Cost Analyses of Early Childhood Development Programs in Humanitarian Settings: Methodological Insights and Implications

This paper presents methodological insights and implications in conducting cost evaluations from five early childhood development programs in humanitarian settings across Jordan, Lebanon, Bangladesh, and Colombia. It provides a comprehensive overview of each intervention's context, effectiveness, and costs. The paper highlights the significance of valuing the opportunity cost of caregivers’ time, addresses challenges related to exchange-rate volatility in economically unstable regions, and balances ethical considerations with the pursuit of rigorous evidence through clear treatment contrasts in conducting cost analyses in humanitarian contexts. This research contributes to evidence-based practices and offers valuable guidance for policymakers and practitioners seeking to enhance the well-being of vulnerable children affected by conflict and crises in humanitarian settings by incorporating both the impacts and the costs into analyses of interventions.