Streamlined Political Economy Analysis Methodology - USAID Uganda (2022)

This document serves as a primer to adapt PEA methods to a streamlined approach, using the example of a recent streamlined PEA implemented in Uganda aimed at increasing domestic resource mobilization for family planning products to illustrate each step in practice.

A streamlined PEA is conducted using many of the same tools that support traditional PEA approaches: desk literature review, semi-structured key informant interviews, and content analysis. However, instead of an expensive, multimonth approach, a streamlined PEA is designed to be completed in as little as four weeks and can be conducted remotely if need be. This allows the PEA to be conducted during the inception or startup phase of a new project, or to be repeated periodically as a means of tracking trends or shifting context.

Five key features allow a streamlined PEA to be completed more rapidly than a traditional PEA:
1. Articulation of focused research questions
2. Targeted desk literature review and stakeholder identification
3. Rapid questionnaire co-creation
4. Informed sampling
5. Actionable, audience-tailored reporting