality

Economic Empowerment to Reduce Initimate Partner Violence

Improving women's financial access through savings groups, cash transfers, or income programs reduces intimate partner violence, especially when paired with male engagement interventions.

Soure: J-PAL

Nutrition

Simplified Malnutrition Treatment Protocol

Uses simple MUAC measurements and community-based ready-to-use therapeutic food, eliminating complex hospital protocols while significantly reducing costs and improving accessibility.

Source: IRC/WHO

Traditional Myanmar Food
Blood Pressure Check

Global Health

Family Planning HIP Navigator

Evidence-based family planning approaches with demonstrated strong outcomes and scalability potential across diverse contexts.

Source: HIP Navigator

Global Health

NCD "Quick Buys"

Compile of low-cost, high-impact interventions for non-communicable diseases including hypertension and diabetes prevention and treatment.

Source: The Lancet Commission

Examining Blood Sample
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