The Participatory Institutional Capacity Assessment and Learning (Pical) index, its adaptation in The Democratic Republic of the Congo, and lessons learned
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 21456745 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Sahra Ibrahimi (0000-0002-6416-3867, Denison University, corresponding author), Basile Yangala (Denison University), Graeme Frelick (Center for Global Development), Dorothea Hertzberg (Center for Global Development), Alexandre Dumouza (Center for Global Development), Rani Duff (0009-0008-7438-8737, Center for Global Development), Narcisse Embeke (Center for Global Development), Houleymata Diarra (Center for Global Development), Bettina Brunner (Center for Global Development) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 118 |
| Pages | 102799 |
| Publication date | 2026-10-01 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Evaluation and Program Planning (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0149-7189 • E-ISSN: 1873-7870 |
| Publisher | Elsevier BV (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2026.102799 |
| PMID | 42322726 |
| OpenAlex | W7165149737 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 7 |
The purpose of this study is to share lessons learned and recommendations from the adaptation of Participatory Institutional Capacity Assessment and Learning (PICAL) tool used by the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Integrated Health Program (IHP) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The PICAL tool assesses, monitors, and evaluates institutional capacity building across four categories: Demand for Institutional Performance, Organizational Learning Capacity, Administrative Capacity, and Systems Strengthening Capacity. Each category of PICAL is subdivided into sub-categories, and all sub-categories are evaluated using a six-point scale. Through USAID IHP, PICAL has been field-tested and used in nine provinces and 45 health zones in the DRC. Qualitative findings from key informant interviews suggest that use of PICAL contributed to institutional capacity strengthening. Lessons learned from this study underscore the importance of sustaining regular and long-term follow-ups, adapting the tool to an institution's context, engaging with health leaders, and providing financial support to ensure long-term improvement and sustainability. This study is crucial in informing other projects and program implementers about PICAL and its potential to enhance institutional capacity
Accountability · Adaptation (eye) · Agency (philosophy) · Capacity building · Capacity development · Citizen journalism · Democracy · Participatory action research · Community Health and Development · Global Maternal and Child Health · Human Rights and Development
| Highly cited | No |
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