While I don’t do development projects here in Malawi, the PCC does and Vivian works for Churches Action Relief and Development who does do projects. One of the issues that aid organizations face is the effectiveness of their efforts. One article can’t answer all the questions that arise from this but this one gets at some good ones. Should we focus on macro (think large infrastructure projects like hydro electric dams) or micro (smaller local solar grids for instance)? Is each intervention unique or can we figure out some things that work universally? How do we measure effectiveness?
https://aeon.co/essays/can-randomised-controlled-trials-test-whether-poverty-relief-works