The main aim of outcome and impact assessment is to record the direct effects (outcomes) that development agencies produce for the recipients through their outputs, along with the longer-term effects (impact) on others beyond the target groups. For simplicity’s sake, we often use the term “impact assessment” to stand for “outcome and impact assessment” in general.
Input
The financial, human, and material resources used for the development intervention.
Source: OECD/DAC
Activities
Actions taken or work performed through which inputs, such as funds, technical assistance and other types of resources are mobilized to produce specific outputs.
Source: OECD/DAC
Outputs
The products, capital goods and services which result from a development intervention; may also include changes resulting from the intervention which are relevant to the achievement of outcomes.
Source: OECD/DAC
NGO’s outputs include financial contributions, products, information and advice, training and the free distribution and lending of material (equipment, housing, etc.).
Outcomes
The likely or achieved short-term and medium-term effects of an intervention’s outputs.
Source: OECD/DAC
We define as effects on the target groups all outcomes that improve their economic well-being, their level of information, their education, their living standards, their awareness or their capacities.
Impact
Positive and negative, primary and secondary long-term effects produced by a development intervention, directly or indirectly, intended or unintended.
Source: OECD/DAC
Effects
Intended or unintended changes due directly or indirectly to an intervention. Effects include outcomes and impact.
Source: OECD/DAC
Results
The output, outcome and impact of a development intervention. Results include outputs, outcomes and impact.
Source: OECD/DAC