https://9p7pzq3jbl.execute-api.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/ProdStage Skip to main content
Publications
Advanced Search

View metadata

dc.titleHuella: Measuring the impact of development projects
dc.contributor.authorRuiz-Arranz, Marta
dc.contributor.authorMartin, Lucia
dc.contributor.authorLotti, Giulia
dc.contributor.authorPeña, Werner
dc.contributor.authorBolaños, Francisco
dc.contributor.orgunitCountry Department Central America, Haiti, Mexico, Panama and the Dominican Republic
dc.coverageCosta Rica
dc.coverageMexico
dc.coverageCentral America
dc.date.available2025-05-09T00:05:00
dc.date.issue2025-01-31T00:01:00
dc.description.abstractHUELLA, an innovative methodology developed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), represents a paradigm shift in evaluating development project impacts. By integrating advanced tools such as satellite imagery and leveraging a quasi-experimental design, HUELLA offers precise and scalable assessments of the cumulative effects of multiple projects at granular, subnational levels. HUELLA focuses on the impact that IDB projects have in the locations where they are implemented. It systematically compares communities that receive IDB financing against similar ones that did not, evaluating whether IDB interventions make a lasting difference. The methodology overcomes traditional evaluation limitations by providing near real-time insights and incorporating non-traditional indicators like environmental and economic growth outcomes, enabling a more comprehensive impact analysis. Applications in Mexico and Costa Rica demonstrate its effectiveness, revealing positive outcomes such as economic growth and reduced crime rates, with no significant increase in pollution levels. However, the results underscore the importance of sustainably managing environmental trade-offs. By complementing traditional evaluation frameworks, HUELLA enhances evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and stakeholder trust, establishing itself as a transformative tool in development impact assessment. The methodologys scalability and adaptability position it as a cornerstone of IDBs long-term strategy to drive informed, impactful community development.
dc.format.extent58
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.18235/0013384
dc.identifier.urlhttps://publications.iadb.org/publications/english/document/Huella-Measuring-the-impact-of-development-projects.pdf
dc.identifier.urlhttps://publications.iadb.org/publications/spanish/document/HUELLA-medicion-del-impacto-de-los-proyectos-de-desarrollo.pdf
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherInter-American Development Bank
dc.subjectHigher Education
dc.subjectMunicipal Government
dc.subjectLoan Operation
dc.subjectEducational Attainment
dc.subjectMode of Transport
dc.subjectInvestment
dc.subjectEconomic Development
dc.subjectEducation Management
dc.subjectTrust
dc.subjectPolicy Making
dc.subjectEquality
dc.subjectEnvironmental Impact
dc.subjectEducation Policy
dc.subjectTechnical Cooperation
dc.subject.jelcodeB41 - Economic Methodology
dc.subject.jelcodeC80 - Data Collection and Data Estimation Methodology • Computer Programs: General
dc.subject.jelcodeH43 - Project Evaluation • Social Discount Rate
dc.subject.jelcodeO19 - International Linkages to Development • Role of International Organizations
dc.subject.jelcodeO22 - Project Analysis
dc.subject.jelcodeO44 - Environment and Growth
dc.subject.jelcodeO54 - Latin America • Caribbean
dc.subject.jelcodeQ56 - Environment and Development • Environment and Trade • Sustainability • Environmental Accounts and Accounting • Environmental Equity • Population Growth
dc.subject.keywordsHUELLA;Impact Assessment;Development Projects;satellite imagery;Environmental Impacts;economic growth;Portfolio Analysis;Mexico;Costa Rica;Inter-American Development Bank
dc.typeMonographs
idb.identifier.pubnumberIDB-MG-01256
idb.operationRG-T4568
Return to Publication